Research & Teaching Practicums

Doctoral students fulfill a required research practicum (SW 780) in the second year of the program, which involves mentorship, skill-building, and applied experience in designing and implementing research. The research practicum earns six credits toward the degree and requires a minimum of 500 hours, which may be accomplished in two or three semesters, depending upon the student and the particular practicum setting. Research practica may be arranged within the School of Social Work, within the greater Barry University, or in other local or extra-local institutions and agencies.

Doctoral students may also fulfill an elective teaching practicum (SW 781). Following the requisite course in Social Work Education, doctoral candidates can plan a teaching practicum that includes mentorship and capacity-building for the teaching role. Teaching practica ordinarily involve the doctoral candidate in the delivery of the MSW and/or BSW curriculum in collaboration with a faculty mentor. Other social work education functions, such as advisement, or educational evaluation, may be included in a practicum plan. Teaching practica earn 3 credits and require up to 250 hours. When doctoral students are invited to teach MSW and BSW courses as adjunct instructors, preference is given to those who have completed SW 750, Social Work Education, and SW 781, Teaching Practicum.