Field Experience
All social work programs have students go into the field to practice their social work skills, similar to student teaching in education. The 2015 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) states, “Field education is the signature pedagogy for social work. The intent of field education is to integrate the theoretical and conceptual contribution of the classroom with the practical world of the practice setting.” (CSWE 2015, p. 11) SIUE has opportunities for field placements in urban and rural areas of Illinois and Missouri in a variety of settings such as mental health agencies, hospitals, community organizations and nonprofit agencies.
Field education is called practicum at SIUE. Students receive counseling and support from their advisors and the director of practica when finding a placement. Undergraduates have practicum during consecutive fall and spring semesters senior year. Graduates typically have practicum during consecutive spring and summer terms; although a summer block option is also available. It is prudent for students to begin the practicum planning process in the early semester preceding the semester they expect to enroll in their practicum.
Jessica Ulrich, Field Education Coordinator, can be reached at socwpractica@siue.edu.
Interruption of Field due to National or Local Events
