Undergraduate Studies

Menno Simons College

MSC Practicum Program

The practicum is a supervised work experience in a setting related to international development or conflict resolution. The purpose of the practicum is for students to integrate academic theory with hands-on practice. The practicum placement is an opportunity to build your professional network and gain experience related to your studies in a field in which you want to work. The practicum is also intended to help you evaluate career directions and plans for the future. The majority of practicum placements are with nonprofit organizations that do not offer stipends or honorariums.

Some students complete their practicum in Winnipeg, while others seek placements around the world. A local 3-credit hours placement is usually approximately 80 hours of 'on-site' work over the span of one or two semesters. An international placement is usually a minimum of three months in another country.

MSC does not offer the practicum course directly. The MSC Academic Advisor will be able to direct you to the different practicum course options that would be accepted as fulfilling the practicum requirement in your CRS or IDS major.

 

Academic Credit

Upon successful completion of the practicum placement, students receive academic credit towards a Bachelor of Arts in International Development Studies or Conflict Resolution Studies. Students may receive either three or six credit hours upon successful completion of their local practicum. In the case of an international placement, students are eligible to receive six credit hours for a three-month placement.

 

Eligibility and Prerequisites

A practicum is required for a four-year major in International Development Studies and a four-year major in Conflict Resolution Studies. Students completing a three-year major in International Development Studies or Conflict Resolution Studies have the option of participating in practicum. In order to register for a practicum, students are required to have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and must have completed the following courses:

Prerequisites for CRS Practicum

  • CRS-1200(6) Introduction to Conflict Resolution Studies
  • CRS-2210(3) Conflict Theory & Analysis
  • CRS-2211(1.5) Coaching Skills Workshop
  • CRS-3220(3) Models for Conflict Transformation
  • CRS-3221(1.5) Mediation Skills Workshop

Prerequisites for IDS Practicum

  • IDS-1100(6) Introduction to International Development Studies
  • IDS-2110(3) Participatory Local Development
  • An additional 6 Credit Hours of IDS Core Courses
 

Where Do I Start?

Consult with the MSC Academic Advisor to ensure that you have the prerequisites needed to apply for a practicum. The advisor will share with you a list of options of where you can complete your practicum.

Timeline for Practicum

You should meet with the MSC Academic Advisor three months before the term in which you wish to start a local practicum. For an international practicum, meet with the MSC Academic Advisor at least eight months before the start of the semester in which you would like to travel.

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