As a student in the Department of Social Work, you will be career-ready through hands‑on practicum/internship placements and strong community partnerships that build practice skills, professional networks, and pathways to employment.
Through strong, sustained community partnerships, the College of Public Health’s Department of Social Work prepares students to enter the public health workforce with confidence, competence, and professional connections. These partnerships give Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) students hands‑on experience in real‑world settings while building relationships that often extend beyond graduation.
photo by Sarah Supsiri
Each academic year, students complete practicum placements with agencies working across health care, behavioral health, housing, education, criminal justice, and community services. For the 2025–26 academic year, 169 community partner agencies hosted BSW and MSW students—providing direct supervision, mentorship, and exposure to the daily realities of public health‑focused social work practice.
“Our community partners are essential to how we prepare students for practice‑ready careers in public health and social work,” said Emily Ihara, Chair of the Department of Social Work. “By serving as mentors and supervisors, our partners help bridge the gap between theory and practice—giving students the skills, confidence, and professional relationships that shape their careers beyond graduation.”
For students, these experiences serve as a bridge between theory and practice. By working alongside seasoned professionals, they develop critical skills in client engagement, program implementation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Just as important, students gain insight into organizational cultures and career pathways, helping them clarify professional goals and strengthen their readiness for the public health workforce. For many graduating students, practicum placements open the door to full‑time employment, including Heather Apostol BSW ’26, who student leveraged her internship experience into a professional role.
Grateful to our community partners
In addition to immersive practicum placements, the department creates intentional opportunities for students to expand their professional networks. Recently, bachelor and master of social work students currently enrolled in internships participated in a Partner Appreciation Breakfast and professional engagement gathering designed to deepen cross‑agency connections. While students already develop close relationships within their own placements, the gathering allowed them to broaden their exposure and learn from professionals representing a wide range of public health and social service settings.
photo by Sarah Supsiri
Fourteen BSW and MSW students took part in structured networking conversations, practicing how to articulate their practicum experiences, share professional interests, and engage with potential employers. The gathering also included a hybrid continuing education training led by Department of Social Work faculty Anna Parsi and Holly Matto, introducing students and community partners to innovative, evidence‑based approaches to addiction treatment.
Together, these partnerships and professional engagement opportunities ensure students graduate with more than academic credentials. They leave with hands‑on experience, expanded professional networks, and the confidence to make an immediate impact in the communities they serve.
Partners in attendance included:
- UVA Health - Prince William Medical Center
- US Department of Veterans Affairs - Washington DC VA Medical Center
- National Capital Treatment and Recovery
- Loudoun County Community Services Board - Loudoun County Department of Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Developmental Services - Adult Detention Center
- Affordable Homes and Communities
- George Washington University – Counseling and Psychological Services
- Second Story
- Ayuda
- The Dorm