Field Experiences
Walden University offers programs in several disciplines that require field experience(s) as part of the curriculum. To support field experience across disciplines, the Office of Student Experiential Learning Services oversees the development of centralized processes for managing field experience activities, including application, supervisor and site approval, and site and/or student evaluation. The mission of this office is to ensure that Walden is meeting federal and state regulatory requirements as well as the requirements for the professional accrediting agencies that mandate field experiences.
Field Experience Preparation
Walden is committed to providing students with resources and support in preparation of field experience(s). To help ease anxiety in the field experience process, Walden offers a 0-credit Field Experience Preparation course, a structured experience that guides students through the currently available readiness resources. Students develop readiness through steps and milestones aligned with the field experience application and onboarding process. Steps include affirmation of planning details, identification of a field experience site, confirmation of application submittal, post-application requirements, and personal preparation for success at the field location. Activities focus on organization for searching and securing the site and professional comportment both during the site search and attendance at the site. Students confirm their field readiness through milestones designed to provide themselves and field experience coordinators with visibility on their field site preparation activities.
The Field Experience Preparation course contains not only the foundational components of the field experience process, but also includes activities that are designed specifically for each discipline and are staffed by field experience coordinators from the discipline. The course is designed to complement other pre-requisite courses needed in preparation of field experience(s). The goal is that students submit their field experience application, or other requirements depending on the discipline, by the end of the course. Of course, there may be reasons why a field experience needs to be postponed or the readiness course may not be needed if a field experience has already been secured. In this instance, students may opt-out of the course. By opting out of the Field Experience Preparation course without having submitted a complete field experience application you are notifying Walden that you have chosen to delay the beginning of your field experience indefinitely, it is your responsibility to notify Walden when you plan to begin the field experience component of your program. In some instances, opting out of the Field Experience Preparation course indicates the foundational components of the field experience process have been satisfied and submission of the field experience application is pending. While the course is not yet available for Tempo students, the same readiness resources are available to Tempo students seeking field experience.
Field experiences include the following:
Field Experience in Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
The purpose of Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) field education is to allow students to apply theory to practice. Through the combination of classroom instruction and agency experiences, students are able to apply and demonstrate their social work knowledge, values, and skills in relation to identified client needs and the agency’s purpose. As students learn from the professional demands of agency life, the knowledge, values, and skills acquired from all areas of the curriculum are translated into performance and professional competence. Field instruction provides opportunities for students to gain new knowledge and understanding in all areas of the curriculum.
Field Education Courses (SOCW 4100 and SOCW 4110)
During the field experience part of their education, students will complete field education courses, as well as their hours at the approved agencies. The courses and the agency hours are completed at the same time. For the BSW degree, there are two courses to be taken back-to-back, SOCW 4100 and SOCW 4110. During these courses students will participate in their learning at their approved agency. They will use the same agency for both courses to complete the field experience requirement. The courses are designed to help students integrate social work knowledge and values with the skills learned at the agency. The field experience placement provides students the opportunity to learn the general practice of professional social work.
Walden BSW students will
- Complete 400 hours over two consecutive quarters (200 per quarter) in an approved social service agency under the supervision of a professional social worker (field instructor). This is SOCW 4100 and SOCW 4110.
- Participate in a concurrent Senior Seminar course each quarter (Senior Seminar I/II).
- Participate in weekly synchronous meeting with their faculty (field liaison) and fellow field students (This is a part of the Senior Seminar courses).
- The field liaison will meet with the field instructor and student one or two times per quarter; these meetings will be conducted virtually.
For more information about the field experience process, please visit the Field Experience website.
Field Experience in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
In the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Field Experience, students receive a supervised clinical experience with emphasis on the knowledge and practice of counseling skills, theories, competencies, and best practices. Students are provided with experiential learning opportunities in preparation for entering into the mental health counseling profession in the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Field Experience.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Practicum
The practicum is the first experiential training component of field experience. Practicum is “a distinctly defined, supervised clinical experience in which the student develops basic counseling skills and integrates professional knowledge” (CACREP). Students secure a field site that meets the policies and criteria listed in the Field Experience Manual, submit an application to start practicum within the posted application windows, and satisfactorily complete the practicum in one academic quarter of coursework. Students complete at least 100 hours, including at least 40 direct hours with clients, while participating in weekly individual/triadic supervision with the approved site supervisor and group supervision via videoconference with the faculty supervisor (practicum instructor), earning satisfactory evaluations from faculty and site supervisors, and adhering to all SOC-OFE policies outlined in the Field Experience Manual, as well as site and university policies, the ACA code of ethics, and all state regulations for counseling professionals.
