Master of Social Work (MSW) First Year Field Placement
In the first year of the MSW field placement, students are placed in human service agencies oriented toward a generalist social work practice. The focus is on social work with interrelated and interdependent human systems: individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The SW6189 syllabus further defines the philosophical base and overall goals for this placement.
Field placement for first year master's students is delayed until the 7th week of Autumn Semester of program, allowing for knowledge building and preparation for the practicum in the SW6501 Engaging and Entering the Profession course. Students submit their SW6189 field placement questionnaire online. This document asks for information on the kinds of learning experiences requested by the student, and thus assists the Field Education staff in matching student with appropriate field placement sites. Field Practicum Orientations are conducted for first year students prior to entry into field in order to provide comprehensive information about the practicum experience.
Once the Field Education Office arranges a placement, each student interviews with a contact person from his or her assigned agency in order to determine if the student and agency are compatible in regard to goals and expectations. Students must confirm placement with the Field Office following the pre-placement interview.
During the initial weeks of placements, students and their field instructors develop a learning agreement that identifies the goals and objectives to be accomplished during the field practicum. Students and their field instructors will also complete semester performance evaluations and field placement time sheets.
Requests for deviations in scheduling must be discussed with the field placement coordinators, approved by the Director of Field Education, and reflected in students' educational plans.
MSWI Field Placement Hours & Credits
| Semesters in Field Placement | 2 consecutive (Autumn weeks 8-14 & Sping weeks 1-14) |
| Total Hours | 336 |
| Hours per Semester | 112 Autumn & 224 Spring |
| Hours per Week | 16 |
| Credits | 1 Autumn Semester and 2 Spring Semester |
| Grading System | Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory |
If you have any further questions about the MSWI Field Placement please contact the Field Education Office at 614-292-7686 or cswfield@osu.edu.
