Field Education is a vital part of earning a BASW and MSW degree. It provides students with an opportunity to apply social work theories from the classroom to social work practice in the field.

Typical field settings include schools, grassroots organizations, hospitals, courts, behavioral health clinics, prisons, governmental organizations, senior centers, and community health clinics. Learning opportunities include case management, crisis intervention, counseling, wellness, program management and development, and policy intervention.

New Field Sites: If you are interested in becoming a new field education site CLICK HERE to complete an Agency/Field Instructor Interest Form.

Existing Field Sites: If you are interested in posting a new practicum opportunity, please contact sswfield@uw.edu.

We are always looking for experienced social work professionals to provide instruction and supervision to students as part of their commitment to the training and development of future social workers and colleagues.

Things to consider when becoming a field educator or learning site:

• Each field site must have or enter into an Affiliation Agreement with the University of Washington.
• We require that the field education site has an on-site master’s level social worker with a minimum of 2 years post graduation experience.
• Placements are approximately 9 months, depending on the student’s program.
• As a Field Instructor, you will work with students to develop a plan that specifies learning activities with objectives, provide regular supervision and evaluate student progress throughout the placement.
• TRAINING: Field Instructor (FI) will complete FI training and plan to participate in ongoing continuing education opportunities (most offer free CEUs) through the Office of Field Education.
• Agency must be compatible with the School’s mission.
• Practicum opportunity must meet CSWE accreditation standards, including providing learning opportunities to develop the social work competencies.

If you are interested in supervising a social work student, please complete an interest form. Once submitted, the Office of Field Education will contact you.

For more information, read our FAQ.