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Internship
The internship field experience is completed after the student has satisfactorily completed the practicum experience. According to the CACREP standards, internship is “a distinctly defined, post-practicum, supervised ‘capstone’ clinical experience in which the student refines and enhances basic counseling or student development knowledge and skills, and integrates and authenticates professional knowledge and skills appropriate to his or her program and initial postgraduate professional placement.” Students secure a field site that meets the policies and criteria listed in the Field Experience Manual, submit an application to start internship within the posted application windows, and satisfactorily complete the internship in two academic quarters of coursework. Students complete a minimum of 600 hours, including at least 240 direct hours with clients (of which a portion of hours must be in group counseling), while participating in weekly individual/triadic supervision with the approved site supervisor and group supervision via videoconference with the faculty supervisor (internship instructor), earning satisfactory evaluations from faculty and site supervisors, and adhering to all SOC-OFE policies outlined in the Field Experience Manual, as well as site and university policies, the ACA code of ethics, and all state regulations for counseling professionals.
See more at the School of Counseling Office of Field Experience website.
Field Experience in Counselor Education and Supervision
In the PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision Field Experience, students are provided with supervised experiences in counselor education and supervision. Students are provided with experiential learning opportunities which allow them to integrate their professional knowledge and skills, and to continue their development in specialization areas.
Doctoral Practicum
The doctoral practicum is an essential component of applied professional training, which allows students to develop advanced counseling skills while under supervision. The nature of the doctoral-level practicum experience is to be determined in consultation with program faculty and/or the Office of Field Experience. Students secure a field site that meets the policies and criteria listed in the Field Experience Manual, submit an application to start practicum within the posted application windows, and satisfactorily complete the practicum in one academic quarter of coursework. Students complete at least 100 hours, including at least 40 direct hours with clients, while participating in weekly individual/triadic supervision with the approved site supervisor and group supervision via videoconference with the faculty supervisor (practicum instructor), earning satisfactory evaluations from faculty and site supervisors, and adhering to all SOC-OFE policies outlined in the Field Experience Manual, as well as site and university policies, the ACA code of ethics, and all state regulations for counseling professionals.
Doctoral Internship
The doctoral internship includes most of the activities of a regularly employed professional in the setting and is comprised of experiences in at least three of the following domains: counseling, supervision, teaching, research and scholarship, and leadership and advocacy. The nature of the doctoral-level internship experience is to be determined in consultation with program faculty and/or the Office of Field Experience. Students secure field site(s) that meet the policies and criteria listed in the Field Experience Manual, submit an application to start internship within the posted application windows, and satisfactorily complete the internship in two academic quarters of coursework. Students complete at least 600 hours, while participating in weekly individual/triadic supervision via videoconference with the university individual/triadic supervisor and group supervision via videoconference with the faculty supervisor (internship instructor), earning satisfactory evaluations from supervisors, and adhering to all SOC-OFE policies outlined in the Field Experience Manual, as well as site and university policies, the ACA code of ethics, and all state regulations for counseling professionals.
See more at the School of Counseling Office of Field Experience website.
Field Experience in Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
The College of Nursing programs are designed to prepare students with the skills and competencies to make an impact to the healthcare system and healthcare needs of society. Making a difference in your profession requires both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. For this reason, our nursing programs include a required practicum experience to provide you an opportunity to synthesize knowledge, apply skills, and develop competence in professional practice.
Practicum Overview
Practicum is a supervised, practical hands-on learning experience in which students develop applied skills and integrate professional knowledge in a healthcare setting. Your practicum courses include both a didactic and a practice experience component, which gives you a chance to put your knowledge into action in the real-world.
Completing a practicum provides you with real-world practice experiences in your area of specialization under the supervision of Walden faculty and a supervisor (your preceptor).
