Field Education FAQs
In addition to the “Frequently Asked Questions” addressed in this section, additional Field Education Information can be found in the Field Education Manual:
Field education offers the social work student an opportunity to apply classroom learning in an agency-based supervised field experience. The field education courses at both the undergraduate (BSW) and graduate (MSW) levels consist of two components: (1) the field placement experience and (2) the field integrative seminar. The field placement is the agency site where the student engages as an intern under professional supervision. The field integrative seminar, facilitated by the faculty liaison, provides an on-campus forum for the integration of academic learning with agency-based field placement.
Field education offers the social work student an opportunity to apply classroom learning in an agency-based supervised field experience. The field education courses at both the undergraduate (BSW) and graduate (MSW) levels consist of two components: (1) the field placement experience and (2) the field integrative seminar. The field placement is the agency site where the student engages as an intern under professional supervision. The field integrative seminar, facilitated by the faculty liaison, provides an on-campus forum for the integration of academic learning with agency-based field placement.
The BSW and 1st-year MSW students are required to complete a minimum of 400 hours of field education over two semesters. These students are at the field placement site for 16 hours per week (two full days, excluding lunch). The 2nd-year MSW students are required to complete a minimum of 500 hours over two semesters spending 18 hours per week (three days) at the field site. Generalist practice students must meet a minimum of 200 hours each semester. Specialization students must meet a minimum of 252 hours each semester.
BSW classes are scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, leaving Tuesdays and Thursdays for field placement. MSW classes are scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays, leaving Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for field placement. The student’s agency schedule must be discussed and approved by the field supervisor. Also, there may be certain days/times when the field supervisor requests that the student be at the field site (e.g., agency meetings, special events). This can be arranged depending on the student’s class schedule. Please note that a student may not miss classes to be at the field site.
BSW and MSW students apply to participate in the field education class. This application includes a student’s resume and requires payment for seminar materials and professional liability insurance. The field education application is online. https://aysps.wufoo.com/forms/school-of-social-work-field-application/
The liability insurance fee covers professional liability insurance. The Tevera fee gains you access to the Tevera time and document tracking system. Both of these fees are mandatory. These fees do not cover the field education text book or other materials that may be required. Students must purchase new liability insurance each year. Fees are not refundable.
In the application, there is a question addressing special circumstances. Students who note special circumstances should make an appointment to meet with the Field Education Office personnel.
After the field application is submitted it will be processed and the student will receive a field assignment email with your agency assignment. Students should NOT solicit agencies or negotiate their own placement site. Agencies must be approved by the Field Education Office.
The Field Education Office reviews the student application, including where they live and social work interests, as well as the agency/organizations location and services to make the best match. Agencies are constantly changing and are evaluated annually.
Unfortunately, there will be no “employment-based” placements for the 2019-2020 academic year.
Once a student is assigned to a field practicum site, the student will need to call the agency contact to schedule an interview. Different agencies have different processes to accept the student. Some agencies conduct formal, group interviews and some agencies are much more informal. Writing samples are routinely requested. Students should be prepared for all situations. At the interview, students should be dressed professionally, presented as courteous and have resume and the appropriate social work competencies (Generalist or Specialist) in hand.
Increasingly agencies are requiring background checks. Students should be prepared for both situations. Ideally, background checks should be completed prior to the placement starting date. Although, the School of Social Work requires a background check, state agencies and medical facilities will sometimes require an additional background check (students are responsible for all additional costs).
Please bring your resume and social work competencies.
Please see the Georgia State University’s career planning office.
Field seminar classes start in August. Field education hours typically start in late August. Field hours cannot start over the summer.
If the student decides not to accept, or is denied, a placement, the student must discuss options with the field director.
A student who is rejected for placement by TWO agencies in one semester for reasons related to inappropriateness (i.e. behavior, attitude) or lack of readiness for placement may be dismissed from the program.
The field supervisor is the agency person who provides the student with on-site supervision. This person is responsible for providing weekly supervision and evaluating student performance. Some students may be assigned to work with task supervisors as well. However, the student is accountable, first and foremost, to the field supervisor, who directs the learning experience in field.
The faculty liaison is the assigned faculty person responsible for providing the communication link between the School of Social Work and the field placement site. The liaison monitors the overall placement experience through agency visits and facilitation of the field integrative seminars. The liaison is responsible for assigning the final field education grade.
Please visit the Field Education Manual as well as the website for the most up to date policies,