Practicum

In addition to classroom work, each student has two different practicum placements during the two-year program. Students are assigned to a foundation/first-year placement that exposes them to both macro and micro practices, and to a broad range of clientele. The program is structured so that students participate not only in direct service, but in community outreach, advocacy, staff meetings, consultation, research activities, and staff development programs.

Practicum days are two full eight-hour days per week for foundation/first-year students (Monday and Wednesday) for agency placement, and Fridays for practicum modules. The specialized/second-year placement is coordinated with a student’s choice of concentration and specialization. Specialized/Second-year students are in practicum three days per week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday). Practicum may include evening hours. Approximately 1,100 hours are required in a practicum placement over the two-year period, for which a total of 21 units of academic credit are given.

It is important to note that all MSW students are expected to travel to their practicum placement. Most placements are located a considerable distance from campus. Because public transportation can be unreliable and time-consuming, access to a car or other reliable transportation is necessary. Reasonable efforts will be made to place students with disabilities in accessible agencies and locations.

Professional Practice

The MSW is a professional practice-oriented degree that assumes the school and community of social work agencies are engaged together in the education process. The UCLA Department of Social Welfare relies heavily on the practicum and community agencies to help produce competent practitioners.

The Department of Social Welfare is an integral part of the University of California, adhering to its established policies. Affiliation with a wide spectrum of community agencies, which may provide suitable educational opportunities for our students is sought. The practicum is a course which must meet University and Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) requirements. The Chair has final administrative responsibility in all matters pertaining to the Department.

Practicum Instructor Criteria

How to Become a Field Instructor

• Hold an MSW from an accredited social work program. An LCSW is not required, but it is preferred for clinical supervision.
• Have at least two years of post-MSW practice experience.
• Have been affiliated with your current agency for at least one year.
• Have completed or be currently enrolled in the New Field Instructor Seminar.
• The agency must have an affiliation agreement. See the steps below on becoming an affiliated agency.

A signed Affiliation Agreement is required between the agency and UCLA before students can be placed in the agency site.

To Begin the Process

Our Department uses an online application to screen new agencies. Agencies interested in becoming a placement site for the MSW program should submit their application here. We will review your application and contact you as soon as possible.  If you have any questions, please contact Carmen Mancha at cmancha@luskin.ucla.edu.

Selection Process

In the course of the academic quarter the practicum faculty will conduct a needs assessment for the next academic year. This need attempts to:

• Review the placements currently in use
• Assess the educational needs and areas of specific interests of our students, both new and those moving into second year
• Determine what we shall need in the way of additional placements, new programs, and in which geographic areas

Once the assessment is completed, and it is deemed probable that a placement can be mutually beneficial, and member of the practicum faculty will make an appointment with selected agencies to further discuss the specific arrangements.

Practicum Responsibilities

Click here for a PDF of Practicum Responsibilities.

Information for Practicum Instructors

• Practicum Responsibilities 
• 2025-26 Practicum Calendar
• NASW Policy Packet
• Affiliation Agreement
• Process Recordings
• Performance Improvement Plan

Practicum Staff Directory

Read more about our practicum faculty.