The practicum experience is designed to provide you with:
- The opportunity to apply and integrate the knowledge acquired throughout your program.
- A real-world experience of direct practice.
- Mentoring from faculty and experts in your area of study.
- The chance to make a difference in your field.
- Proficiency with necessary skills for professional practice.
- Learning activities to help you contribute to your professional portfolio and network.
Students must review the Practicum Manual for a list of practicum courses and course requirements by program and specialization.
Planning for Practicum
It is highly recommended for students to start the practicum planning process early in their program. Students begin the practicum process by identifying a possible practicum site and preceptor for each practicum course that meets the policies and requirements outlined in the Practicum Manual. Once a practicum site and preceptor are identified, students must complete and submit a practicum application for each practicum course by the application deadline. Application deadlines are firm.
Walden offers resources and a dedicated support staff in Student Success Advising and the Office of Field Experience to assist and support students.
Practicum Site and Preceptor Requirements
Practicum is a hands-on experience at a practicum site with a preceptor to supervise your experience. Each practicum course has requirements for appropriate practicum sites and preceptors.
- Practicum Site is a healthcare facility, healthcare agency, or other appropriate setting at which students have supervised, applied learning experiences that are consistent with their area of focus and specialization. Learn more about appropriate sites for your program and specialization on our College of Nursing: Student Resources page or Practicum Manual.
- Preceptor is a qualified practitioner employed at the practicum site who is responsible for facilitating students’ practicum and learning experiences at the site. They provide mentoring, guidance, and feedback to students that promotes growth of knowledge, skills, and competencies. Learn more about appropriate preceptors for your program and specialization on our College of Nursing: Student Resources or Practicum Manual.
Resources for Practicum
Students should review the following resources for additional information regarding practicum.
Practicum experiences are exciting and rewarding for students as part of their academic journey but can be challenging as well. To be successful, students should prepare and plan for their practicum experiences early in their program.
Field Experience in Early Childhood Studies Programs
Field experiences are an integral part of Walden University’s Early Childhood Studies programs. These experiences provide opportunities for students to apply course concepts in real environments. The field experiences relate to students’ professional goals and provide the opportunity to connect theory and practice. For specific information about field experience requirements, students should review their field experience handbook.
Field Experience in Education Specialist (EdS) in Educational Leadership and Administration (Principal Preparation)
Field experiences are an integral part of Walden University’s principal preparation. Candidates have opportunities to apply course concepts in real environments that allow for increasing levels of responsibility. The field experiences relate to candidates’ professional goals, provide the opportunity to connect theory and practice, and prepare candidates for building leadership responsibilities. Candidates are informed, monitored, and evaluated throughout all field experiences. For specific information about field experience requirements, candidates should review the Principal Candidate Guidebook and Field Experience Handbook.
Field Experience in Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
The College of Nursing programs are designed to prepare students with the skills and competencies to make an impact to the healthcare system and healthcare needs of society. Making a difference in your profession requires both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. For this reason, our nursing programs include a required practicum experience to provide you an opportunity to synthesize knowledge, apply skills, and develop competence in professional practice.
Practicum Overview
Practicum is a supervised, practical hands-on learning experience in which students develop applied skills and integrate professional knowledge in a healthcare setting. Your practicum courses include both a didactic and a practice experience component, which gives you a chance to put your knowledge into action in the real-world.
Completing a practicum provides you with real-world practice experiences in your area of specialization under the supervision of Walden faculty and a supervisor (your preceptor).
The practicum experience is designed to provide you with:
- The opportunity to apply and integrate the knowledge acquired throughout your program.
- A real-world experience of direct practice.
- Mentoring from faculty and experts in your area of study.
- The chance to make a difference in your field.
- Proficiency with necessary skills for professional practice.
- Learning activities to help you contribute to your professional portfolio and network.
Students must review the Practicum Manual for a list of practicum courses and course requirements by program and specialization.
Planning for Practicum
It is highly recommended for students to start the practicum planning process early in their program. Students begin the practicum process by identifying a possible practicum site and preceptor for each practicum course that meets the policies and requirements outlined in the Practicum Manual. Once a practicum site and preceptor are identified, students must complete and submit a practicum application for each practicum course by the application deadline. Application deadlines are firm.
