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Practicum Education: Where Learning Comes to Life

Your practicum education experience is the heart of your journey as a social work student. It’s where what you’re learning in the classroom begins to take shape in the real world.

Practicum education isn’t just a requirement; it’s the signature pedagogy of social work as defined by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). That means it’s one of the most essential, hands-on ways you’ll learn what it truly means to be a social worker. In addition to your practicum placement, you will take part in a practicum seminar class. Seminar class is your learning lab, a space where theory meets experience. In the seminar, you’ll reflect on what you’re learning in your placement, connect your experiences to core social work competencies, and receive guidance from your Faculty Field Instructor (FFI). You’ll also engage in collaborative dialogue with your peers, explore ethical dilemmas, strengthen your critical thinking skills, and build professional confidence. Your practicum placement and seminar class are intentionally structured and supported to help you integrate everything you’ve studied in the classroom with the realities and complexities of practice.

At both the undergraduate (BASW) and graduate (MSW) levels, EWU social work students complete practicum placements in a wide range of social service agencies and community organizations across the state and region. In these placements, you’ll work side-by-side with experienced social workers or task supervisors, applying your growing knowledge, values, and skills to support individuals, families, and communities.

Together, your practicum and seminar form the bridge between classroom learning and real-world impact, preparing you for a meaningful and competent entry into the field of social work!

Are you a social worker or agency looking to partner with EWU’s School of Social Work?
Fill out the Field Instructor Agency form here. We’re excited to work with you and are here to answer any questions you may have.

Download Practicum Manual Contact

 

For Agencies

Providing a Practicum at Your Agency
Agency Field Instructor Training
Intern Placement Tracking

Contact Us

Sarah Featherly

Field Education Director

Tawnee Reetz

Field Education Program Coordinator

Hannah Klaassen

Associate Director of Field Education/Faculty Field Liaison

Melisa Majnarich

Faculty Field Liaison/Lecturer

Stacey Chay

Director of Spokane Part-time MSW Program

Lynn Lewis

Director of Everett Part-time MSW Program

Interested in Providing a Practicum at Your Agency?

Approved supervisors in an agency are responsible for supervising and monitoring student progress as part of their commitment to the training and development of future social workers.

Things to consider when becoming a practicum/field education learning site:

  1. The field instruction agency must have or be willing to enter into an Affiliation Agreement with EWU.
  2. We generally require the AFI will have at least two years of post-degree experience commensurate with level of supervisee (e.g. BSW, MSW) and can provide weekly supervision, complete a learning contract with the student and participate in an evaluation at the end of each quarter. You will not be disqualified if the AFI criteria cannot be met. CSWE approved alternative supervision can be discussed with the Director of Field Education
  3. These are generally one year placements for BASW students, or one-two year placements for MSW students requiring micro, mezzo macro social work learning opportunities
  4. Will require dedicated workspace, access to a phone, computer, etc.
  5. Will require the Agency Field Instructor (AFI) to complete an online training.

Placement must be compatible with the School’s Mission and meet CSWE Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards, including the Social Work Competencies.