The Missouri State University School of Social Work’s Field Education Program welcomes students to the field practicum process.  The Field Practicum is the pivotal point in the curriculum where a student is in a supervised social work practice setting and provided opportunities to apply classroom learning in the field setting.  The Council on Social Work Education sets forth criteria for field education (please refer to CSWE Curriculum Policy Statement located at the end of the BSW and MSW Field Manuals). 

While the field semester is a very demanding one, most students find it to be one of the more important and enjoyable components of their education.  As adult learners, students need to think critically about what they want to learn in the practicum and be prepared to answer and ask questions during the interview process at the field agency.  

Very few practica are paid.  While the field office understands life circumstances, our highest responsibility and priority is to maintain the educational integrity of the field practicum.  The educational requirements, the field agency, and/or its clients cannot be slighted for outside employment responsibilities.  You are expected to place your practicum as a very high priority.  If you have particular circumstances to be taken into consideration (time constraints, etc.), you need to share this with the agency during your interview process so the agency can make an informed decision. 

In an attempt to expedite the field placement process and decrease the amount of paper in the field office, students are asked to READ ALL of the information provided in the Field Education Process.  Then you are to complete and submit the on-line forms (see Field Education Forms). If you have any questions after completing and submitting the forms, you may e-mail Lisa Street at LisaStreet@missouristate.edu or contact via phone at 836-5481 or 836-6080 to set an appointment.  

The Field semester is an exciting and challenging one.  I ask each of you to assume responsibility for your learning and approach the field practicum process with professionalism.   It is not uncommon for students to be considered for hiring by their field agency.  Beyond that, your field instructor and field faculty are invaluable employment references for you in the future.  Give them good things to say about you!