Walden offers resources and a dedicated support staff in Student Success Advising and the Office of Field Experience to assist and support students.
Practicum Site and Preceptor Requirements
Practicum is a hands-on experience at a practicum site with a preceptor to supervise your experience. Each practicum course has requirements for appropriate practicum sites and preceptors.
- Practicum Site is a healthcare facility, healthcare agency, school, or other appropriate setting at which students have supervised, applied learning experiences that are consistent with their area of focus and specialization. Learn more about appropriate sites for your program and specialization on our website or Practicum Manual.
- Preceptor is a qualified practitioner employed at the practicum site who is responsible for facilitating students’ practicum and learning experiences at the site. They provide mentoring, guidance, and feedback to students that promotes growth of knowledge, skills, and competencies. Learn more about appropriate preceptors for your program and specialization on our website or Practicum Manual.
Resources for Practicum
Students should review the following resources for additional information regarding practicum.
Practicum experiences are exciting and rewarding for students as part of their academic journey but can be challenging as well. To be successful, students should prepare and plan for their practicum experiences early in their program.
Field Experience in Master of Social Work (MSW)
Field Experience in Masters in Clinical Psychology: General, State Specialization and ABA Specialization programs
Masters in Psychology students in the Clinical Psychology: General, State specialization, and ABA Specialization students participate in an intense, focused practice experience (practicum) and in an intensive, broad-responsibilities experience (internship) where classroom education, skill building, and research skills are brought to the field of practice.
Students identify field sites that can offer them growth that enhance their professional skills, knowledge, and attributes. Students establish relationships with supervisors and based on a clear understanding of the students’ current competencies and attributes, establish an agreement for vertical growth and development. Developmental progress is achieved by ongoing evaluation, feedback, and interaction as students develop levels of competencies and capacities not previously attained.
The expected outcome of these experiences is the integration of knowledge, skills, research, and professional attitudes and beliefs into a comprehensive, ethical model of professional practice. In this manner, students are trained to be practitioners with the confidence and experience to continue to work in and make contributions to the field of psychology.
Psychology Practicum
The practicum is an inte¤nse supervised field experience with clear boundaries and less breadth and responsibility than those associated with an internship. Students, under the supervision of qualified professionals, learn to integrate learning and research in the practice of developing specific skills sets and/or working with new client populations.
Adequate preparation is essential to the success of the practicum experience. Students must ensure their field experiences meet their specific state board standards and requirements.
Clinical Psychology
Students must register for a minimum of one term of practicum, registering for additional terms until the required 375 hours is attained. The practicum requires no fewer than 188 hours of direct intervention services, such as individual therapy, group therapy, or assessment. The 187 additional hours can be devoted to case management, case consultation, record keeping, and other related activities.
Prerequisites
Students should reference their degree plan (DegreeWorks) and the Student Handbook for coursework that must be completed prior to commencing field experience. During the practicum, students should plan to devote their attention to an intense, focused practice experience. Students who have completed all curriculum requirements upon completion of the practicum, are ready to move to internship.
Arranging for the Practicum
Students completing a practicum must arrange for supervised practice in an appropriate setting. Each student is responsible for participating in the FEAH 6700 course to assist them in finding a practicum site and a site supervisor. The Field Placement Coordinator must approve the site and the site supervisor before the student can begin the practicum.
Review the Student Handbook and Field Experience Manual
All information pertaining to the practicum is detailed in the Masters in Clinical Psychology Field Experience Manual. The manual provides specific information regarding the field experience philosophy, the application processes, field experience completion requirements, and remediation procedures. Students should thoroughly review the manual before starting the field experience process, paying particular attention to the application process and deadlines.
Review State-Specific Requirements
Students in the State Specialization and ABA Specialization programs should visit the website for their state and review all of the state’s specific requirements for completing a practicum. Students are responsible for understanding the requirements of their state and should consult the rules and regulations regarding licensing and/or certification from the appropriate state licensing board.
Note: For international or non-U.S.-based students: Identify and consult the licensure, certification, or other regulatory requirements for your specific country, providence, or territory.
