As professionals in the making, social work students attend classes to learn practice principles, values and ethical behaviors, a body of specialized knowledge, and the scientific basis for practice. The Field Internship experience provides you an opportunity to put into practice the things learned in the classroom. You not only acquire practical experience from the field, you are socialized into the professional subculture. This process allows you to develop and improve professional social work skills, attitudes and values. Placement in an agency allows you the opportunity to observe other professionals and to learn from their actions while developing a professional self-concept. Most students report that their greatest learning experiences occurred during their internship. The Field Office has an open door policy. Feel free to come by, call or email when you have questions or concerns.

Courses & Hours
This page is designed to assist you, the BSW and MSW student, in finding an internship site. Your Field Manual (BSW, MSW) contains important information regarding your field experience. You should consult it to view the policies and procedures that govern the field internship program.

All undergraduate social work students must complete their Human Service Requirement of 120 hours prior to entering Field.

Field Days and Required Number of Hours

• Field Placements are two consecutive semesters at the same agency-usually Fall and Spring
• BSW Monday and Wednesday
  240 hours/semester for Fall and Spring
• Standard MSW Tuesday and Thursday
  60 hours Skills Lab on-site seminar - 340 hours in agency
  250 hours for 2 subsequent semesters
• Advanced Standing
  250 hours/semester for Fall and Spring
• Additional information can be found in the MSW Field Manual
  

On-Site Seminar:

• B.S.W - Enroll in SWU 413 (Fall) and SWU 415 (Spring). This seminar is facilitated by a faculty member and is designed to provide a peer networking opportunity as well as integration of theory and practice.
• Standard MSW - Upon arrival in the Fall semester, students participate in an integrative seminar setting on campus (SWG 540). The purpose is to provide a leveling opportunity while preparing to enter your agency. During subsequent semesters, you will enroll and participate in a field seminar (SWG 543, 645,646) with a Faculty Liaison assigned to your agency and other MSW students in field.
• Advanced Standing - Students are enrolled in an integrative seminar (SWG 645 and 646) that is linked to their applied project course. The instructor is the same for both classes and acts as their faculty liaison
  

Field Education Director
The Field Education Director's role is to serve as a resource and facilitator. The Director arranges field placements for both BSW and MSW social work students; recruits and develops placements; makes initial and on-going visits to agencies; and recruits field instructors and works with community agencies to identify educational opportunities for interns. The Director and Field Office are committed to students being successful in becoming professional social workers.

Saundra Ealy, Field Education Director
Social Work
Arizona State University
4701 W. Thunderbird Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85069-7100
602.543.6663 FAB S170
Saundra.Ealy@asu.edu