MSW Field Practicum

The fieldwork component of the M.S.W. program is an integral part of the student's overall educational experience.  It provides opportunities for the development, integration, and application of professional knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes.  Placements are made in a wide variety of human service settings in the public and private sectors.

Twelve of the 60 credit hours required for the M.S.W. degree are granted for field education.  The School's practicum program is organized on the basis of "concurrent model" of field education.  Under this model, admitted students will participate in three academic semesters of supervised, agency-based field instruction, for a minimum of 21 hours per week.  Field instruction is done concurrently with classroom courses.  Placements are made in affiliated agencies selected on the basis of their commitment to social work education and their willingness to provide a professional learning environment, meaningful experiences, and supportive resources consistent with the general objectives of the School and the particular needs and interests of the individual students.

Prior to entering field practice each student must attend a mandatory five hour field orientation seminar. 

In order to be assigned a field placement and remain in the practicum setting, a student must:

1. Have completed all prerequisites and other requirements for field placement.
2. Possess and maintain the minimum 3.0 GPA.
3. Have not more than one incomplete grade.