Psychology Internship
An internship is a critical part of student’s program of study. A psychology internship is an organized training experience that, in contrast to supervised experience or on-the-job training, is designed to provide students with a planned, programmed sequence of training experiences.
The professionally supervised training experiences of internship are characterized by greater depth, breadth, duration, frequency, and intensity than practicum training. The primary focus and purpose is assuring breadth and quality of training. The students’ experiences working in the field and actively participating in the Walden classes helps them develop the attitudes that will enable their effective personal interaction and participation in an interdisciplinary approach to problems of research and practice.
The internship is an intense, broad-reaching experience that provides students with the experience, while under professional supervision. The internship agency has a clearly designated and appropriately licensed mental health professional, who is responsible for the integrity and quality of the training program. This person is actively licensed, certified, or registered by the state licensing board in the jurisdiction where the program exists and is present at the training facility for a minimum of 20 hours a week.
Adequate preparation is essential to the success of the internship experience. Students in the State Specialization and ABA Specialization programs must ensure that their field experiences meet their specific state board standards and requirements. The internship is completed in a minimum of one quarter and must include a minimum of 375 hours with 1 hour of supervision for every 10–15 hours worked. No fewer than 188 hours of direct intervention services, such as individual therapy, group therapy, or assessment. The 187 additional hours can be devoted to case management, case consultation, record keeping, and other related activities.
Prerequisites
Students should reference their degree plan (DegreeWorks) and the Student Handbook for coursework that must be completed prior to commencing field experience.
Arranging for the Internship
Students completing an internship are responsible for participating in the FEAH 6700 course to assist them in finding an internship site and a site supervisor. The Field Placement Coordinator must approve the internship site as well as the site supervisor before the student can begin the internship.
All information pertaining to the internship is detailed in the Masters in Clinical Psychology Field Experience Manual. The manual provides specific information regarding the field experience philosophy, the application processes, field experience completion requirements, and remediation procedures. Students should thoroughly review the manual before starting the field experience process, paying particular attention to the application process and deadlines.
Review State-Specific Requirements
Students in the State Specialization and ABA Specialization programs should visit the website for their state and review all of the state’s specific requirements for completing a practicum. Students are responsible for understanding the requirements of their state and should consult the rules and regulations regarding licensing and/or certification from the appropriate state licensing board.
Note: For international or non-U.S.-based students: Identify and consult the licensure, certification, or other regulatory requirements for your specific country, providence, or territory.
Field Experience in MSEd With a Specialization in Educational Leadership and Administration, Principal Preparation Program
Field experiences are an integral part of Walden University’s principal preparation. These experiences provide opportunities for candidates to apply course concepts in real environments that allow for increasing levels of responsibility. The field experiences relate to candidates’ professional goals, provide the opportunity to connect theory and practice, and prepare candidates for building leadership responsibilities. Candidates are informed, monitored, and evaluated throughout all field experiences. For specific information about field experience requirements, candidates should review the Principal Candidate Handbook and Field Experience Handbook.
Field Experience in PhD in Psychology Clinical and Counseling Psychology Specializations and PhD in Clinical Psychology
PhD in Psychology students in the Clinical Psychology and Counseling Psychology specializations and PhD in Clinical Psychology students participate in an intense, focused practice experience (practicum) and in an intensive, broad-responsibilities experience (internship) where classroom education, skill building, and research skills are brought to the field of practice.
Students identify field sites that can offer them growth that enhances their professional skills, knowledge, and attributes. Students establish relationships with supervisors and, based on a clear understanding of the students’ current competencies and attributes, establish an agreement for vertical growth and development. Developmental progress is achieved by ongoing evaluation, feedback, and interaction as students develop levels of competencies and capacities not previously attained.
The expected outcome of these experiences is the integration of knowledge, skills, research, and professional attitudes and beliefs into a comprehensive, ethical model of professional practice. In this manner, students are trained to be practitioners with the confidence and experience to continue to work in and make contributions to the field of psychology.
Psychology Practicum
The practicum is an intense supervised field experience with clear boundaries and less breadth and responsibility than those associated with an internship. Students, under the supervision of qualified professionals, learn to integrate learning and research in the practice of developing specific skills sets and/or working with new client populations.
