Field Education

Welcome to Field Education

At The Ohio State University, College of Social Work, we take your education into the community.  We are excited to help students find the right field experience where they will spend their time putting theory into practice, engaging with other social workers, and developing their professional identity. 

Field Education has been identified as the signature pedagogy of social work, by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).  A signature pedagogy is the method by which a student learns their profession; for social work, that is in field education. 

But signature pedagogies also do more; they disclose important information about the personality of a professional field-its values, knowledge, and manner of thinking, almost perhaps, its total worldview.

We hope that your experience in field will take what you have learned in the classroom and translate it into practice.  Working with a professional social worker as your field instructor, they will guide you as you build your knowledge and skills to help others. 

There are a variety of placement options.  We are affiliated with over 600 agencies in the state, ranging from settlement houses, community organizations, and mental health agencies to schools, hospitals, government, corrections, drug and alcohol treatment centers, and many more.  Check out our agency database https://alceasoftware.com/web/login.php 
to learn about the vast opportunities.

Field Education makes a tremendous difference in the lives of students, and leaves a lasting impression. 

We hope your field experience is one that helps set your path as a professional social worker.  The Office of Field Education will guide and support you through your placement process and your experience.

Contact us with any questions or comments you may have.

Lisa Durham, Assistant Dean of Community Engagement and Director of Field Education      
durham.49@osu.edu

Katie Spinks, Field Program Manager
spinks.8@osu.edu

Jenny Kreinbrink, Community Engagement Coordinator
kreinbrink.18@osu.edu                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
Chrissy Gilbert, Field Coordinator
gilbert.170@osu.edu

Jorie Schwartz, Field Coordinator
schwartz.65@osu.edu

Teri Kinsway, Field Coordinator
kinsway.1@osu.edu

Michael Madry, Field Coordinator
madry.6@osu.edu