MSW Field Coordinator
Dr. Tiffany Havlin
THavlin@MissouriState.edu
417-836-6314
Pummill Hall, Rm 105-I
THavlin@MissouriState.edu
417-836-6314
Pummill Hall, Rm 105-I
The field education experience, or practicum, offers you the opportunity to apply your classroom learning in a supervised social work practice setting. 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.
Prepare for this experience as you would if it were a job interview, as it is not uncommon for students to be considered for hiring by their field agency.
The social work field experience is an important part of your education and will become an important part of your résumé as well. As you think about your field education experience, we recommend the following:
Very few practica are paid. However, the practicum requirements, your field agency and its clients cannot be slighted for outside employment responsibilities. If you have particular circumstances to be taken into consideration, you need to share this with the agency during your interview process, so the agency can make an informed decision.
Social work field experiences adhere to the following guidelines:
The field component of social work education is an exciting and pivotal piece of your education. Prior to seeking a field practicum agency, we will meet together to discuss your goals for learning, the various practice opportunities and some of the requirements, policies and procedures of the field program. You will get a more thorough orientation prior to beginning the practicum. Please read the MSW Field Education Manual before attending pre-field orientation.
Among others, one of the field coordinator's roles is to assist the student and the agency in securing a "good fit." The aim is to have a successful practicum experience. The planning meeting will help us determine what a good fit might be. Social Workers typically always remember the practicum experience. Lets try to make it a good one!
If you believe your place of employment would also work as a practicum site, complete the Employment-Based Practicum Proposal