Agency Based Education

Agency-Based Education is a core component of the MSW program at Howard University and meets the accreditation standards and policies established by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Through supervised placements, students gain direct experience working with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. These real-world settings allow students to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom while developing essential skills such as service delivery, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and professional communication.

Students are required to complete four semesters of agency placements in approved social work agencies under the supervision of licensed MSW professionals. This sequence of Agency-Based Education courses accounts for 12 credit hours toward the MSW degree (1000 clock hours) and is designed to be taken alongside academic coursework to ensure integration of theory and practice.

Throughout their placements, students engage with clients or systems at various stages of the helping process—including engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation. Practicum placements include both micro and macro practice experiences while each student receives ongoing support from faculty consultants and agency-based instructors to ensure guided learning and professional growth.

First Year – Generalist Agency-Based Placement

First-year students complete agency-based education alongside their foundation-level Practice Methods course. These placements are designed to introduce students to core skills and concepts, supported by knowledge from their generalist coursework. Students are placed in settings that provide services across various levels of practice.

Second Year – Specialized Agency-Based Placement

In the second year, traditional, and advanced standing, students move into advanced placements that align with their chosen practice concentration and specialization. These experiences deepen the integration of classroom learning with practicum placement. Students operate with more independence, working with specific populations or within specialized settings. Practicum assignments are designed to help students demonstrate mastery of advanced competencies in professional behavior, decision-making, and intervention strategies.