Students

Practicum Application & Information Sessions

Practicum is an essential component in social work education. Your practicum placement is where you get to apply the knowledge and skills you learn in the classroom to actual people and real-life situations under the supervision of a licensed social worker. It is the place where you learn how to become a social worker and make positive contributions to the lives of others.

If you are a new student and have submitted your confirmation deposit, please submit a practicum application. This application is different than the school admissions application. To access the application, click on the link above to log in to the electronic notebook using your UMB username and password. PLEASE NOTE: Practicum Applications do not open until the second week of December the prior year. For example, if you are applying for the 2027-2028 academic year, applications will become available December of 2026.

**Applications for 2027-2028 will become available December 8, 2026

Students planning to take practicum in the fall of 2027 will need to submit their application by the following deadlines:

Current Full-Time Foundation students going into their Advanced year - January 22, 2027
Current Part-Time students – March 1, 2027
New Students – Submit within 2 weeks after making your confirmation deposit (after applications open on December 8, 2026)

After your practicum application is received, a practicum coordinator will review it to find the most suitable placement for you based on the information provided. Note: Applications can not be accepted after June 1, 2027.

INFORMATION SESSIONS

The Office of Practicum Education will hold several information sessions for students who are planning to take practicum in the fall 2027. Please click on one of the links below to register.

DATES FOR INFORMATION SESSIONS WILL BE POSTED THIS FALL - PLEASE CHECK BACK LATER

For more information, go to Frequently Asked Questions Page.

You may call or email the Office of Practicum Education to schedule an appointment with a placement coordinator to discuss opportunities at (410) 706-7187 or email practicum@ssw.umaryland.edu

We wish you every success as you begin your professional training. Don't forget, if you are a new student you will need to attend a mandatory Practicum Orientation in August prior to beginning practicum.

Practicum Orientation & Learning Lab

Advanced Standing students and Foundation students who are taking practicum for the first time at our school are required to attend a virtual orientation & watch two videos prior to starting their practicum. To clarify, "Advanced Standing" students are admitted with a BSW and will complete the program in one year, while regular "Advanced" students complete the program in two years and have attended orientation previously for their Foundation year - these students do not need to attend this year. Only new students need to attend.

In addition to attending orientation, Foundation students are expected to attend Learning Lab to better prepare them for their placement and the requirements of the program.

Orientation Videos

Prior to attending Orientation, ALL NEW students are required to watch two videos:

Click here to watch the Practicum Education Videos

Video 1: Ethical Responsibilities, Code of Conduct, and Safety

Video 2: Use of Self: Compassion Satisfaction and Compassion Fatigue

Advanced Standing Students

Advanced Standing students are required to attend a virtual Practicum Orientation on August 27, 2026, from 9 AM - 12 PM.

Click on this link to REGISTER for Advanced Standing Orientation.

2026 Advanced Standing Practicum Orientation AGENDA

Practicum Orientation Handouts 2026-2027

Foundation Students

Foundation students are required to participate in Orientation AND Learning Lab prior to beginning their practicum. Students will be introduced to, and practice, basic social work skills connected to the first learning competency. Instruction will be provided through a combination of live-virtual learning, asynchronous learning, and an in-person day of learning activities.

Day 1 - Virtual PRACTICUM ORIENTATION MAKE-UP SESSION will be held FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2026, from 9 AM to 12 PM.

Click here to REGISTER FOR THE MAKE-UP SESSION ON 9/4/2026

2026 Foundation Practicum Orientation AGENDA

Practicum Orientation Handouts 2026-2027

Day 2 - In-Person LEARNING LAB (Students can sign in starting at 8:30 AM)

Shady Grove Campus (for students placed in the DC Metro Area): Tuesday, September 1, from 9 AM - 4:30 PM
Baltimore Campus (for students placed in the Baltimore Metro Area): Thursday, September 3, from 9 AM - 4:30 PM

2026 Learning Lab Schedule.pdf

Campus Locations for Learning Lab

September 1, 2026 - USG Campus

Check in: Building II - Conference Center

Universities at Shady Grove Campus

9630 Gudelsky Drive

Rockville, MD 20850

USG Campus Map

September 3, 2026 - Baltimore Campus

Check in: Auditorium - First Floor

UM School of Social Work

525 W. Redwood Street

Baltimore MD 21201

UMB Campus Map

DINING OPTIONS FOR DAY 2

Breakfast and lunch will not be provided. Students may either bring their lunch or purchase lunch from a nearby vendor. Click on the links below for dining options for each campus. Some vendors accept pre-orders. We will provide waters and you are welcome to bring your water bottle along.

Places to Eat - USG Campus

Places to Eat - Baltimore Campus

PARKING UMB Parking Garages

USG Parking Map