MSW Field Practicum
Learn by Doing
Gain firsthand experience in the field.
Field work is considered a signature learning method of the profession and is an exciting step in becoming a qualified master’s level social worker. Our MSW curriculum includes a field placement in two consecutive semesters or one summer block placement. Students spend at least two days a week in a supervised social work setting, learning social work from experience professionals.
Social Work Practice Areas
The field placement gives students the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge and skills in a social service setting related to their area of interest. The following sites provide information about the wide range of social work practice areas. This overview may help inform your preference for practica and/or future professional practice. If, after reviewing these sites you are still undecided about your path, we encourage you to request a meeting with an MSW advisor by contacting the Social Work office at MSW@uwgb.edu.
General Timeline
The Field application process begins at the start of the calendar year with your self-preparation. The timeline is driven by your prompt actions and responses, along with agency availability. The goal is to have all placements secured by late spring. Students are required to complete eight credits of field work, accumulating a required number of hours over the course of their Generalist year; ten credits over the course of their Specialized year.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| January | Follow the steps in the section below entitled Preparing for Your Field Placement |
| February | Official process begins |
| March/April | Referrals begin |
| April/May | Interview with field agency |
| May/June | Secure field placement |
Preparing for Your Field Placement
As you contemplate your MSW internship, we encourage you to be as prepared as possible. The following steps can be started at anytime.
Get Answers
Review the frequently asked questions to get general knowledge about the field practicum.
Explore Practice Areas
Explore the section above entitled Social Work Practice Areas, particularly if you are uncertain of the area you wish to pursue. The Community Partners page of this website will give you an idea of specific agencies we have worked with over the years.
Area of Specialization
The UW-Green Bay MSW Program offers an Advanced Generalist specialization with the opportunity to focus on an individualized area of emphasis.
Prepare Your Résumé
You will submit a current resume to the agency prior to your interview. The résumé is the first “picture” an agency has of a potential student. Therefore, it should be professional, accurate, and free of errors. UW-Green Bay Career Planning has several resources to guide a well-written resume.
Stay on Top of Your Inbox
Check your UW-Green Bay email on a regular basis as all communications regarding the Field process begin with an email.
Figure A:
the Field
“We can all study through reading textbooks and discussing case studies, but the MSW program and professors would continually apply what we were doing in field and what we were learning in class to demonstrate that element—to better understand, learn and truly grow as social workers.”
Jessica Wilke, APSW
Social Worker for Care Coordination
Aspirus Wausau Hospital
Contact Us
We're here to answer your questions. For more information on UW-Green Bay's Master of Social Work program, how to get started, or any other needs, please contact us.
— Gail Trimberger, MSW Chair