The practicum experience is a critical part of your Ohio State social work journey — giving you valuable hands-on experience with one of our nearly 2,000 partner agencies ranging from behavioral health settings to courtrooms, hospitals to immigrant and refugee services, campus research centers to policy-related placements in legislation and advocacy.
The Office of Field Education is dedicated to helping students through all stages of the experience: from identifying your areas of interest, guiding you through the interview and matching process, and supporting you throughout your practicum. While we facilitate hundreds of these experiences each year, we work closely with each student, including high-touch support for online out-of-state students to help secure placements in their home communities.
Our team understands the challenges students face as they balance the demands of the practicum with family obligations and employment. We work closely with students to identify practicum options that meet their learning goals and are proud of the flexibility in the Employment Based Practicum process.
The results? Ohio State social work students rave about their practicum experience — with over half of participants accepting an offer of employment with their placement agency. Combined nearly 1,200 BSSW and MSW students contribute more than 475,000 hours of practice to make a collective and positive impact on our communities and our lives.
BSSW requirement:
The BSSW practicum experience develops your generalist social work skills through a 400-hour in-agency placement.
- Hours per semester (14 Weeks): 200
- Hours per week: 13-15
- Credits per semester: 5
MSW requirement:
Master of Social Work students are required to complete a total of 900 hours toward the practicum experience. The first-year practicum is focused on generalist skills and building a foundation for the social work profession. In the advanced practicum experience, students continue to develop competency and knowledge in an area of practice aligning with their chosen specialization.
- MSW I students complete 4 hours in SWK 6188 and 224 hours in their practicum
- MSW II and Advanced Standing students complete 672 hours in their advanced practicum
