The School of Social Work endorses the principle that practicum education is the “signature pedagogy” of social work education and requires that all students have training experiences in professionally supervised and educationally based placements. Signature pedagogy represents the central form of instruction and learning in which a profession socializes its students to perform the role of practitioner. Practicum education provides the student with the opportunity to develop competence in social work skills and professional values in actual service settings while engaging in community responsive practices that address the most pressing needs of the most vulnerable and marginalized individuals, families, groups, and communities.
The total curriculum of the School encourages the student to intentionally integrate theory, knowledge, values, and skills learned in the classroom and in their practicum placement in order to demonstrate the development and achievement of professional competencies. Through their coursework and practicum placements, students will be prepared to become professional social workers with the knowledge, values, and skills needed to serve individuals and families, transform communities, influence social policy, and promote social, racial and economic justice.