Placements
You’ll develop professional skills and competence in practice.
Practicum teaches students to apply the theory and knowledge learned in the classroom to social work practice in agency settings. You’ll work directly in human service agencies—with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
All internships are assigned by the practicum education department, and you are expected to comply with the policies and procedures of the department as noted in the Practicum Education Manual (PDF).
Practicum Overview
All social work practica begin with a practicum readiness orientation module at the start of the semester. Most students begin their agency practicum in September. Practica continue through the January intersession and through the spring semester until the end of May (see the Practicum Education Calendar for detailed information).
Agencies generally require weekday, daytime availability for practica, with some evening opportunities. Students who are working in human services agencies may be able to use their employment assignments to fulfill practicum instruction course requirements.
The practicum is structured as follows:
All MSW students must complete a minimum of 900 hours in a site-based practicum, and must earn 25 professional development hours each academic year through approved practicum education workshops and participation in the School’s annual social action initiative.
BSW students will complete a minimum of 300 hours in a site-based practicum during the Junior year, and a minimum of 400 hours in a site-based practicum during the BSW Generalist (senior) year. All undergraduate students must earn 25 professional development hours each academic year through approved practicum education workshops and participation in the School’s annual social action initiative.
Here are some other responsibilities to consider. You are responsible for:
- Arranging transportation to and from your practicum placement
- Considering housing availability between semesters
- Considering any and all financial obligations
For us to secure your placement in the practicum education program, the Adelphi University School of Social Work requires a formal application and documentation process for every student. If you’re interested in a particular placement, you may provide the practicum department with the agency name, and we’ll contact the agency directly to discuss the possibility of an internship placement.
Before you apply for your practicum placement, you must:
- Meet with your adviser or liaison
- Attend a placement planning meeting
- Then—and only then—meet with the practicum education department
- Complete an application for your placement
Once you’ve applied and an agency has been identified, you’ll be notified by the department to set up an interview with the agency.
After the interview, if your placement is confirmed, you will receive an assignment letter via email. The letter will also be copied to the agency, your practicum instructor and your liaison. This letter provides all contact information for the above-mentioned parties, as well as the start and end date for practicum placement.
Undergraduate social work students are assigned to different practicum placements in their junior and senior years. The junior year requires a minimum of 300 hours for the year and will focus on varied social work methods, client populations and service delivery systems. An assignment will also support the integration of beginning practice skills and an introduction to the social work profession. Your senior year placement requires a minimum of 400 hours and will emphasize developing practice skills for work with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
In your foundation year practicum placement, you’ll complete a minimum of 600 hours of practicum instruction with an emphasis on developing foundation practice skills. In your advanced year practicum placement, you’ll also complete a minimum of 600 hours of practicum instruction in advanced, direct social work practice.
Advanced standing students come in to the program with a BSW and have the following requirements:
- Complete the advanced year internship
- Complete additional hours of practicum instruction or other foundation courses if your program is determined to vary significantly from Adelphi’s foundation curriculum.
One-Year Residency students already have significant work experience in the practicum under the supervision of an LMSW or LCSW and have the following requirements:
- Take a four-credit professional seminar, SWK 601, concurrent with the foundation practice courses
- Complete 900 hours of practicum instruction in the advanced year concurrent with advanced social work practice and methods course work
We are affiliated with more than 1,000 human service agencies throughout the New York metropolitan region, including, but not limited to:
- Child welfare agencies
- Community centers
- Detention centers and correctional facilities
- Domestic violence agencies
- Mental health clinics
- Medical and psychiatric hospitals
- Nursing homes and extended care facilities
- Residential treatment facilities Schools
- Substance abuse treatment programs
- Veteran’s programs
- Youth service agencies
Practicum Work Information for Students
PracticumEducation Calendar
Please review the practicum education calendar for important information regarding the practicum schedule.
PracticumEducation Manual
The Practicum Education Manual serves as a resource guide for students, practicum instructors, agency educational coordinators, agency directors, faculty practicum liaisons and administrators at the School of Social Work.
