Practicum education is an integral part of graduate social work education, providing a unique opportunity for students to integrate classroom learning with a supervised practice experience in various social work settings.
Students participate in two different practicum placements over the course of their studies, spending a minimum of 1,000 hours. During the first practicum education placement (generalist practice year), students are matched with an agency where they will receive supervision and training from seasoned professional social workers. In the second practicum education placement (specialization year), students are placed in an agency with a focus on children, youth and families. Specialized placements extend the knowledge acquired from the generalist portion of the program, and provide specialized clinical skills to work with children, adolescents and/or their families.
Montclair State University has strong partnerships with agencies throughout the state of New Jersey. You may be placed in settings with areas of specialty including, but not limited to:
- Mental Health
- Behavioral Health
- Child Welfare
- Community Based Practice
- Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment
- LGBTQ Issues
- School Social Work
Practicum Education Hours
Students complete a minimum of 1,000 practicum hours over the course of their studies. In the generalist year, students participate in a practicum about 15 hours per week, which are generally completed over two full days for a total of at least 400 hours. Students in advanced standing and students in the specialized year of the program participate in a practicum about 21 hours per week, which are generally completed over three days, for a total of at least 600 hours.
Practicum Instructors and Practicum Liaisons
Montclair State University’s small cohort allows for each student to receive individual attention and be supported every step of the way. Experienced practicum instructors and liaisons will work closely with you to support and guide your placement experience. Students work with a practicum instructor who will supervise them in their placements and receive weekly individual and/or group supervision.
Students are also assigned a practicum liaison, who will monitor his/her practicum education experience. The liaison works collaboratively with students, MSW faculty and practicum instructors to support the student’s placement. The liaison will meet with the student and the instructor at least twice during the practicum, and will be available to support the students and resolve any problems that may arise.
email: dixonl@montclair.edu
Name: Imani Smallwood, MSW