Real-world learning: practica and internships at Capella

By: The Capella University Editorial Team with Lorinda Mohwinkel, Senior Career Coach, Graduate and Career Services

Reading Time: 4 minutes

At Capella University, learning experiences reach far beyond the classroom. If you’re exploring a master’s in psychology, counseling, therapy or social work, you’ll see some programs require practical experience.

Hands-on practica and internships allow you to apply the knowledge you gained through your coursework and residency in real-world settings. This can give you valuable experience as you pursue your career and licensure goals.

The importance of applied learning

Applied learning connects classroom learning to the day-to-day realities of practice. Through supervised practica or internships, you may:

• Develop clinical and professional skills
• Apply courseroom theory in community settings with clients
• Complete supervised hours that may be applied toward licensure requirements (requirements vary by state and program)

How practica and internships work at Capella

While specific requirements vary by program, most students complete a practicum first (if required), then move to an internship. You’ll work in an approved site under the guidance of a qualified site supervisor and Capella faculty. Requirements, such as number of hours for completion, vary by program.

Practicum

Practicum is your first step into the field. It helps you translate foundational coursework into applied skills. A practicum typically:

• Occurs mid-way through a program, after residency (if required)
• Offers an opportunity to work directly with clients, practice skills and gain experience under close supervision
• Is an onsite experience that complements online courses so you can reflect on practice and receive feedback

Internship

An internship allows you to expand your experience and take on greater responsibilities in professional settings. It also:

• Usually takes place in the final phase of a program, after practicum is completed
• Offers broader exposure to professional practice with continued guidance
• Is a part-time or full-time field experience supported by online courses

Where Capella students gain practical experience

Students identify potential practicum and internship opportunities. Organizations and supervisors must be approved by Capella to ensure all program requirements and accreditation standards are met.

Practicum and internship settings may include, but are not limited to:

• Social service organizations (e.g., alcohol and drug treatment facilities, community mental health centers and foster care agencies)
• Schools
• Private practice facility or office of an approved supervisor
• Hospitals or outpatient clinics
• Nursing homes
• Nonprofit agencies (e.g., rape and abuse crisis centers, homeless shelters and literacy programs)

Explore Capella programs that include practica and internships

Several Capella programs in psychology, counseling, marriage and family therapy and social work include supervised practica and internships. Be sure to review program pages and the course catalog for details about requirements and hour totals.

Psychology

• MS Clinical Psychology, Clinical Counseling

Counseling

• Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling, General Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Child & Adolescent Counseling
• Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Addiction Treatment & Recovery
• Master of Science in School Counseling, Child & Adolescent Counseling
• Master of Science in School Counseling, Addiction Treatment and Recovery
• Master of Science in School Counseling, General School Counseling

Marriage and Family Therapy

• Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy

Social Work

• Bachelor of Social Work
• Master of Social Work
  

Through applied learning, you’ll gain experience that helps prepare you to serve individuals and communities. Practica and internships can provide opportunities to practice skills, receive guidance and better understand the responsibilities of your chosen profession.