BSW Practicum

Congratulations!

Welcome to the practicum education component of UTRGV School of Social Work program! The Office of Practicum Education is committed to a practicum education program that serves the needs of our students, agency partners, and community of the Rio Grande Valley. Our partner agencies offer students a wide variety of experiences working with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.  

The Social Work Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) designates practicum education as the “signature pedagogy” in social work education. The practicum experience socializes students into the profession and helps them learn how to perform the role of a social work practitioner in an agency setting. During the practicum experience, Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) students connect what is learned in the classroom to the practice environment at their agency. Practicum requirements are responsive to the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)’s accreditation standards. 

All eligible students are required to apply for their practicum education internship through an application process. Information sessions are held at the beginning of every semester to provide guidance regarding practicum education, answer frequently asked questions, and review available practicum placement options for students. 

Students will be notified the semester before their intended practicum to begin the practicum application process.  During this planning time, information sessions are held, applications for practicum are processed, and students are prepared to begin agency interviews. All students must complete a mandatory practicum education orientation prior to beginning their practicum.