Practicum Education is considered the central form of instruction and learning in which our profession socializes its students. It is often referred to as the heart of social work. The goal is to connect the classroom with real-world practice experiences. Practicum Education seeks to prepare students for the world of professional social work practice by placing them in actual settings where, under the guidance of social work practitioners, they will develop essential competencies in applying social work knowledge, values, and skills.
The Chico State social work program is a generalist program, which means we prepare students with a broad-based set of knowledge, skills, and values necessary for entry level social work professional practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
School of Social Work Mission Statement:
The California State University, Chico School of Social Work acknowledges the Mechoopda lands on which it resides, our commitment as a Hispanic Serving Institution, and our surrounding rural and extended communities. Our priorities align with the University's mission by providing a rich experiential learning environment through our signature pedagogy, practicum education. We are committed to providing accessible and high-quality education to diverse students within rapidly changing social, political, and physical environments. We strive to center the student experience through anti-oppressive approaches as students develop into ethical social work practitioners in pursuit of social, economic, racial, and environmental healing and justice in service to others.