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Practicum I and II provide a community placement for the student to develop and refine
practitioner skills. Using the Practicum experience, students have the opportunity to apply
theoretical concepts within a practical framework under the supervision of an on-site
supervisor. The Department will work with students to establish a placement suited to
each student’s interests, if possible.
Practicum placements have been established in an array of settings, such as schools,
prisons, court systems, parks, human services agencies, community organizations and
corporations. Additionally, the student is encouraged to explore and initiate a Practicum
setting specific to their own individual interests. If a student finds an appropriate site, the
department will assist the student in calling the site and negotiating for a placement. The
department has a site, Community Resolution Services (CRS) and students are invited to
explore opportunities with CRS.
Some practicum sites require a background check before the practicum placement can
begin. This includes schools and other organizations involving children or other vulnerable
individuals, law enforcement agencies, etc. Generally the background check is at the
student’s expense and should be done as soon as possible before the practicum term.
Additionally, the student will attend a Practicum class with course work and faculty
supervision. The student must receive approval from both the Department and the agency
on-site supervisor before beginning the required Practicum hours. The student is
responsible for documenting Practicum hours and receiving supervisor approval. The
practice component of the student's Practicum is evaluated by the on-site supervisor each
term; this evaluation is combined with the classroom performance and course
requirements and converted into a final overall grade by the professor teaching the course.
Please consult with the Department for detailed information. During each term and at
every Residential Institute, one or more Practicum Advising sessions are scheduled.
Students who have not yet registered for practicum courses are encouraged to attend
these sessions. Students may also seek individual in-person or telephonic appointments
with the Department for assistance with practicum placements. Please visit
for the Practicum Handbook and
forms.
Final Portfolio Project
In addition to successfully completing all course work, and obtaining the required
practicum hours discussed above, MACS students must choose between two options as a
final project at the end of the Program, the thesis or the portfolio. At the completion of
the project, students will be awarded the M.A. in Cross-Disciplinary Studies. All
classwork, practicum hours, and final portfolio/thesis must be completed within five years.
The portfolio draft must be submitted to the Department electronically as should any
future required drafts. Once approval is received, the final portfolio should be printed with
named tabs separating the sections. It should be preferably coil bound, but may be spiral
bound if exceptionally large.
The portfolio project is designed to demonstrate the cross-disciplinary perspective students
acquired and honed in the program. Students will use the portfolio to present what they
learned through their own personalized curriculum. Portfolio Guidelines can be found on
the website at
