Social Work Program Field Education

Field education in Eastern Connecticut State University's Social Work Program integrates student classroom learning with practical field education under the supervision of professional social workers. Field education is the social work profession's signature pedagogy. Students are expected to engage in three progressively responsible and challenging experiences: a 20-hour introductory practicum, a 45-hour community practice internship, and a 400-hour generalist senior practicum. All policies related to practical and student expectations are contained in the Social Work Student and Field Handbook.

Through Eastern's social work field education program students will develop essential professional competencies:

skillful in a variety of helping roles
effective in work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
ethical and knowledgeable practitioners
culturally competent social workers and
actively engaged in the promotion of human rights and social justice

Introductory Practicum

The introductory field work experience is intended to offer students first-hand exposure to the atmosphere and functioning of a social service agency and observation of the roles and tasks of social work professionals. This practicum is conducted as part of SWK 200.

Community Practicum

This second social work practicum is part of SWK 300, Generalist Practice with Communities and Organizations. Students are placed in community mobilization projects which are proposed annually by community organizations. Students work in teams to mobilize community resources, affecting measurable change. Students must document a minimum of 45 hours within the community setting.

Senior Practicum

The senior practicum is a component of SWK 350 and SWK 450, requiring 400 hours of social work practice under the supervision of a social work professional. Agencies throughout Eastern Connecticut provide expert learning environments. Student learning outcomes are evaluated through written assessment of competencies and faculty liaison visits to the field settings.