Understanding Social Work Field Experience

Every social work student participates in boots-on-the-ground field experiences (sometimes called field placements or field practicums). Not only do colleges and universities require students to take part in these placements, but states require social worker candidates to have some real-world experience as part of the licensing process.

Social work field experiences differ from the college experience, though. Students don’t simply stay in a traditional classroom. They go out to work at various organizations and groups — the types of places they might even find themselves working on a permanent basis in the future.

Since these field experiences are unique to social work programs, they might seem confusing to new or prospective students. This page offers guidance on social work field experiences, including how to find a placement and what students can expect day-to-day.

While social work students learn theoretical concepts in their area of study in the classroom, social work field experiences allow them to apply those concepts in real life in a supervised setting.

These placements essentially function as internships where students can practice their skills under the guidance of seasoned professionals. Field experiences can take place in many different settings, like schools, hospice centers, or child welfare agencies.

For a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW), placements normally occur in the last two years. For a master’s degree in social work (MSW), students typically take on their fieldwork in their last year. However, the specific timing and duration of fieldwork varies based on university requirements. Some students may participate in multiple placements throughout their degree program.

All social work candidates must complete social work field experience as part of their licensure requirements. Specific prerequisites for licensure vary by state, but BSW degrees commonly require at least 400 fieldwork hours. MSW programs commonly include 900 hours of fieldwork.

Most universities arrange social work field experiences or internships for their students. However, in some cases, BSW or MSW candidates may need to find their own placements.

Although every school follows a specific procedure, here are some common steps for arranging fieldwork experiences:

While traditional on-campus students might go through this process in person, distance learners can often carry out most or all steps virtually. Universities generally strive to match students with placements in some proximity to them — that way, distance learners can complete their experience without the added burden of a painful move or long commute.

Social work field experiences take place in many settings. Students can often take on a placement within their interest area or field of specialization.

For instance, aspiring social workers who want to work with children can find opportunities in schools or child welfare centers. Those who hope to work in mental health might prefer placements in substance use clinics or mental health organizations.

Other potential placements could include: healthcare facilities, hospice centers, justice centers, or community service organizations.

Many social work internships are still unpaid. However, a movement has gained some steam among students, academics, and professionals to pay MSW and BSW candidates for their social work field experience.

Because graduate students already possess a bachelor’s degree, they may be more likely to find paid positions through place-of-employment internships. Students may also take advantage of placements with stipends, which organizations or schools pay as a lump sum instead of hourly payments.

As a student, you can always reach out to organizations with social work field experience placements to see whether paid opportunities or stipends are available. Some organizations are willing to negotiate, even if they do not pay students upfront.

Students can learn a lot in the classroom — but in a field like social work, knowledge without practice can only partially prepare you for your career. Social work field experience allows learners to practice everything they learned in the real world. Students also receive guidance from experienced professionals so they can learn on the job without immediately jumping into a full-time role with total responsibility.

Social worker candidates hone all of the skills they will need post-graduation during their social work internships. Those skills include communication and crisis intervention, especially when working with vulnerable people like children or individuals struggling with addiction. Students practice the administrative skills they need, such as case management. They also learn how to work under pressure and manage their time.

Make sure you do your research about your social work field placement. Learn as much as you can about what to expect, the people with whom you’ll be working, and what your day-to-day responsibilities will be. If you know who your supervisor is, reach out beforehand to ask questions. You can also reach out to people who previously participated in a similar social work field placement to learn more about their experiences.

If you do your research, you may find some paid social work internships or placements with stipends. You can find these placements by searching online or speaking to placement advisors at your school. You can also reach out to organizations with social work placements directly to ask whether they offer paid positions.