Field Education

Field education is the signature pedagogy used in social work education. The field experience is vital to developing social workers who are dedicated to the profession and its values. In addition to supporting the knowledge, value and skill base for generalist social work practice, the field experience fosters self-evaluation and a commitment to life-long professional growth. While students may gain experience in different settings through service-learning or volunteer experiences, structured field placement(s) in an approved social service agency is integral to social work degrees. In most cases, students will be under the direction of a supervisor in the agency who has earned a degree in social work that is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education in their field placements. 

The field placement is expected to expose students to a structured and supervised direct practice experience, thereby providing a vehicle for: (1) application of theory, integration of knowledge, (2) use of skills which will equip them as beginning generalist social workers, (3) increased self-awareness, and (4) development of professional comportment. In this planned and educationally directed, coordinated, and monitored experience, social work students participate in actual service delivery to client systems through casework, group-work, and/or community organization.

Please note that students do not make field placement arrangements independently of the Field Director. Do not initiate contact with an agency regarding placement without the Field Director's knowledge.

BASW Program Students

BASW students complete a 400 hour field placement, typically in their last semester. To further facilitate this learning experience, students must concurrently enroll in a field seminar class (SW 4340). Eligible students apply  for admission to the field placement (SW 4611)  in the long semester prior to their placement. Following a meeting with the Field Director, students interview with prospective placement agencies as requested. The Field Director negotiates the final placement of students with agencies. More information about BASW field education can be found in the BASW Field Education Manual BASW field students are responsible for being familiar with all the information covered in this manual.

MSW Program Students

MSW students complete either 900 or 500 hours of field placement (depending on standard or advanced start); the hours are typically completed over a few semesters. Detailed information about MSW field education can be found in the MSW Field Education Manual. MSW field students are responsible for being familiar will all the information covered in this manual.

Field Placement Agencies

Students are usually excited about field experiences and eager to learn about possible options for placements. Placements are available in a variety of different fields of practice and populations. While agencies with current Memorandums of Agreement with the Social Work Program at TTU change from semester to semester, some agencies recently used for placements are listed here.