MSW Field Education
Master of social work 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.