Adequate preparation is essential to the success of the practicum experience. Students must ensure their field experiences meet their specific state board standards and requirements.
- Clinical Psychology. Students must register for a minimum of two terms of practicum, registering for additional terms until the required 750 hours is attained. The practicum requires 200 hundred hours of therapy and 200 hundred hours of assessment. The remaining hours are to be devoted to individual supervision, group supervision, case management, record keeping, and related training activities.
Prerequisites
To enroll in Practicum, students must meet the following prerequisites:
- Completion of ALL PhD PSYC-CLNP Batch BAYR Courses
Note: Students must complete the following courses with a grade of “B” or better:
- Clinical: PSYR 8704, 8340, 8350, 8421, 8232L, 8240L, 8117L, 8346L
- Counseling: PSYR 8704C, 8340C, 8350C, 8421C, 8208C, 8240C, 8117C, 8332C
Arranging for the Practicum
Students completing a practicum must arrange for supervised practice in an appropriate setting. Each student is responsible for finding a practicum site and a site supervisor. The field training coordinator must approve the site and the site supervisor before the student can begin the practicum.
Review the Student Handbook and Field Experience Manual
All information pertaining to the practicum is detailed in the the PhD in Clinical Psychology Field Experience Manual (Including details for PhD in Psychology: Counseling Psychology and School Psychology Specializations). The manual provides specific information regarding the field experience philosophy, the application processes, field experience completion requirements, and remediation procedures. Students should thoroughly review the manual before starting the field experience process, paying particular attention to the application process and deadlines.
Review State-Specific Requirements
Students should visit the website for their state and review all of the state’s specific requirements for completing a practicum. A list of state licensure websites can be found at the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards’ Contact Page. Students are responsible for understanding the requirements of their state and should consult the rules and regulations regarding the licensing of psychologists from the appropriate state licensing board. It is recommended that students complete (or update) their Personal State Licensure Plan (PSLP) created during the Foundation course (PSYC 8000).
Note: For international or non-U.S.-based students: Identify and consult the licensure, certification, or other regulatory requirements for your specific country, providence, or territory.
Psychology Internship
An internship is a critical part of doctoral study. A psychology internship is an organized training experience that, in contrast to supervised experience or on-the-job training, is designed to provide students with a planned, programmed sequence of training experiences.
The professionally supervised training experiences of internship are characterized by greater depth, breadth, duration, frequency, and intensity than practicum training. The primary focus and purpose is assuring breadth and quality of training. The students’ experiences working in the field and actively participating in the Walden classes helps them develop the attitudes that will enable their effective personal interaction and participation in an interdisciplinary approach to problems of research and practice.
The internship is an intense, broad-reaching experience that provides students with the experience of a fully practicing psychologist, while under professional supervision. The internship agency has a clearly designated doctoral-level staff psychologist who is responsible for the integrity and quality of the training program. This person is actively licensed, certified, or registered by the State Board of Examiners in the jurisdiction where the program exists and is present at the training facility for a minimum of 20 hours a week.
Adequate preparation is essential to the success of the internship experience. Students must ensure that their field experiences meet their specific state board standards and requirements. The internship is completed in a minimum of four quarters (full time) and maximum of eight quarters (part time) and must include a minimum of 2000 hours and must be done in one full calendar year (if full-time). If part-time, then the internship must be completed in no longer than two full calendar years.
Prerequisites
Students must complete all program requirements except the dissertation before beginning an internship. Completion and approval of the dissertation proposal is also recommended.
Arranging for the Internship
Students completing an internship must arrange for supervised practice in an appropriate setting. Students are responsible for selecting an internship field experience site and site supervisor. The field training coordinator must approve the internship site as well as the site supervisor before the student can begin the internship.
All information pertaining to the internship is detailed in the PhD in Clinical Psychology Field Experience Manual (Including details for PhD in Psychology: Counseling Psychology and School Psychology Specializations). The manual provides specific information regarding the field experience philosophy, the application processes, field experience completion requirements, and remediation procedures. Students should thoroughly review the manual before starting the field experience process, paying particular attention to the application process and deadlines.
