Practicum Education

Welcome to the Practicum Education Office for the School of Social Work at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). Our mission is to prepare bachelor’s and master's level social workers to address complex social challenges through education, research, and service, serving individuals and communities across the Rio Grande Valley and beyond. The Practicum Education Office plays a vital role in this mission by connecting students with meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that bridge classroom knowledge with real-world practice. 

The Office is responsible for the planning, implementation, and oversight of the practicum component for both the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) programs. Working in close collaboration with students, practicum instructors, and community partners, the Directors of the Practicum Education ensure a high-quality, supportive learning environment that fosters professional growth. These efforts ultimately contribute to the development of competent, compassionate social work professionals and enhance the quality of services delivered to diverse populations. 

 Welcome to your Practicum Education. The time has come to begin one of the most critical and enriching components of your social work education, your Practicum education. This phase represents a significant milestone, offering you the opportunity to transition from academic learning to hands-on professional practice. While it is normal to experience both excitement and

apprehension, this experience is consistently reported by students as the most impactful and rewarding part of their educational journey.

Regardless of whether you are developing generalist or advanced practice skills, or even if you bring prior experience in the Practicum, the practicum is designed to deepen your understanding and application of social work values, knowledge, and skills in real-world settings.

Practicum education is a cornerstone of professional social work training. Similar to internships or residencies in other disciplines such as medicine or education, the practicum enables you to integrate classroom theory with direct practice. This applied learning experience is a requirement for graduation from all Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited programs.

The School of Social Work at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is fully accredited by the CSWE. As such, our curriculum adheres to nationally established competencies and standards that promote the ethical and effective practice of professional social work. These expectations encompass not only your academic and practical performance but also your professional conduct, reflecting the values and ethics of the profession.

Through your Practicum education, you will gain the knowledge, confidence, and practical experience needed to serve individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities with competence and integrity. This preparation ensures that both the public and the client systems you serve can rely on the high standards of your professional training.

We look forward to supporting you throughout your practicum experience.