As the need for mental health services, child welfare support, and community development continues to grow, the demand for qualified social workers remains high. Social workers play a vital role in connecting individuals with resources and support services, providing counseling, advocating for underserved populations and influencing policy to promote the well-being of individuals and families both locally and globally.
Practical, hands-on experience is essential for aspiring social workers to navigate real-world challenges, develop critical problem-solving skills and build meaningful connections with the communities they serve. Hands-on training ensures they can apply theoretical knowledge effectively, fostering confidence and competence in addressing complex social issues. Practicums—i.e., field placements—play a significant role in the University of Pittsburgh’s part-time, online Master of Social Work (MSW) program. This article explains how the online program’s MSW practicums equip students to put theory into practice.
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Alongside the Practicum: Key Courses and Learning Experiences
The Pitt online MSW curriculum prepares students to put social work theory and principles into practice through generalist courses and a specialization curriculum focused on Direct Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups.
The generalist curriculum covers essential social work concepts in human behavior and the social environment, diverse populations, social work practice, public policy and research methods. The specialized curriculum covers more advanced skills required to become Direct Practice social workers working with individuals, families and small groups in settings such as hospitals, mental health agencies, child welfare organizations, and schools. Students learn to engage, assess, intervene and evaluate their practice with clients and become self-reflective practitioners who display cultural humility.
Students can further specialize by earning a certificate in one of three areas: Children, Youth, and Families; Integrated Healthcare; or Mental Health. To earn a certificate, students must complete additional designated coursesr alongside the general and specialist curriculums.
The MSW Practicum Experience
Pitt online students complete two separate practicum experiences during the degree program. The practicum is divided into a generalist experience for first-year MSW students and a specialization experience for second-year students, with the first practicum placement starting in their second semester.
The practicum placement process is a collaborative experience between the student and their practicum advisor to identify an accessible placement experience that aligns with both student interests and required skill development. Students may potentially use their current place of employment as a practicum site and can discuss this option with their practicum advisor.
Generalist Year
The generalist practicum experience focuses on developing foundational social work skills. During this year, students build skills in working with individuals, groups, families, organizations, and communities. The practicum experience encompasses 360 hours and requires a time commitment of 12 to 16 hours a week over a period of approximately 2 semesters.
Specialist Year
The specialist practicum enables students to deepen their skills and knowledge in Direct Practice, focusing on individuals, families, and small groups. If they are pursuing a certificate, students and their practicum advisor will work to identify a practicum placement that will develop the skills required for their area of interest. The specialization placement requires 720 practicum hours and a time commitment of 24 hours per week over a period of 3-4 semesters.
Additional Social Work Preparation: The VanKirk Career Center
The Pitt online MSW program helps students prepare to enter the workforce upon graduation through events and career counseling. The VanKirk Career Center offers licensure workshops each term focused on the Pennsylvania licensing application process and requirements, and will help students outside of PA identify licensure workshops within their state. In some states, including Pennsylvania, students take the licensure exam in the last term of their social work education. The VanKirk Career Canvas site offers additional licensure prep assistance, including:
- Support in exploring the licensure application process in the student’s home state
- Six-hour licensure exam prep courses in the fall and spring
- Access to the NASW’s exam preparation guide and digital practice tests
In addition, Pitt MSW students and alums can request individual consultations with the Career Center for help with licensure, evaluating job offers and implementing a career plan.
Taking the Next Step: Choose an Online MSW that Fits Your Needs
Pitt’s part-time online MSW program is designed for working professionals. It features asynchronous coursework and the opportunity to complete practicum experiences at the student’s current employer or a nearby location, helping students enter the field confidently with in-depth knowledge and practical skills.
Pitt’s MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Board of Accreditation, and the Pitt School of Social Work is ranked #12 nationwide on U.S. News & World Report’s list of “Best Schools of Social Work.” Pitt’s social work licensure pass rate is 14 percent higher than the national average.
If you’re ready to take the next step, review the admissions requirements and start your application today, or connect with an enrollment advisor to discuss your career goals and how the Pitt online MSW can help you achieve them.