MSW Field Placement
MSW Field Education provides students with hands-on learning in their area of specialization, with opportunities across individuals, groups, families, communities and organizations.
The MSW Experience
Classroom learning is essential. But your learning experience comes to life through your field education. That’s why we place so much emphasis on it. Whether you serve in a one-semester or two-semester internship, our block placement model allows you to become totally immersed in the field placement experience– you will come out changed.
This deep-dive into your learning will equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to be well prepared to take the next step in your career.
In your internship you will participate full-time in an organization that aligns with your concentration of study, experience a wide range of learning activities, focus solely on your internship and receive support and guidance from dedicated field faculty.
Requirements
- Traditional students (those holding an undergraduate degree other than a BSW) are at the placement site for a minimum of 900 hours.
- Advanced Standing students (those holding a BSW) are at the placement site for a minimum of 500 hours. Please note – students in the school social work focus area must meet the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) minimum requirement of 600 hours.
- Students in Leadership and Social Change; Children, Youth, and Family Services; Health Care; and Mental Health concentrations begin the internship either during the summer semester or fall semester. School Social Work concentration students begin the internship in the fall semester, and follow the school district calendar.
- For students to be eligible to enter the field, they must complete all required coursework, demonstrate professional behavior in the classroom and have a cumulative grade point average of at least a B (3.0).