Practicum Education

About Practicum Education

As practicum education (e.g., "field" or internships) is considered to be the "signature pedagogy for social work" (CSWE, 2022, p. 20), the UCCS Social Work program relies heavily on practicum education and community agencies to help produce competent practitioners.

The expected practicum hours for UCCS Social Work students include:

  • BSW students are required to complete no less than 400 hours of practicum practice.
  • Generalist practice (Year 1) MSW students are required to complete no less than 400 hours of practicum practice.
  • Specialized practice (Year 2) MSW students are required to complete no less than 500 hours of practicum practice.

Student Placement

Practicum placements will be tailored to the interests, educational goals, and career aspirations of each student. BSW and Generalist/first-year MSW students are typically in the field 2 days a week, and Specialized/second-year MSW students are typically in the field 3 days a week.

UCCS Social Work is currently placing both first-year and second-year MSW students, as well as BSW students, into practicum placements.

Placement Forms:

Practicum Instructor Orientation video

Practicum Education Student Handbook


Download SW Practicum Education Handbook Updated 5.2026.pdf

Outstanding Practicum Instructor of the Year

Emily Brady, LCSW, Co-CEO at NAMI Colorado Springs

This recognition acknowledges the exceptional work that Emily has done in providing valuable guidance and mentorship to our Social Work students during their practicum placements. Throughout the years, Emily has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to the success of our students and social work profession. She has worked tirelessly to ensure that our students receive the support and guidance they need to become skilled and effective social workers.
 
Emily has been instrumental in developing innovative and effective learning opportunities for our students as well as collaborating internally to ensure their learning needs and desires are met. We are proud to have Emily as a member of our team and are delighted to recognize her for her hard work and dedication. We believe that Emily is an outstanding example of the kind of field instructor that we strive to provide for our students. 

Practicum Instructor Orientation 2026


Download the PDF here: Practicum Instructor Training Slides_2026_PDF.pdf

Want to learn more?

For more information about UCCS Social Work Practicum Education, please contact swpracticum@uccs.edu.