During each year of the Seattle University MSW program, students are matched and placed at approved social service agencies under the supervision of trained MSW Practicum Instructors. In addition, they participate in an integrative seminar with members of their cohort. The MSW program offers placements in more than 65 community sites. All students confer with the Field Director prior to placement.
The MSW program offers field placements in diverse settings such as: mental health counseling, children, youth, and family programs, hospitals/medical, addictions, school- based counseling, child welfare, gerontology, state and local justice systems, and many community-based programs that focus on immigrant/refugee mental and social health, LGBTQ services, domestic and gender-based violence, housing insecurity, and trauma.
Students in the 2-Year MSW program complete 448 hours of practicum, 8 hours per day, 2 days per week.
Students in their second year and Advanced Standing students complete 720 hours of practicum, 8 hours per day, 3 days per week.
All assignments are made by the Field Director after the student completes a practicum application and interviews with the Field Director or designee. This is the time to let the Field Director know of any special circumstances or interests regarding placement. The placement assignment is completed when both the agency and the student notify the Field Director that the placement is accepted.
No, agencies must be approved by the Seattle University Field Education Program and agree to the educational goals, outcomes and field policies of the Field Education Program. The Field Education Director will work with you to find a placement that best supports your educational goals.
Practicum is an essential part of your MSW education, and students are expected to learn from different agencies and populations during their social work education. In some specific cases, however, it may be possible to have a placement at a current work site. Requests of this nature should be directed to the Field Director for further discussion.
Paid field placements are rare, but some placements provide a stipend to the student. The MSW program may also have student worker and graduate assistant positions available.
Yes, after admission you will complete a criminal history background check along with your field practicum application. Additionally, some agencies may require the student to complete the agency's own background check and/or drug screening.