Practicum Education

The purpose of practicum is to provide students with opportunities for development, and integration of the nine competencies, through performance in actual service delivery. As students undertake learning within the reality of agency life, theory from the classroom is applied, skills are developed and refined, and attitudes and values are examined. Students are afforded opportunities for analysis of the effects of social policy on programs and services, opportunities for the development of research questions in relation to practice efforts, and opportunities for evaluation of practice interventions.

Practicum is the primary pedagogy or learning modality for social work education. The GCSW provides various methods for connecting with affiliated agencies to extend hands on learning opportunities. The UH-GCSW is affiliated with over 200 social service agencies in the Greater Houston area and beyond. There are countless attested practicum sites locally, and nationally. Practicum instruction is provided by qualified, affiliated social workers and supported by clinical faculty from the college.