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Field Instruction
Dual Degree MPA/MSW | Field Instruction Manual | Agency Information/Placement Opportunities | Interactive Evaluations
Field instruction is a pivotal and integral part of the MSW curriculum. In the field, students acquire practice experience, developing competence in the skills that will help them attain their personal and professional goals within a framework of social work values and ethics.
Field instruction is one way that the MSW program gives evidence of its commitment to the community, which is particularly important to a state university graduate social work program dedicated to the provision of competent service to the state's disadvantaged populations. Through its close working relationship with the entire spectrum of regional social agencies within a 100-mile radius of our program, the MSW program can define more clearly the service and personnel needs of the community and can utilize these assessments in developing curricula and programs. In short, the partnerships between the University and the agencies provide unmatched opportunities for study, research and practice experience.
Field Instruction consists of two parts:
- Professional foundation level
- a total of 465 hours in the field to earn 8 academic credits by participating 15 hours per week for 31 weeks over two semesters. Students are expected to fulfill their field hours over the course of two weekdays, during regular agency hours, under the supervision of an MSW level field instructor who works at the agency. Both full- and part-time students are expected to adjust their schedules to meet the field requirement.
- Advanced generalist level
- a total of 465 hours in the field in a second field placement
Each student will complete a field application and meet individually with the director of field education who will set up interviews for students with a potential field site.
Dual Degree MPA/MSW
MSW students must complete 930 hours of field placement over four semesters. MPA students must complete a 300-hour internship over one semester (or summer) unless waived for previous administrative experience. Students admitted to the dual-degree program will be allowed to use SW 593 and SW 594 to satisfy the MPA internship requirement with approval of the MPA Program Internship Coordinator. Students will be advised into appropriate placements and must satisfy the internship/field placement requirements of both programs.
Field Instruction Manual
Students in the MSW Program will find the Field Instruction Manual a valuable tool in facilitating their experiences throughout their program.
Agency Information/Placement Opportunities
A description of placement agencies that students enrolled in the MSW Program may conduct field work can be found here.
Once opened, click on bookmarks and you will see a listing with links to particular pages. You can look up agencies of interest by first referencing subtitles such as geographic area, population served, etc. and then scroll down to locate the agency listed alphabetically. You can then click on the link and you will be directed to the description of that agency.
Interactive Evaluations
To be populated.
