Through UC Berkeley Social Welfare's Practicum Education program, MSW students implement their classroom learnings through supervised agency placements. Practicum agencies and instructors are vital partners in preparing the next generation of social workers.
Our approved practica placements are located throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Our Practica Consultants recruit, train, and maintain the best available practica placements and instructors. As students develop their applied mastery in their carefully selected practica placements, Berkeley Social Welfare practica consultants provide them with individualized assessment, support and coaching throughout their academic journey.
Practicum Education Program
MSW students have the opportunity to apply classroom learning by engaging in supervised practice in an agency setting. Students complete two distinct, year-long placements and participate in concurrent, integrative seminars.
First-Year (Generalist) Placement
Generalist MSW students begin placement the third week of September and attend internship on Wednesdays and Thursdays through late April, for a total of over 400 hours. Students receive practicum preparation workshops and a year-long integration seminar led by their practicum consultant. These seminars facilitate the development of holistic competence for students as they make meaning from their experiences with agency practice; integrate social work knowledge, values, and skills; and form their professional values and identities as social workers.
Second-Year (Advanced) Placement
More advanced, complex and specialized placements are generally available for students in their second year. Advanced students begin second-year placement the first week of September and attend internship on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays for a total of 720 hours. Many placements offer onsite seminars and group supervision in addition to individual instruction. Concurrently, students take a wide array of elective courses that often complement their practicum placement, and participate in an advanced integrative seminar to prepare for their transition to MSW professional roles.
Questions?
Contact swfield@berkeley.edu