Of the over 600 social work schools in the nation, The University of Alabama School of Social Work is the only school outside of the Washington metro area that offers BSW and MSW students the unique opportunity to complete their semester-long practicum in Washington, DC. The program — which comprises the MSW DC Practicum Placement, BSW DC Practicum Placement, and Washington, D.C. Fly-In — prepares students both personally and professionally by exposing them to cutting-edge, direct-service programs as well as public policy and advocacy implementation. Students are selected through a competitive application and interview process to participate in each program. Graduates go on to careers in social work focusing on public policy, public health, direct services and private practice.
MSW DC Program
Innovative and progressive at its inception almost 40 years ago, the MSW DC program has grown significantly over the years. The program’s more than 700 alumni have gained invaluable work experience that has allowed them to go on to dynamic careers in social work. The University and the School of Social Work receive widespread, national recognition due to the program’s success and impact.
| MSW DC Program | Program Dates |
|---|---|
| Field Education Begins | January 10, 2024 |
| Field Education Ends | April 26, 2024 |
| Work schedule is five days a week, 40 hours per week. MSW students are required to have 500 hours of practicum education. |
Practicum education assignments are based on:
- Agency availability
- Student concentration objectives
- Student career goals
- Areas of interest
Specific courses offered in Washington DC:
- SW 595 Field Placement (9 credit hours)
- SW 501 Advanced Social Welfare Policy Analysis (3 credit hours)
- Online courses (3 credit hours)
- MSW DC students take SW 501: Advanced Social Welfare Policy Analysis, in DC. Classes meet at the headquarters of the National Association of Social Workers. Students meet with members of Congress and their staff, interact with speakers from policy and advocacy agencies, and learn firsthand how policy is created. Students are exposed to social policy in the making, whether in Congress, the Supreme Court or in their agency placements.
Important Note: Spring break days are not scheduled in Washington because of the need to be available for practicum assignments. You may, however, take a maximum of five personal leave days, which are subject to your supervisor’s approval and permitting your workload.
BSW DC Program
The BSW DC Program was created in 2014 with Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and has grown to include numerous agencies in the DC metro area. Students are placed in direct service and policy and advocacy agencies.
| BSW DC Program | Program Dates |
|---|---|
| Field Education Begins | August 23, 2023 |
| Field Education Ends | November 22, 2023 |
| Work schedule is five days a week, 40 hours per week. BSW students are required to have 450 hours of practicum education. |
Practicum education assignments are based on:
- Agency availability
- Generalist practice objectives
- Student career goals
Specific courses offered in Washington DC:
- SW 490 Field Placement (9 credit hours)
- SW 443 Seminar in Generalist Practice (3 credit hours)
- Online courses (3 credit hours)
BSW students take the course SW 443/SW445: Seminar in Generalist Practice in DC. The course covers all aspects of practicum education practice and incorporates policy and advocacy through attending Supreme Court oral arguments, meeting with members of Congress, and speakers from policy and advocacy agencies.