What is a field practicum?

The Field Practicum is an internship that that you complete as a social work major.  It's an opportunity to apply what you learn in the classroom and enhance the skills you will need to function in a social service agency.    

When would I do my field practicum?

You would complete a field practicum during the last semester prior to earning your BSW degree.  Field practica take place only during the Spring and Summer semesters.  To register for Field Practicum (SOCSW460) you must have completed all required social work classes and the university's required Writing Competency requirement.

Where can I do my field practicum?

There are numerous field agency sites throughout Indiana and in surrounding states in which you can be placed.   You will be encouraged to select an agency in the area where you hope to be employed once you graduate.   At minimum, a potential agency must:

• Be able to provide learning experiences that support the social work field curriculum
• Be able to provide weekly qualified supervision
• Be no more than a 4 hour drive from the university

All field agencies are approved by the Field Coordinator.  Students do not seek field practicum sites on their own, but work closely with the Field Coordinator.

How do I find or select a field practicum site?

The semester prior to actual placement you meet individually with the Practicum Coordinator, Judi Egbert. She helps you assess your learning needs and assists you in locating potential field sites. You then schedule an interview at  potential field sites. The interview process allows you and the agency to determine whether or not the field site meets both your learning needs and the needs of the field site.

How much time will I spend in the field practicum?

You would be full time (40 hours a week) in the field during your final semester prior to graduation.

Will I take other courses when I am doing my field practicum?

You are required to take SOCWK462, Field Seminar concurrently with your field practicum.  This seminar meets five full days during your field experience.  Assignments in the Field Seminar are based on your work in the agency.  You cannot take other courses during your field practicum beyond SOCWK462.

What about working during my field practicum?

Because you will be working full time at your field practicum site, you won't be able to even work part time.  Evenings and weekends will be needed to complete Field Seminar assignments.   You'll need to plan ahead financially for your field practicum semester.

Who oversees my work in the field?

You will work under a Field Supervisor in the agency.  She/he will be responsible for providing you with individualized instruction based on your professional development needs.

I am working in a social services agency.  Can I do my field agency at my job site?

Generally, no.  Your field practicum must be a new learning experience for you.  On rare occasions some students have been allowed to use a place of employment provided:

• 40 hours a week can be new learning experience and not a continuation of the student's current job responsibilities;
• A field supervisor who is not the student's current employer can oversee the field practicum experience.

In most cases agencies cannot meet the above requirements.

How am I evaluated as a field practicum student?

You and your field supervisor both assess your performance in the field based upon the tasks you and your supervisor develop together.  These tasks or assignments are unique to your field agency setting and support the BSW program's objectives.  Your assessments are discussed with your faculty field liaison who is responsible for assigning your final grade.