Practicum
Fee Changes for the Social Work Department
These changes will go into effect as of the Spring 2025 academic semester. You will see these changes reflected in our Student Handbook, Field Manual, and online by the Spring 2025 semester.- Removal of the $2,000 Out of State Practicum Fee.
- Implementation of a $300 Practicum Fee, as follows:
- A fee of $150, applied in fall semesters through the SWK 461 course.
- A fee of $150, applied in spring semesters through the SWK 464 course.
- Increase of the Social Work Course Fee from $25 to $35, applied to all courses with a SWK designation
In their senior year, all social work majors are required to complete a supported, hands-on 400-hour practicum in an approved agency within their community. Practicum is a crucial component of the social work curriculum. Most students find their practicum experience to be the most valuable and impactful part of their social work education. It provides students with the opportunity to think systemically and develop professional social work skills. While the entire curriculum supports preparation for social work practice, the practicum places students in real-world situations where they face the challenges and opportunities of professional responsibility and ethical practice, all while having the support of the agency and the program.
It is important to note that practicum is not meant to be on-the-job training or apprenticeship; rather it is an educational process of guided experiential learning designed for a student’s personal and professional growth as a social worker. Practicum involves experiential learning under the direct supervision of a social worker in a social service agency. These agencies are selected to offer students hands-on social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Practicum is an integral part of the social work curriculum. It aligns with the mission, goals, and competencies of the social work program at UAF, and follows the required guidelines set by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Most students consider their practicum experience to be the most valuable and significant part of their social work education. Students are given the opportunity to learn to think systemically and to develop skills of a professional social worker. The entire curriculum contributes to preparation for social work practice, but it is during the practicum that students face the real challenges and are afforded opportunities of professional responsibility and ethical practice
View our Practicum Informational Session:
All students will be required to apply for admission into practicum. Application for admission is in December of the previous year. Admission into practicum does not guarantee that the Field Director will be able to secure a practicum out of state or internationally. We will attempt to identify appropriate placements for out of state and international students, but despite our best efforts, we may not be able to place students outside Alaska. All placements are made at the discretion of the Field Director. All potential placements must meet the department and accreditation criteria for placement and be approved by the Field Director.
For questions regarding Practicum please contact Christina Ireton @ 907-474-6513.
