Field Placement Information

Field placement is a core element of the social work programs at EMU. Students in the MSW program complete up to 900 hours of work in public and non-profit agencies, working to help vulnerable people and communities. Each field placement includes a classroom component, giving students a supportive setting to apply new knowledge and put field experiences into context.

MSW students with a bachelor's degree in a discipline other than social work first complete a foundational field placement to establish general social work skills.

Each field placement includes a classroom component, giving students a supportive setting where they can immediately apply new knowledge and put their field experiences into context.

  • Generalist Field Placement (Social Work 488/489)

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    • SeptemberApril or JanuaryAugust, 400 hours
    • Experience reinforces general social work knowledge and skills
    • Work may include conducting intake assessments; interventions and evaluations; planning treatment; reviewing, managing and presenting cases.

    The School of Social Work partners with more than 400 agencies to provide appropriate learning experiences; you will receive this information once you are granted access to IPT. You can request to use your existing workplace as a field placement site, but all placements are ultimately made by the field placement director and coordinator.

  • Social Work 595/596: Foundational Placement

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    • January–August, 400 hours
    • For students entering the program without a BSW
    • Work may include conducting intake assessments, interventions and evaluations; planning treatment; reviewing, managing and presenting cases.
    • The field coordinator will attend one of your first year courses to provide information about field and answer questions before applying to enter field.
  • Social Work 695/696: Advanced Placement

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    • September–April, 500 hours
    • For students with a BSW (advanced standing) or who have completed foundational placement
    • Experience focuses on chosen concentration
    • Work may include facilitating groups; participating in case conferences and advocacy work; developing policy/programs; developing/running staff training modules.
    • The field coordinator will attend one of your third year courses to provide information about field and answer questions before applying to enter field.

The School of Social Work partners with more than 400 agencies to provide appropriate learning experiences. You'll receive this information once you are granted access to intern placement tracking. You can request to use your existing workplace as a field placement site, but all placements are ultimately made by the field placement director and coordinator.

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Field Manuals and Other Field Documents/Resources

Contact Information