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What is Field Education?
Field education is one of the 7 foundational pieces of social work education
(Council on Social Work Education). It is essential to the training of professional
social workers. At Murray State field education serves as the capstone course
that seeks to help students integrate and externalize the entire academic
curriculum as they practice as student interns. Using a block placement
style, senior social work students take a 12 credit hour course (SWK 499)
in which they serve as interns in a social service agency under the supervision
of a degreed social worker. The student is able to practice their social
work skills working through the agency to provide direct service to clients.
Each student in Field Education participates in a Field Seminar that meets
periodically throughout the semester on campus.
When do I take Field Education?
A student signs up for Field Education the last semester at Murray State
with the approval of the Field Education Director. During the previous semester
(last academic semester) the student takes SWK 498 – Senior Seminar
in which the field placement is set up. Placements are available during
both spring and fall semesters, not during the summer.
Who sets up my Field Placement?
Field placements are arranged by the Field Education Director in conjunction
with the social work student. Since field placements are 500 hours (32 hours
per week average) and are worth 12 credit hours, the field director works
with students to find a placement that is of interest to the student, is
not a geographical or financial burden on the student, and that meets the
CSWE expectations for field education at the BSW level. The field education
director works with the student to identify two possible field agencies,
sets up interviews for the student, and assists the student in finding a
“good fit” to ensure a good learning experience. Following SWK
498 the student takes SWK 499 – Field Practicum the following semester.
Is there a cost to Field Education?
While there is no course fee attached to Field, each student must secure
professional liability insurance before beginning placement. The program
works with students to secure this insurance through the NASW Insurance
Trust for the lowest fee available.
Can I work and do Field at the same time?
The faculty is aware that many students must work to support themselves
and/or family members. Since it requires as average of 32 hours per week
for students to finish their practicum in one semester, it is important
to work closely with the Field Education Director regarding your needs.
How does an agency participate in field education?
The Council on Social Work Education suggests that the University utilize
agencies that have staff positions that can be filled with BSW graduates
and that they provide a degreed social worker (BSW, MSW) to serve as the
field instructor. The Field Education Director recruits and trains prospective
agencies and field instructors.
Are there academic requirements associated with Field Education?
Yes. Each student involved in Field Education will attend approximately
7 seminars during the semester they are in their internship. These seminars
are held on campus and are scheduled prior to the start of the semester.
Each student is required to keep a journal during the semester and turn
in weekly time sheets with these journal entries. Also, each student must
turn in a written assessment of client needs and must produce a research
paper related to their area of practice in field.
Can I be paid for my internship?
While there are no restrictions regarding paid internships, very few exist
in the social work field. CSWE requires that a student can only be paid
to do work in an area where they have not previously worked for pay. You
will need to talk to the Field Education Director about any possible paid
internships.
