DEPARTMENTAL INFORMATION


Field Manual and Forms
Field Manual
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Agency Experience
Evaluations forms
Student Evaluations forms

fieldoverview

Field Practicum

Definition: What is an Internship? What is a Practicum?
In social work education "internship" and "practicum" are often used interchangeably, 
but practicum implies more direct participation, responsibility, and supervision by a qualified professional.

The field experience is the heart and soul of social work education. It is where classroom theories become professional fact. It is where ethics are tried and tested through observation and application. Competence is gained by doing, practice activities are evaluated empirically, and a respect for and acceptance of diverse cultures and peoples is gained.

BSW students are placed in social service agencies in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metro area.  The Social Work Department BSW Field Coordinator, the service agency and the student all have a part in choosing the right setting for field education.  The field seminar instructor serves as a liaison between the department and the agency to monitor both student and agency performance.

Students who wish to do their practicum at an agency at which they are employed must consult with the BSW Field Coordinator. Students should be advised that internships agencies require background checks for felonies prior to being accepted for internship.

Pre-Major Field Internship Experience
SWK 257: Exploring Human Services
An introduction to the wide variety of areas of practice in social work. Students volunteer to work at an agency for 40 hours and observe how it operates. This course is open to all students. It familiarizes the social work major to the department and basic field policy.
Social Work Major:
 Field Practicum Experience
The total number of practicum hours required for the Augsburg BSW degree is 480. The average hours per week are 8 to 10.

Juniors are initiated into field work by orientations and informations sessions.  Juniors have a prescribed list of approved field agencies.  Seniors are expected to select their own agency which must be approved by the Field Coordinator for standards of supervision and learning.
Junior Field Fair:
 Meeting the Agencies
After the Orientation Session students meet with agency representatives in an interest session  to get information on their programs.
Senior Year Practicum
Seniors start their agency work in September. Seniors, with the help of the BSW Field Coordinator, select and apply for a practicum of their own choosing.

Junior Year Practicum
Students, after being admitted to the program begin their first practicum in late September of their junior year. A list of agencies is distributed and students rank their preference of assignment.
 Field Practice Settings
For generalist degree seekers the field practicum is not only important to their knowledge base, but also for future job prospects. Students have access to these fields of practice, among others:
Practice Skills and Methods Course Sequence
Students learn theories and professional skills they need to successfully aid clients. There are three practice courses, which are taken concurrently with field seminar classes.
 Field Areas of Practice Settings  
    •      Children and Families
    •      Child Welfare
    •      Crisis Intervention
    •      Senior Resources
    •      Family Social Policy
    •      Health and Human Services
    •      Corrections and Probations
    •      Schools
    •      Youth Services
    •      American Indian Family Services
    •      Chemical Dependency
    •      Immigrant and Refugee Services
    •      Faith-Based Social Service
    •      Neighborhood Services
 
Field Practicum Seminars
The field seminar classes support the field experience by integrating agency experience with theory in an ongoing cycle of learning.

©2008 BSW Program Augsburg College
2211 Riverside Avenue
Minneapolis Minnesota USA
1.800.330.1000