Review State-Specific Requirements
Students should visit the website for their state and review all of the state’s specific requirements for completing an internship. A list of state licensure websites can be found at the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards’ Contact Page. Students are responsible for understanding the requirements of their state and should consult the rules and regulations regarding the licensing of psychologists from the appropriate state licensing board. It is recommended that students complete (or update) their Personal State Licensure Plan (PSLP).
Field Experience in School Counseling
Students in the MS in School Counseling Field Experience receive a supervised counseling experience with emphasis on the knowledge and practice of counseling skills, theories, competencies, and best practices. The MS in School Counseling field experience students are provided with experiential learning opportunities in preparation for entering into the school counseling profession.
School Counseling Practicum
The practicum is the first experiential training component of field experience. Practicum is “a distinctly defined, supervised counseling experience in which the student develops basic counseling skills and integrates professional knowledge” (CACREP). Students secure a field site that meets the policies and criteria listed in the Field Experience Manual, submit an application to start practicum within the posted application windows, and satisfactorily complete the practicum in one academic quarter of coursework. Students complete at least 100 hours, including at least 40 direct hours with clients, while participating in weekly individual/triadic supervision with the approved site supervisor and group supervision via videoconference with the faculty supervisor (practicum instructor), earning satisfactory evaluations from faculty and site supervisors, and adhering to all SOC-OFE policies outlined in the Field Experience Manual, as well as site and university policies, the ACA code of ethics, and all state regulations for counseling professionals.
School Counseling Internship
The internship field experience is completed after the student has satisfactorily completed the practicum experience. According to the CACREP standards, internship is “a distinctly defined, post-practicum, supervised ‘capstone’ counseling experience in which the student refines and enhances basic counseling or student development knowledge and skills, and integrates and authenticates professional knowledge and skills appropriate to his or her program and initial postgraduate professional placement.” Students secure a field site that meets the policies and criteria listed in the Field Experience Manual, submit an application to start internship within the posted application windows, and satisfactorily complete the internship in two academic quarters of coursework. Students complete a minimum of 600 hours, including at least 240 direct hours with clients (of which a portion of hours must be in group counseling), while participating in weekly individual/triadic supervision with the approved site supervisor and group supervision via videoconference with the faculty supervisor (internship instructor), earning satisfactory evaluations from faculty and site supervisors, and adhering to all SOC-OFE policies outlined in the Field Experience Manual, as well as site and university policies, the ACA code of ethics, and all state regulations for counseling professionals.
See more at the School of Counseling Office of Field Experience website.
Field Experience in Teacher Preparation Programs
Field experiences are an integral part of Walden University’s Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) programs and Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (BSEE) programs. These experiences provide opportunities for candidates to apply course concepts in real environments. The field experiences relate to candidates’ professional goals, provide the opportunity to connect theory and practice, and prepare candidates for daily classroom responsibilities. For specific information about field experience requirements, candidates should find the following in their ePortfolio: Teacher Candidate Guidebook Field Experience and Demonstration Teaching Handbook.
Field Experience in Undergraduate Nursing Courses
The College of Nursing programs are designed to prepare students with the skills and competencies to make an impact to the healthcare system and healthcare needs of society. Making a difference in your profession requires both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. For this reason, our nursing programs include a required practicum experience to provide you an opportunity to synthesize knowledge, apply skills, and develop competence in professional practice.
Practicum Overview
Practicum is a supervised, practical hands-on learning experience in which students develop applied skills and integrate professional knowledge in a healthcare setting. Your practicum courses include both a didactic and a practice experience component, which gives you a chance to put your knowledge into action in the real-world.
Completing a practicum provides you with real-world practice experiences in your area of specialization under the supervision of Walden faculty and a supervisor (your Mentor).
The practicum experience is designed to provide you with:
- The opportunity to apply and integrate the knowledge acquired throughout your program.
- A real-world experience of direct practice.
- Mentoring from faculty and experts in your area of study.
- The chance to make a difference in your field.
- Proficiency with necessary skills for professional practice.
- Learning activities to help you contribute to your professional portfolio and network.
Students must review the Practicum Manual for a list of practicum courses and course requirements by program and specialization.