Workshops for Practicum Instructors
New practicum instructors must complete this 12-session seminar, which is concurrent with your first experience providing practicum instruction. Seminar sessions are scheduled from September through December.
If you are interested in registering for the Seminar in Practicum Instruction (SIFI), please contact the Practicum Education Department at 516.877.4375 for information regarding seminar dates and registration.
Process Recordings
Employment-Based Practicum Placement
If you’re currently employed by a social service agency, you may apply for an employment-based practicum placement within your employment setting. Applicants must meet specific criteria outlined in the Employment-Based Practicum Placement Guidelines, and submit an application signed by the student, proposed practicum instructor and agency director. Your application should also include a Practicum Instruction Agency Application Form and Practicum Faculty Personnel Form, both of which are completed by the agency director and proposed practicum instructor.
Your completed employment-based practicum placement application and supporting documents should be submitted to the Garden City practicum education office or off-campus center.
Student Practicum Work FAQs
We’re happy to answer your questions about practicum education for social work students. If you can’t find the answers you need below, please contact us.
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) establishes the minimum standard for the number of hours required to complete the BSW and MSW. Adelphi meets or exceeds these requirements as follows:
- Junior Year BSW Student: 200 hours
- Senior Year BSW Student: 400 hours
- Traditional MSW student (full-time or part-time): 1,200 hours
- Spring Start: 1,200 hours
- One-Year Residence: 900 hours
- Advanced Standing: 600 hours
No. The practicum education office at the School of Social Work is responsible for assigning you to a practicum placement. Our practicum education program has long-standing relationships with social work agencies and is responsible for developing all placement sites. We maintain regular contact with practicum agencies regarding student placements. If you want to be placed at a specific agency, submit your request in writing to the practicum education office in Garden City or at one of the off-campus centers. We’ll contact the agency to explore the feasibility of developing this placement.
No, however, there are a few competitive stipend internships available to second-year MSW students. Students who are employed in a human service setting may be eligible for employment-based practicum placement.
Yes. Foundation-level internships offer opportunities for developing generalist social work practice skills. Second-year placements focus on the development of advanced clinical skills and skills for the advanced direct practice with individuals, couples, families and small groups.
The best way to prepare is to attend the mandatory practicum education orientation. This orientation will provide you with the information you need to begin your practicum placement.
No. The program is based on a concurrent curriculum model, where students take practicum instruction along with required courses in social work practice.
No. The practicum education office will work with you to arrange an interview for a practicum placement at an agency that meets your learning needs. If the interview goes well and you and the agency agree that the placement is an appropriate fit, it will be confirmed. If either party has reservations, another interview will be arranged.
Yes. For many placements, a criminal background check is required. Fingerprinting, a physical and PPD (tuberculosis test) or other health requirements may be required. When possible, you will be notified about these requirements in advance. You’re responsible for paying any fees that agencies do not cover.
Any missed hours must be made up.
This type of placement is called an employment-based practicum placement and must be approved by the practicum education office. Approval of an employment-based practicum placement application depends on timely submission of the application and the integrity of the proposed practicum assignment. You must be employed for a minimum of six months in advance in order to be considered for employment-based practicum placement.
No. Hours that count toward licensure must be completed after receiving your MSW.
Yes. You’ll receive a grade of pass, incomplete or fail.
You’re expected to allow approximately 45 minutes of travel time to and from your practicum placement site. Every effort will be made to plan a reasonable commute.
Yes, but evening and/or weekend placements are very limited. Many agencies are either closed or do not have available supervision or suitable assignments during these hours. Typical placement days are Monday–Friday and take place during standard business hours.
Garden City Students
Adelphi University
School of Social Work
Practicum Education Office
One South Avenue
PO Box 701
Garden City, NY 11530
Suffolk County Students
Adelphi University
Hauppauge Education and Conference Center
School of Social Work
150 Motor Parkway, Hauppauge, NY 11787
Manhattan Center Students
Adelphi University
School of Social Work
Practicum Education Department
75 Varick Street – 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10013
Hudson Valley Center Students
Adelphi University
School of Social Work
Hudson Valley Center
19 Baker Street
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601