BSW Field Education

Purpose of the Field Education Experience

The student’s field experience is one of the most vital aspects of his or her career in the BSW Program. It is in the field placement that everything a student learns in the classroom is tested out, that students have opportunities to meet with clients and work closely with practicing social workers, and that real helping can occur.

The Field Placement as Part of the Social Work Curriculum

Students in the BSW Program have field placements at two different agencies, one during the spring semester of their junior year, and the second during both semesters of their senior year.

The Junior field placement is for four hours a week and helps student focus on the administrative structure, mission and goals of social service agencies and on social change and advocacy skills. Download Application

The Senior field placement is for 16 hours a week over the course of two semesters and helps students function as practicing social workers with direct responsibility for carrying out assessment and planning work with clients and case management and intervention work to help clients achieve their goals. Download Application

Planning for the Field Placement

Field placement planning is organized by the Field Coordinator, who educates students about the field placement process, meets individually with students to discuss their professional interests, contacts and licenses field agencies, and helps students with issues and concerns that arise during the course of their placements. The Field Handbook describes this process and field policies in greater detail.