Planning for Practicum
It is highly recommended for students to start the practicum planning process early in their program. Students begin the practicum process by identifying a possible practicum site and mentor for each practicum course that meets the policies and requirements outlined in the Practicum Manual. Once a practicum site and mentor are identified, students must complete and submit a practicum application for each practicum course by the application deadline. Application deadlines are firm.
Walden offers resources and a dedicated support staff in Student Success Advising and the Office of Field Experience to assist and support students.
Practicum Site and Mentor Requirements
Practicum is a hands-on experience at a practicum site with a mentor to supervise your experience. Each practicum course has requirements for appropriate practicum sites and mentors.
- Practicum Site is a healthcare facility, healthcare agency, school, or other appropriate setting at which students have supervised, applied learning experiences that are consistent with their area of focus and specialization. Learn more about appropriate sites for your program and specialization on our website or Practicum Manual.
- Mentor is a qualified individual employed at the practicum site who is responsible for facilitating students’ practicum and learning experiences at the site. They provide mentoring, guidance, and feedback to students that promotes growth of knowledge, skills, and competencies. Learn more about appropriate mentors for your program and specialization on our website or Practicum Manual.
Resources for Practicum
Students should review the following resources for additional information regarding practicum.
Practicum experiences are exciting and rewarding for students as part of their academic journey but can be challenging as well. To be successful, students should prepare and plan for their practicum experiences early in their program.
Master of Public Health Practicum
The MPH practicum is designed to provide students who have finished their coursework with the opportunity to (1) synthesize knowledge, (2) develop competence in professional practice in the foundational areas identified by CEPH, (3) apply knowledge to the solution of public health problems, (4) reinforce the program learning outcomes and MPH competencies, and (5) develop a respect for and commitment to the continued pursuit of professional knowledge. The field instruction experience that students receive through the practicum is a critical educational component of the MPH program.
The practicum experience assists students as they transition from the role of learner to scholar-practitioner. To achieve this transition, students engage in a relationship with an approved preceptor, focusing on roles and role functions, the achievement of individualized learning objectives, and the completion of projects that they and their preceptors have conceptualized and had approved by the practicum director. The practicum provides students with a hands-on opportunity for applying and integrating, in a public health setting, the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program of study and for further developing MPH core competencies.
The practicum experience aligns with students’ academic and professional goals and proceeds under the supervision of faculty members. Supervision by an on-site or remote preceptor is a critical component of the practicum. Students begin the practicum, participate in an accompanying online seminar course, and begin development of a professional portfolio based on the practicum. Preceptors and course faculty members provide ongoing monitoring and evaluation.
Students may not begin their practicum until they submit the required documents, have received approval of their application, and are participating in the accompanying practicum course. The associate dean, public health practice and continuing education, approves the practicum, but students receive the official communication from the field experience coordinator.
Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) Applied Practice Experience
The applied practice experience is designed to provide students who are nearing the end of their coursework with the opportunity to (1) synthesize knowledge, (2) develop competence in professional practice in the foundational areas identified by CEPH, (3) apply knowledge to the solution of public health problems, (4) reinforce the program learning outcomes and DrPH competencies, and (5) develop a respect for and commitment to the continued pursuit of professional knowledge. The experience that students receive through the applied practice experience is a critical educational component of the DrPH program.
The applied practice experience assists students as they transition from the role of learner to scholar-practitioner. To achieve this transition, students engage in a relationship with an approved preceptor, focusing on roles and role functions, the achievement of individualized learning objectives, and the completion of projects that they and their preceptors have conceptualized and had approved by the director of public health practice. The applied practice experience provides students with a hands-on opportunity for applying and integrating, in a public health setting, the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program of study and for further developing DrPH core competencies.
The applied practice experience aligns with students’ academic and professional goals and proceeds under the supervision of faculty members. Supervision by an on-site or remote preceptor is a critical component of the applied practice experience. Students begin the applied practice experience, participate in an accompanying online seminar course, and begin development of a professional
portfolio based on the applied practice experience. Preceptors and course faculty members provide ongoing monitoring and evaluation.
Students may not begin their applied practice experience until they submit the required documents, have received written approval of their application, and are enrolled in the accompanying applied practice experience course. The associate dean, public health practice and continuing education, approves the applied practice experience, but students receive the official communication from the field experience coordinator.