Social Work Practicum Education: Benefit from a One-of-a-Kind Experience
Learn by Doing With a Hands-On Approach
As part of the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Sacred Heart University, our social work practicum education provides opportunities for students to practice their skills in hands-on work environments.
Practicum education placements typically begin in the fall and run through the spring semester. During this part of the online MSW, you will take online courses that correspond with the practicum education.
Many students complete their practicum education at community health clinics, hospitals, legislative offices, public health agencies and senior centers. By being placed in a real-world location, you will be asked to commit to and serve the interests of the placement organization and its clients to the best of your ability.
Make Your Practicum Education Successful
Before starting the practicum education component of the MSW program, you must:
- Be in good program status
- Have an average GPA of 3.0
- Score a 3.0 on the Rubric for Professional Behavior
- Complete the Generalist Year practicum for Specialized Year placement
For additional practicum education requirements, request more information or call (877) 791-7181.
Experienced Liaisons Help You Help Others
A practicum education liaison will work directly with you one year before your in-person requirements begin, offering a level of support unmatched by other schools. Our liaisons are responsible for:
- Assisting with résumé preparation
- Practicing interview techniques
- Coaching and guiding you throughout the entire practicum education process
- Seeking outplacement locations
Once placed, another faculty member will work with you for the duration of your practicum.
Sharlene Kerelejza, Interim Director of Practicum Education/Assistant Clinical Professor, MSW, LMSW
Faculty Spotlight: Sharlene Kerelejza
Sharlene Kerelejza, MSW, LMSW, has been a clinical assistant professor in Sacred Heart University’s School of Social Work since 2019, where she incorporates her experiences to support her demonstrated teaching excellence. Since her start at the University, she has served as the Interim Director of Practicum Education and as an Inclusive Teaching Fellow from 2021-2022. She is also a Certified Body Trust® Provider and Certified Healing Centered Engagement Practitioner.
When it comes to helping students succeed, Professor Kerelejza truly cherishes the opportunity to support students in every step of the practicum education process. She works diligently to resolve practicum education challenges and help students strengthen their professional mediation skills to serve others.
“Witnessing students take in and integrate growth-centered feedback across the classroom, placement site and in relationship to staff and faculty throughout the School of Social Work provides me great delight and pride in such a strong practicum team and student body.”
-Professor Sharlene Kerelejza
Professor Kerelejza earned her BSW from the University of Saint Joseph (then Saint Joseph College) and her MSW from Columbia University before beginning her career in the non-profit sector where she exercised her passion for social justice and equity advocacy, and supported survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence. Her passion called her to work in primary violence prevention programming for twenty-five years, ten of which she served as Executive Director of Meriden-Wallingford Chrysalis, Domestic Violence Services. Her public service efforts also include serving as co-organizer of the Women’s March in Hartford, Connecticut.
Currently, her primary professional interests include trauma-informed practice, creating safe spaces for the LGBTGEQIAP+ community, organizing, and non-profit leadership/management. In her free time, she enjoys playing soccer, hiking and dancing with her spouse and their two children.
“Obtaining my MSW will allow me to work in a setting where clinical experience is required, such as a hospital. It has been my dream to be a hospital social worker because of my own story of having a disability and spending time in a hospital. Sacred Heart is, and will, help me make that dream a reality.”
– Katie Tomlinson, Online Master of Social Work Student, 2019
Your Questions Answered
Choosing to pursue an online degree comes with a lot of questions. We’re here to help you find the answers you’re looking for about your program of study and practicum education. If you have a question not covered here, call (877) 791-7181 to speak with a program manager or request more information.