Practicum

Practicum Education
Practicum is a core part of the UNM MSW program. It gives students the opportunity to apply classroom learning in supervised, real-world social work settings while building professional skills in practice, ethics, and culturally responsive care.

900 Total Hours
Students complete 900 practicum hours over the course of the program. This includes 400 hours in the generalist year and 500 hours in the concentration year. Weekly seminar courses are included in the practicum hour total.

Fall Start Pathway
Students who begin in the fall complete practicum over the four semesters.

• Generalist Year
  Fall: 200 hours over 14 weeks, about 14 hours per week
  Spring: 200 hours over 16 weeks, about 13 hours per week
• Concentration Year
  Fall: 250 hours over 16 weeks, about 16 hours per week
  Spring: 250 hours over 16 weeks, about 16 hours per week

Spring Start Pathway
In order to maintain continuity in practicum placements, students who begin in the spring complete practicum over summer and fall terms in each year of the program.

• Generalist Year
  Summer: 130 hours over 8 weeks, about 17 hours per week
  Fall: 270 hours over 16 weeks, about 17 hours per week
• Concentration Year
  Summer: 165 hours over 8 weeks, about 21 hours per week
  Fall: 335 hours over 16 weeks, about 21 hours per week
• Field Orientation
  All students complete a field orientation before beginning practicum. This helps prepare students for professional expectations, site learning, and the transition into field education.
• Placement Support
  The Field Education Office provides individualized support throughout the placement process. Students receive help identifying practicum sites that fit their interests, concentration area, and schedule, along with guidance through interviews, onboarding, and placement coordination.
• Supervision and Learning Support
  Each student is supported by a field supervisor, field liaison, and seminar instructor. Together, they help guide student learning, monitor progress, and support success throughout the practicum experience.
• Employment-Based Practicum
  Students may be able to complete their practicum at their place of employment if the placement offers learning experiences that are clearly different from their regular job duties and meets program requirements. Employment-based placements require advance approval from the Field Education Office, are not guaranteed, and must include appropriate supervision and educational oversight. Students interested in this option should contact the Field Education Director at least one month before the semester begins.
• Virtual and Hybrid Options
  Depending on the site, virtual and hybrid practicum activities may be available. Telehealth, online meetings, and virtual trainings may count toward practicum hours when they are part of the site’s approved learning model.
• Become a Practicum Site
  The UNM MSW program welcomes partnerships with community organizations interested in supporting social work education through practicum placement opportunities. Community agencies, health systems, schools, nonprofit organizations, and other service settings that can provide meaningful learning experiences are encouraged to connect with the program to explore becoming an approved practicum site. Use the link below or scan the QR code to apply. 

Apply to be a Practicum Site