Social Work Practicum Information

Students must begin the practicum placement process as soon as they obtain candidacy for the BSW program. Students must register within the practicum placement management software and complete the practicum application to start their process of securing a placement. Once Practicum Directors confirm the placement, instructions will be sent for clearances and next steps. If the clearance process is not completed, students are not permitted to attend practicum. Failure to follow and complete this process may impact enrollment, course grade, financial aid and/or time to completion of degree. More details per placement are indicated below.

PK-12 School-Based Placements

Students in school-based practicum placements will supply their clearances and liability insurance to the Office of Clinical Experiences and Candidate Services. If there are specific criteria for your practicum experience, please work with your assigned Practicum Director for this process.

Non-School-Based Placements

Students in non-school-based practicum placements are required/mandated to use CastleBranch for their clearance processing. This software offers a process for verifying eligibility and ensuring compliance with site affiliation agreements.  

CastleBranch is mandatory. Students cannot start their practicum until this process is complete. Fees must be paid directly to CastleBranch (financial aid cannot be used). Students are required to monitor their email to receive important updates and next steps from Academic Contract Administration & Compliance Operations. If there are specific criteria for your practicum experience, please work with your assigned Practicum Director for this process.