The M.S.W. program involves classroom and field instruction. The Council on Social Work Education requires that all master's students spend a minimum number of hours in an approved field education placement. Students at the School of Social Work spend 1,125 hours in field instruction.

The field education practicums must be taken concurrently with the appropriate practice courses.  The field education program consists of two parts. During the first year of field placement, students spend a total of 450 hours in the field, 15 hours per week for 15 weeks each semester. A total of 6 credits is earned during the first year.

The second year field education practicum is concentration specific and must be taken concurrently with the appropriate advanced practice courses. During the second year of field placement, students spend a total of 675 hours in the field, 22.5 hours per week for 15 weeks each semester. A total of 6 credits is earned during the second year.

Schedules for field placement vary; thus, students should anticipate the need to make at least 8 daytime hours available for field placement. There may be some sites that require some evening or weekend hours as well. Field placement cannot be provided for evenings and weekends only.