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Overview of Field Instruction for the Baccalaureate Degree in Social Work

The undergraduate Social Work Program requires a senior field practicum of 440 hours to complete its major.

Before entering the field practicum and field seminar courses, students must complete all 200 and 300 level courses required for the major; in addition, students must be in “good standing” as defined below:

  • Continued earning of a grade of “C” or better in every social work course required for the major.
  • Re-taking any social work course in which a grade of below “C” is received, if the course is a requirement for the major.
  • Maintaining a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better overall and within the major.
  • Continued demonstration of suitability and capacity to enter the profession of social work.

Fall and Spring Semester Concurrent Field Practicum
Most students complete field practicum using our fall and spring semester concurrent model. Students complete 220 hours of field instruction at the assigned agency. Two days per week (16 hours per week) over two semesters for a total of 440 field instruction hours. A bi-weekly seminar in field seminar I & II is required. Students remain at the same agency for both semesters

Block (one semester) field practicum
Students may apply for consideration of a Block placement. Block placements are structured as a one semester field instruction and weekly seminar class. Students do the same level of work and assignments in one semester as completed by concurrent field students in two semesters. Field Instruction is four days per week (32 hours a week) for a total of 440 field instruction hours. To be considered for a Block placement two additional conditions are required to the list of pre-field practicum course and GPA requirements listed above:

  • Minimum GPA of 3.25 in social work and 3.00 overall GPA
  • Two letters of recommendation from social work faculty


International Field Placements
International field placements are structured as a spring semester block placement. Students must be eligible for a block placement to be considered for an international field placement. International field placements are available in Ireland, and may be available in Costa Rica, and Puerto Rico depending on availability of field instruction supervision and partner agreements. If you are interested in an international field placement please indicate your interest on the field application and contact the Director of Field Education.

Availability During normal daytime business hours
Most field placements require availability during normal business hours of the agency. A limited number of field sites provide the opportunity for students to complete some hours during evening or weekend hours provided there is a qualified field instructor to provide supervision. However this is the exception and students should expect that field placements will require daytime responsibilities and should plan their availability accordingly.

Important Note: Under no circumstances will students negotiate their own field practicum placement.