Are practicum and internship required for this program?
Yes, the SchoolCounseling@Denver program requires that students complete a practicum (one quarter, 100 hours) and internship (two quarters, 600 hours total).
Does the program arrange for practicum and internship placements?
The SchoolCounseling@Denver program provides a placement service that supports students throughout the practicum and internship placement process. Students work closely with a Placement Specialist who works to identify a qualified, program-approved site(s) in or near the student’s community at which students will complete their practicum and internship. Should students want to identify their own practicum and internship; the Placement Team can support students through the Referral Process, in which students submit qualified referrals for specific sites who have expressed interest in hosting an intern. Should students have a specific interest, travel restriction, or schedule accommodation; submitting referrals that can meet these needs and interests is a great way to secure a placement that suits students’ preferences. Remember, all practicum and internships are subject to the approval of the Program.
The Placement Process for SchoolCounseling@Denver can take up to 120 days from start to finish. Students can expect to hear from their Placement Specialist about 120 days prior to the quarter in which students are scheduled to start placement. During this initial conversation, students will learn more about the placement process, referral process, placement policies, and will have an opportunity to ask questions about placement.
What types of practicum and internship placements are available?
The Placement Team for the SchoolCounseling@Denver program works to place students in schools within the student’s community. The Placement Team develops affiliations with schools throughout the United States, from rural communities to more urban settings. Note that students will traditionally complete their Practicum and Internship at the same location, providing students with the opportunity to become integrated within the school over three academic quarters. However, we understand that your state may require placement to occur at different types of location (ex. elementary and secondary). Placement at more than one site can be accommodated if needed.
What are standard practicum and internship hours?
Practicum and internship sites will vary in their availability. The majority of our students complete their practicum and internship during weekly business hours during the traditional school year (e.g. September to June), but your exact schedule will be dependent on the site. The contract that you and your site supervisor sign should clearly dictate your schedule and the times that you must be available to the site. If your current schedule dictates that you complete field hours outside of regular business, you will need to find a site that has the ability to accommodate your schedule, and ensure that there are enough hours of direct client contact and supervision hours available during the times that you are there. The SchoolCounseling@Denver Placement Team works to identify schools with availability between the hours of 8am – 5pm, Monday through Friday. Again, should students need a practicum and/or internship that can accommodate hours beyond this timeframe; they are highly encouraged to submit referrals. Students will complete their Practicum over one academic quarter for roughly 10 hours per week for a total of 100 hours. Internship will take place over two academic quarters, for roughly 30 hours per week for a total of 300 hours for Internship I, and 300 hours for Internship II.
What should I do to prepare for my practicum and internship placement?
We understand that adding Practicum and Internship to your schedule can be a big shift in your day-to-day. To prepare, we suggest talking to your current employer (if applicable) about how your schedule might change once placement begins. Your Student Success Advisor is also available to discuss time management strategies and tips for how to navigate classes, placement, homework, family obligations, and maintaining balance in your life.
If you are interested in submitting a referral, we suggest starting to research potential schools to submit to the Placement Team. The Placement Team is available to discuss the referral process, best practices, and suggestions for how to speak with potential placement sites.
Should you have any questions about the placement process, please email placement@morgridgeonline.du.edu and the Placement Team would be glad to assist.