About the Program

Field education or Practicum is the cornerstone of social work education and allows social work students to put classroom learning into practice.  The University of Oklahoma School of Social Work (OUSSW) works with well over 300 affiliated agencies and facilities across Oklahoma to offer social work students direct learning experiences with individuals, families, groups, and communities.  Sites provide students with the structure, supervision and resources for appropriate learning. Practicum instructors, who are employees of the site, provide on-site social work field education and supervision. Regular and adjunct faculty assigned to the Practicum Program serve as liaison faculty and work with sites and instructors to insure high quality experiences for both undergraduate and graduate students.

In all accredited programs in social work, field education is a major part of the curriculum. At the University of Oklahoma, students in social work earn more of their credit hours in field education than in any other curricular area. Five different practicum courses are offered. Undergraduate seniors enroll in SWK 4315 followed by SWK 4325. Foundation year MSW students enroll in SWK 5413 followed by SWK 5423. Concentration year MSW students complete their studies with SWK 5820.

Practicum courses from other departments or programs outside the OUSSW may not be applied to a social work degree unless the coursework has been earned at another CSWE accredited program in social work. Prior employment or life experience may not be credited toward practicum requirements.

The University of Oklahoma School of Social Work Practicum Program is coordinated through the Practicum Office on the Norman campus with an additional faculty member assigned the role of Practicum Coordinator at the Schusterman Center in Tulsa.