Practicum Placement
Where theory meets practice
Practicum Education, Experiential Learning
Practicum education is a defining element of the educational experience at Penn’s School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2). Through hands-on learning opportunities with community organizations, government agencies, nonprofit institutions, research centers, and social impact organizations, students apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges while developing the skills, experience, and professional networks needed to advance meaningful social change.
Whether students are pursuing careers in social work, social policy, or nonprofit leadership, practicum experiences provide opportunities to learn from practitioners, contribute to mission-driven organizations, and build confidence as emerging professionals.
Students receive a Practicum Placement Form to complete from their perspective program to begin the placement process; this form details practicum requirements and learning goals for each program and allows the student to indicate an area of interest to help determine next steps in moving forward in the placement process. As students engage in the placement process, students from each master’s program are encouraged to remain curious and intentional about exploring practicum placement opportunities that may exist and include collaboration across teams and departments as part of the placement experience.
SP2 Hub Practicum Model: Beyond Coursework
The Hub Practicum Model is an innovative, collaborative practicum approach that places students from multiple SP2 master’s programs at the same community partner organization during the academic year. By bringing together students from the MSW, MSSP, and NPL programs, Hub sites foster interdisciplinary learning, coordinated support for community partners, and opportunities for collaboration across direct practice, policy, research, leadership, and organizational development. Some Hub sites also participate in community-engaged research partnerships that connect students, faculty, and organizations to address community-identified needs and advance social impact.
Practicum Experiences
Master of Social Work (MSW)
The MSW practicum provides students with hands-on experience in social work practice while supporting the integration of classroom learning, professional development, and skill building. Students are placed with organizations that align with their educational and career goals across foundation/generalist, clinical, and macro practice settings.
Full-time
- Students complete 16-24 hours a week, across 3 days/week for four semesters.
- Full-time students begin practicum in September and finish at the end of the spring semester for both years of the program.
Advanced Standing
- Advanced standing students complete 24 hours/3 days/week for 3 semesters.
- Advanced Standing students begin practicum in the first week of July and finish at the end of the spring semester.
Part-time
Part-time students have two different start and end dates for practicum:
- The Foundation (1st year) placement begins in September alongside the full-time two-year students. In order to complete the required number of hours, students finish placement in the last week of June.
- The Advanced (2nd year) placement begins in early August in order to provide ample time to complete required practicum hours. Students finish placement at the end of the spring semester, allowing them to graduate with their cohort.
View specific start dates, end dates, trainings, and holidays:
| Summer | Fall | Spring | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full time 2 year: Foundation (1st year) | N/A | M, Th, F | M, Th, F |
| Full time 2 year: Advanced (2nd year) | N/A | M, T, F | M, T, F |
| Advanced Standing | July–August M, W, F | M, T, F | M, T, F |
| Part-time Foundation (1st year placement) | N/A | Days/times depend on student availability and agency options. | Days/times depend on student availability and agency options; however, 8 of the 16 hours/week occur during typical business hours. Students are expected to continue in practicum through the end of June. |
| Part-time Advanced (2nd year placement) | August start | Days/times depend on student availability and agency options. | Days/times depend on student availability and agency options. |
Master of Science in Social Policy (MSSP)
The MSSP program gives students the autonomy to independently select or identify their own organization to complete a policy-related or data analytic practicum. During the policy practicum, students have the opportunity to gain real-world experience and apply classroom learning and research skills.
Practicum activities may include policy analysis, data analysis, research, policymaking, advocacy, policy implementation, policy communications, and policy evaluation. Practicum span all types of agencies and organizations, including nonprofits, research institutions, advocacy organizations, think tanks, state and local government, federal government, and private foundations. The practicum is structured based on individual student interests and past social policy experiences and can take place in the United States or abroad. The practicum must be social policy related.
NPL Practicum Placement Dates & Details
The NPL program offers students a hands-on, career-focused experience through a Leadership Practicum mentoring and leadership development experience with an executive-level leader at a local, national, or international social impact organization.
The practicum process begins the summer prior to the start of the academic year. Students will receive updates in May about virtual practicum events held in June and July. The Leadership Practicum is a year-long experience; practicum start dates depend on the student’s anticipated graduation date.
Full-time
- Students taking classes on a full-time basis will complete their practicum in their first year.
- Students who are working while enrolled at Penn and taking classes on a full-time or part-time basis will complete a “mentorship only” experience.
Part-time
- Students taking classes on a part-time basis will consult with the Practicum Coordinator and their Academic Advisor to determine the best time to complete their practicum.
- Students who are working while enrolled at Penn and taking classes on a full-time or part-time basis will complete a “mentorship only” experience.
Accelerated & Dual Degree
- Accelerated students taking classes on a part-time basis and planning to complete the program in the summer following fall and spring semesters will begin their practicum at the start of their first year.
- Dual degree students may have highly individualized practicum experiences to fulfill requirements for both programs. Students are encouraged to review dual degree specific websites and consult with their Academic Advisors for more information.
Resources
SP2 Hub Practicum Model Guidance
A guide for Community Partners that includes a description of the Hub Practicum Model concept; highlights how students from multiple programs can be integrated at a partner site, with recommended tasks and projects; tips for curating interdisciplinary engagement among students; and SP2 program or practicum staff supports for Hub partner sites.
MSW Practicum Education Manual
Find answers to frequently asked questions, as well as an in-depth explanation of the purpose and function of practicum education at SP2. This manual includes information for current students, prospective students, practicum instructors, and those interested in providing practicum education opportunities for SP2 students.
Supporting Trans & Gender-Nonconforming Youth in Schools
In Spring 2019, a group of students enrolled in SWRK 713: Understanding Social Change: Issues of Race and Gender created Understanding Policy 252, a resource guide for social work interns placed in Philadelphia public high schools around supporting trans youth.
Interested in becoming a community partner?
Join a network of organizations working with SP2 students, faculty, and staff to address social challenges and create meaningful learning experiences.
Contact Us
Jacinto J. Grant, MSW
Community-Engaged Professional Education Director
215 573 2099 (fax)
grantj1@upenn.edu
Saida Heywood, MSW,LCSW
Associate Director of MSW Practicum Education
heywoodm@upenn.edu