How and when do I apply?
All field applications are due January 5th or once you receive notification of admission to the Social Work Program. Students should check with their advisor as to when they will enter field according to their program plan. The field application will be completed in SoniaOnline. A copy of your acceptance letter and resume must also be uploaded.
What happens after I turn in my application?
All field applications are reviewed and every effort is made to match student requests. Your field coordinator will meet with you and give you the name and contact information of a supervisor in your potential placement agency. You will contact the supervisor to set up an interview. After your interview, you will report back to your field coordinator and they will confirm your field placement. If you have an agency in mind where you want to do your field placement, we ask that you talk to your field coordinator FIRST.
How do I prepare for my interview with a prospective field placement supervisor?
Treat this interview as if you were applying for a job in the agency. Dress for success, not a college class. Be prepared for the interview by researching the agency and go with a list of questions to ask, such as "What do student interns do in this agency?" Take your updated resume and remember professionalism.
What happens after my placement is confirmed?
Before the start of the semester/term, touch base with your supervisor. Review any correspondence from the Social Work Field Office regarding any mandatory orientation to field and review the field calendars on the School of Social Work website. Confirm your start date and ask if there is anything that you need to do before your first day. Some agencies require a PPD, background check, driving record, etc.
How much time will I spend in a field placement?
Generalist Practice students spend 16 hours per week (2 days) in field while school is in session, both fall and spring semester/terms, August to May. Specialist Practice students, including advanced standing, spend 24 hours a week (3 days) in field both fall and spring semester/terms OR 16 hours a week (2 days) if they elect to do an August to August placement. Rarely, do we have any evening or weekend field placements available. You will need to make yourself available during the normal work week in order to complete your field hours. If you are working full time, you will need to plan for daytime release from your job to participate in field.
What kind of supervision will I receive?
You will receive supervision from an agency designated masters level social work supervisor, and you will have a faculty member serve as your Field Liaison. In some instances, students may be assigned an external MSW supervisor if a masters level supervisor is not available at the agency.
How many placements will I have?
Both semester/terms are spent in the same agency.
Can I do my field placement in the agency where I work?
Yes, an employment based field education option has been developed for those students who would like to have their field placement at the agency where they are employed. A student who wants to pursue this option must submit a written proposal to the Field Office. Please see additional information about this option in the student handbook under Employment-Based Field Education.
Are there any paid field placements?
Paid field placements are limited and competitive.
Contact Information
For questions or additional information, please contact:
