MSWI

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 SW789 syllabus further defines the philosophical base and overall goals for this placement. 

Field placement for first year master's students is delayed until the second quarter of the program, allowing one quarter for knowledge building and preparation for the practicum.  Students submit their SW789 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 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 quarterly 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

Quarters in Field Placement	2 consecutive (Winter and Spring)
Total Hours	320
Hours per Quarter	160
Hours per Week	16 (10 weeks per quarter)
Credits	4 per Quarter
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.