M.S.W. Field Practicum

M.S.W. students are required to complete a total of 928 hours of field practicum during the two years of the program either in concurrent or block placement. A total of 12 credit units are required during the two years of the program. The field practicum provides instruction and experience in applying classroom knowledge in working with individuals, families, groups and communities within an agency setting. All practicum placements require the approval of the Field Education Director/Coordinator.

Students enrolled in a concurrent field practicum are placed with the same community agency for two days (16) hours per week for two semesters. In addition, during the first semester, students are required to take a Field Seminar Course, designed to provide students with an opportunity to integrate classroom knowledge with their field practicum. Field seminar is not required for second year MSW students.

Block field practicum placement is offered during the summer semester. Students must complete all required social work courses prior to beginning block placement. Students enrolled in block field practicum placement are placed with a community agency for five days, (40) hours per week for approximately 12 weeks. Students must register for two field practicum courses and one seminar if classified as first year MSW students. Second year MSW Students registering for block must enroll in two field practicum courses. Field Seminar is not required for second year MSW students.

Student Stipends

The School of Social Work, in partnership with the Children, Youth, and Families Department (CYFD), offers stipends to students who wish to pursue a career in child welfare under the Title IV-E stipend program. All graduate level students are eligible to apply for the stipends. Students must conduct their field practicum with a CYFD office for one academic year.

Indian Tribal Social Services that are part of the joint powers agreement also offer a limited amount of stipends. Students are pre-selected by the respective reservation and are required to conduct their field practicum with Indian Tribal Social Services for one academic year.

Stipend recipients are required to take the SW 691 Child Welfare Practice and Service course. The average stipend amount awarded to students is $11,000 per academic year. The amount is pro-rated for part-time students. Amount of stipend award is subject to change.

Upon completion of the MSW program, stipend recipients must work for CYFD for a period of 18 months for each academic year a stipend is received. Students awarded a Tribal Stipend are required to work for tribal social services upon graduation for a period of 18 months for each academic year a stipend is received.

Stipend application information is provided to all students at the time of admission notification. The CYFD Stipend Application can be download from the forms and documents link. The deadline to submit your application is June 1st for the following academic year.