Field Education

We are glad you are a part of the Indiana University School of Social Work community! IU has educated social work students since 1911. Our accredited programs are among the top social work programs in the United States. Beyond the classroom, practicum education is critical to preparing our students for professional social work practice. Social work programs rely on the commitment of Practicum and Task Instructors, Faculty Practicum Liaisons and the curiosity of students to ensure everyone benefits from a high-quality practicum experience.

Several years ago, the Council on Social Work Education (social work’s accrediting body) designated practicum education the “signature pedagogy” of social work education. Practicum is where classroom learning comes alive; it is where students really learn to apply and further develop their technical and relational skills. In practicum, students lose the protection of “simulated practice” and are compelled to engage their capacity to critically consider how their knowledge translates into service to others.

It is incumbent upon us as educators to ensure students are ready for practice upon graduation. Our status as an accredited program requires us to demonstrate, through both classroom and practicum, student learning outcomes around nine specific competencies. Our assessment processes offer students opportunities to demonstrate and discuss their learning progress with instructors. There is no better place to practice, receive feedback, and learn as a student than while under the supervision of a practicing social work professional during the practicum.

We hope the practicum education experience advances your learning to new levels and helps to fertilize the seeds of knowledge planted in the classroom. Best wishes for an enlightening and enriching practicum education experience!

Kalea Benner, PhD, MSW, LCSW                              Amy Murphy-Nugen, PhD, MSW

Dean and Professor                                                       Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Associate Professor