Social Work Field Education

In the BSW Program, you'll complete a service-learning experience during spring of junior year and a field placement in your senior year. These experiences give you the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge and skills in a social service setting related to your area of interest.

• Junior service learning focuses on teamwork and professionalism in a human services setting, working with diverse populations.
• In senior field placements, you'll work to demonstrate the nine social work competencies. Senior field typically requires direct practice with clients (individuals, families and small groups) as field placements are developed to ensure students acquire competence in introductory social work generalist skills. Students will also explore macro facets of practice including policy, research and advocacy.

Field placement planning is organized by Jennifer Schanen-Materi, the BSW Field Coordinator, who educates students about the field placement process, meets with students to discuss their professional interests, maintains relationships with field agencies and helps students with challenges that may arise during the course of their placements.

You'll work with Professor Schanen-Materi to secure the junior service-learning experience during fall of your junior year, and your senior field placement during spring of your junior year.

Current BSW students may find more detail about these processes in the BSW Student Portal on Canvas.