The State of Sport-Based Practicum Education for Social Work Students
Sport-Based Practicum Education
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33043/82ccbr7dKeywords:
field education, field placements, sport social work, internships, sport organizationsAbstract
In preparation for a career in social work, students take part in a field practicum, an opportunity to engage in experiential learning, which is considered a signature pedagogy by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). With the emergence of sport social work as an area of social work practice, there is a need for sport-specific field practicums to prepare students for a career as a social worker in sport. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore the state of sport-specific field practicums in the United States. A survey was completed by 119 social work faculty and staff at CSWE-accredited institutions. Findings support the fact that social work practice in sport is growing, but there remain barriers to establishing effective and sustainable practicum placements in sport organizations. Considering these barriers, specific implications for social work staff, faculty, and students are discussed in order to support the continued growth of sport-related social work practicum opportunities.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Lauren Beasley, Jax Heil, Melody Huslage, Kareema Gray, Dana J. Sullivan, Tarkington J Newman
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