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What is a Master of Social Work (MSW) Internship?

Students in an accredited MSW program are required to complete internships for a set number of hours throughout the MSW program. 

• These are known as Field Education placements (internships) and are the signature pedagogy of social work education. 
• This is where students are given the opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom in a safe and supervised environment. 
• Students work one-on-one with a social worker in an actual agency, and will personally experience how social workers can make a real difference in people's lives through direct practice and engagement with clients. 

What Does Field Education Look Like for Me as a Student? 

Students entering the MSW program at the National Catholic School of Social Service (NCSSS) without a BSW and advanced standing status will complete two separate internships:  

• Foundation year internship: 16 hours/week (480 hours total over two semesters) 
• Advanced year internship: 20 hours/week (600 hours total over two semesters) 

Students entering our program as an advanced standing student will complete one advanced year internship at 20 hours/week (600 hours total over two semesters).  Your BSW senior year internship serves as your foundation year internship in the MSW program.  

For students who qualify, the NCSSS MSW program also offers two different work-based internship options for students to use as their internship.

The MSW internship is your learning experience that will allow you to develop a professional commitment to social work practice, develop the necessary skills to evaluate social work practice, and provide direct clinical practice skills.