LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) has enrolled the largest cohort of practicum education students in the College’s history, marking a significant milestone in its continued growth and commitment to preparing career-ready social work professionals.
Practicum education—often referred to as the signature pedagogy of social work—is a required, hands-on component of both Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) programs. Through supervised practicum placements, students apply classroom learning in real-world social service settings, developing professional skills, ethical decision-making, and a strong social work identity.
This year’s record enrollment is supported by the College’s national practicum education network of more than 3,000 agency and nonprofit partners across Kentucky and the United States. These partnerships span a wide range of practice settings, including child welfare, behavioral health, healthcare, schools, criminal justice systems, community organizations, and policy and advocacy agencies.
“Our practicum education program is designed to empower students to pursue practicum placement opportunities that align with their personal interests and professional goals,” said Dr. Stephanie Ratliff, director of practicum education. “Through required educational supervision and mentoring by experienced social workers, students gain real-world experience that prepares them to enter the workforce with confidence, competence, and a deep understanding of the communities they serve.”
Unlike traditional internship models, CoSW’s practicum education approach empowers students to forge their practicum experience, ensuring students are placed in agencies that support their learning objectives while meeting workforce needs across Kentucky and beyond. Students receive structured supervision from qualified agency practicum instructors who guide skill development in areas such as case management, direct client services, advocacy, assessment, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Practicum education plays a critical role in bridging theory and practice. By integrating academic instruction with supervised practice, students learn to translate evidence-based knowledge into effective service delivery for individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
The expansion of the practicum education cohort responds directly to the accelerating national demand for trained social work professionals. As one of the fastest-growing professions in the country, social work requires robust, practice-ready pipelines to meet increasingly complex social and behavioral health needs.
Through its expansive network of community partnerships, the College of Social Work is positioned to meet that demand—preparing graduates who are ready to serve from day one.
Hear directly from MSW student Emma Noffsinger as she shares how practicum education has shaped her professional preparation in the video below:
For more information about practicum education at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work, visit https://socialwork.uky.edu/academics/practicum/.
For over 85 years, the College of Social Work (CoSW) at the University of Kentucky has been a leader in education. Our mission is clear: Through rigorous research, excellence in instruction, and steadfast service, the CoSW works to improve the human condition. Always, in all ways.
As the state’s flagship university, our mission is actualized through our deeds. Our faculty are renowned academicians dedicated to fostering the development of high-quality practitioners and researchers. As a college, we promote community and individual well-being through translational research and scholarship, exemplary teaching, and vital community engagement. We are committed to the people and social institutions throughout Kentucky, the nation, and the world.
