Field education information for BSW students
Gain social work skills and knowledge
Under the supervision of qualified social workers, you will have the opportunity to integrate knowledge and classroom experience. Students engage in experiential learning activities, knowledge building and develop their professional practice framework informed by social work values and ethics.
BSW Practicum
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SOWK 410 - Introductory Practicum
The Introductory Practicum is required of students in the University Transfer Route, not of students in the Post-Diploma route. SOWK 411, Integrative Seminar, is co-requisite with the practicum.
The purpose of initial practicum in the BSW is to provide students with an introduction to professional social work practice in a specific setting. The student's time at practicum is spent according to the particular requirements of the setting and learning needs of the student, and includes direct and indirect social work practice opportunities.
Note: Students with extensive social work experience may be eligible to receive credit by special assessment for the Introductory Practicum. Details regarding this possibility are included in the BSW Field Education Manual.
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SOWK 412 - Senior Practicum
The Senior Practicum is required of all students in the BSW program. SOWK 413, Integrative Seminar, is co-requisite with the practicum.
The purpose of the second practicum in the BSW is to provide students with an intensive experience in the delivery of professional social work practice in a specific setting.
Field Education Courses
Community Engaged Practicum and Preparation course (SOWK 390)
The Community Engaged Practicum and Preparation course (SOWK 390) helps University Transfer (UT) students prepare for participation in social work through supervision, knowledge and skill development and peer learning. Learners will explore the social work landscape including the various roles and settings of social work practice and while gaining knowledge and skills.
Classroom and in the Community
Real time class
- Blended program: Monday afternoons
- Online program: Monday evenings
The weekly time commitment is 3 hours per week in class and 6 hours outside of class for practicum activities.
Graded course with assignments
100
Practicum learning is supported by a qualified social work supervisor who provides both supervision and teaching.
The focus of learning will connect to professional identity and practice, social work values and ethics, human rights and social action, action to rectify racism, organizational/systems change, social work research and policy analysis/development and reflective practice.
Community Engaged Practicum and Integration course (SOWK 392)
Through community engagement and social justice initiatives in SOWK 392, Community Engaged Practicum and Integration, University Transfer students develop their professional social work identity. This is achieved through social work supervision, peer learning, engagement in knowledge building, projects, volunteer services and weekly classes, all designed to build competence and apply social work values and skills.
Classroom and in the Community
Real time class
- Blended program: Monday afternoons
- Online program: Monday evenings
The weekly time commitment is 3 hours per week in class and 14 hours outside of class for practicum activities.
Continuing to work on the learning plan established in the fall term.
Pass/fail course – focus on practicum hours.
200
Practicum learning is supported by a qualified social work supervisor who provides both supervision and teaching.
The focus of learning will connect to professional identity, values, ethics, skills, knowledge and practice, human rights and social action, action to rectify racism, organizational/systems change, social work research and policy analysis/development and reflective practice
The Final Practicum (SOWK 590)
In SOWK 590, students complete their final 400-hour practicum through one of four pathways designed to strengthen social work skills, supervision, reflective practice, and ethical understanding. This experience includes diverse placement opportunities, such as agency-based, workplace, research, and self-directed practicums.
Practicum is 32 hours per week and Tuesday to Friday are the designated practicum days. The exact schedule will be determined based on the practicum pathway (agency, workplace, research, self-directed).
400
Supervised by a qualified social work supervisor.
The focus of learning will connect to professional identity, values, ethics, skills, knowledge and practice, human rights and social action, action to rectify racism, organizational/systems change, social work research and policy analysis/development and reflective practice.
Final Integrative Seminar (SOWK 592)
Final Integrative Seminar (SOWK 592)
Designed to accompany practicum, the integrative seminar fosters the integration of theory and practice. Students engage in critical reflection, demonstrate social work values, and articulate their personal practice frameworks, solidifying their transition to professional social workers.
Real time class
- Blended program: Monday afternoons
- Online program: Monday evenings
Graded course with assignments
Weekly classes
Integrative seminar is instructed by a university instructor, also known as a faculty liaison. Students will also receive qualified social work supervision based on their practicum pathway.
The focus of learning will connect to professional identity, values, ethics, skills, knowledge and practice, human rights and social action, action to rectify racism, organizational/systems change, social work research and policy analysis/development and reflective practice.
