BSW Practicum

Marshall University’s BSW Practicum is the program’s signature field education experience, giving students supervised, hands-on preparation for generalist social work practice. Students complete 500 total hours across a 100-hour introductory practicum and a 400-hour advanced practicum, paired with a weekly seminar and close support from agency practicum instructors and faculty.

The practicum is designed to help students apply classroom learning in real settings while developing skills in engagement, assessment, intervention, evaluation, ethics, policy practice, and anti-oppressive social work. Placement sites are selected to provide meaningful learning experiences, safety, supervision, and opportunities to work with diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

Through learning contracts, weekly logs, evaluations, and ongoing supervision, students progressively build professional competence and confidence as beginning social workers. The experience reflects Marshall’s commitment to preparing students for ethical, culturally responsive, and effective practice in Appalachia and beyond.

Field instructors play a vital role in Marshall University’s BSW Practicum by guiding students through supervised, hands-on learning in professional social work settings. Preferred field instructors hold a BSW or MSW from a CSWE-accredited program and have at least two years of practice experience, including one year in their current agency. They also provide weekly supervision, support the learning contract, collaborate with the practicum director, and help students build the skills needed for competent, ethical social work practice.

Field Instructor and Student Orientation will be conducted once a semester.  Orientation to practicum helps prepare both students and field instructors for a successful learning experience. During orientation, students and agency instructors review roles, responsibilities, expectations, supervision, safety procedures, and the learning contract so everyone begins the placement with a clear understanding of the practicum experience. This early introduction supports strong communication, helps students adjust to the agency setting, and establishes a foundation for meaningful supervision and professional growth throughout the practicum.