Fieldwork Education
Social work education is not merely classroom-based.
Through the field experience, or “practica,” you will demonstrate your aptitude in bridging theory and practice. The foundation of your practice includes:
- ethical, competent professional practice
- problem solving within a systems framework and strength perspective
- an understanding of, and respect for, diverse peoples and cultures
- responsibility and service to the broader community in the interest of social justice
- a commitment to oppose oppression.
The collaborative efforts between the student, the field agency, and the MSW program are essential.
Field
Education Format
Under the instruction and supervision of professionally trained, MSW-level,
and program-approved field instructors, you will spend 920 hours in
two field practica. Each practicum is spread out over two trimesters
(fall and winter) and is concurrently with enrollment in fieldwork
integrative seminars as well as other MSW coursework.
The fieldwork education of the MSW program is divided into two components: foundation and concentration. The foundation field practicum, completed by those students admitted at the foundation level, requires 420 hours and puts emphasis in developing competence as a professional generalist social worker.
The concentration field practicum, completed by all students, requires 500 hours and places emphasis on advanced practice skills and leadership qualities related to the chosen concentration.
Process for Field Practicum Selection
Field practicum selection for the fall of any academic year is done
the previous spring during a required orientation. Based on your
area of interest and your career goals, you will choose two or more
field sites from a pre-approved list and will arrange interviews
at each. Once interviews are finished, you will rank your choices
of field sites, and the field sites will rank their choices of interns.
The MSW field coordinator strives to match student preference with
field site preferences.
In rare instances, you may petition to complete a field practicum at an agency that is not on the approved site list or is at your place of employment. All field practica must be supervised by professionals who are approved as Augsburg field instructors.
