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Social Work Field Education

About Field Education

The field practicum is an integral part of the MSW program. It provides a real-world experience for students to learn and demonstrate mastery of social work skills. Field Education includes the following key points:

  • Integrate social work theories, values, and knowledge into direct social work practice 
  • Develop and enhance self-awareness and the conscious use of self in providing social work services
  • Enhance skills to provide services to individuals, groups, families, organizations, and communities
  • Develop increased understanding and skills in working with a trauma competent perspective

Field Placement Options

Multiple placement opportunities are available Wichita and Colorado Springs.

  • hospitals
  • substance abuse programs
  • schools
  • therapeutic settings
  • behavioral health
  • correctional facilities
  • hospice
  • programs for the elderly
  • federal and state agencies
  • veteran’s administration
  • restorative justice
  • children and family services

Integrative Seminar

Integrative Seminar classes further assist students in connecting classroom and practicum experiences. The Integrative Seminar is held concurrently with each semester of Field Practicum and is designed to help students have open discussions on course concepts and real-world experiences they are having in their field experience.

Each semester students meet 7 times in seminar and the class utilizes a discussion format, to allow students to explore personal and professional values as they relate to client services and to grow professionally by exploring the student’s own experiences as well as the experiences of peers. This course is also designed to allow students to identify and explore issues related to Social Work Ethics and Values, diversity, promotion of social and economic justice, and populations at risk. A student is expected to stay in the same section of Integrative Seminar in both Fall and Spring semesters for continuity.

Field Practicum Hours

The Advanced Standing Field Practicum consists of 20 hours per week over 30 weeks during the fall and springs semester for a total of 600 hours of practicum experience in the field agency.  

The Foundational Standing Field Practicum consists of 16 hours per week over 30 weeks during the fall and springs semester for a total of 480 hours of practicum experience in the field agency. 

Both placements are chosen by the student at different locations. 

Program Resources