As required by the Council on Social Work Education, all BSSW and MSW students must engage in extensive field education as a means of integrating the classroom and the practice of social work.   BSSW students are required to successfully complete 450 hours of field education during their senior year.  Two year Regular Program MSW students must complete 450 hours of field practicum in both years of their program.  Advanced Standing students (those with BSW or BSSW degrees from CSWE-accredited programs) must complete 450 hours of field over the course of one year.

There are many different opportunities for field placements, dependent upon the student’s interests and time schedule, and the agency’s availability.  Students will have access to a wide variety of field options ranging from work in administration, community organizing, clinical, mental health, family intervention, child protection, disabilities, advocacy, health/medical, and homelessness, to name a few.  Upon admission to the BSSW or MSW program our Director of Field Education personally meets with each student to assist in the selection possible in light of the student’s and agency’s needs.  A Field Roster of agency placements is available for student perusal.

Students are well advised to anticipate the adjustment of their own employment and family life in order to successfully navigate the full academic load that will be demanded of them on campus and in the field.   The Spalding University School of Social Work has high standards for the professionals we graduate.  We offer myriad supports to assist students in being successful yet we cannot manufacture additional time for our students.  Students must plan for the demands of the program. Our clients deserve nothing less than the best we have to offer.

For more information, contact Barbara Carter, MSSW, Director of Field Education at bcarter@spalding.edu or 502-585-9911 x2195.