Social Work Field FAQ

Field application forms are available in Sonia. Students are required to establish an account and self assign the field application forms to complete and submit them for processing. Please visit getting started on Sonia for more details.

Yes, both the learning plan, mid-term progress report, and final evaluations are required for all semesters in the 2023/24 academic years and are located in Sonia. The only exception is that the mid-term progress report is waived for students completing a block placement.

• Traditional on-site practicum supervised by agency field instructor.
• Employment-based field practicum supervised by agency employment supervisor or other approved agency staff. (Proposals assessed on a case-by-case basis and are contingent on meeting the field program requirements.)
• Block placements – MSW students only. (Completion of two field courses in one semester.)
• Block placements are an exception to the normal field curriculum and require approval from the assigned field liaison and are contingent on several variables.

BSW Students

BSW students need a total of 430 hours over two consecutive semesters.

MSW Foundation Students

MSW Foundation students need 915 hours completed in four semesters (two separate placements for two-semesters each). Foundation students need to complete the following four courses.

Please note that 821 and 822 have variable credits and students should register for the correct credit hours based on the curriculum set up with the MSW Advising Office at msw-advising@uwm.edu.

• 721 (215 hours & 3 credits)
• 722 (200 hours & 3 credits)
• 821 (250 hours and 3 credits OR 300 hours and 4 credits)
• 822 (250 hours and 3 credits OR 300 hours and 4 credits)

MSW Advanced-Standing Students

MSW students with advanced standing need a minimum of 700 hours in three consecutive semesters. Students who completed a BSW program and have advanced standing need to complete the following three courses.

Please note that 821 and 822 have variable credits and students should register for the correct credit hours based on the curriculum set up with the MSW Advising Office at msw-advising@uwm.edu.

• 722 (200 hours & 3 credits)
• 821 (250 hours and 3 credits OR 300 hours and 4 credits)
• 822 (250 hours and 3 credits OR 300 hours and 4 credits)
• 921 is a variable credit (1-4) elective course and needs field liaison approval for registration

No, students cannot receive field education credit for past work experience.

All time spent on the following activities count toward total field hours:

• Field seminar attendance
• Completion of MSW field assignments
• Completion of agency-directed field activities (including training)
• Field supervisions
• Field orientation to the field practicum

MSW students completing their field practicum in an agency should complete MSW field assignments (totaling 5 points each semester) under the direction and supervision of their agency field instructor.

These assignments are located on your Sonia dashboard.

BSW students attend a weekly field seminar that accounts for 25% of the field education grade and includes seminar attendance and participation and assignments.

Yes, both the learning plan, mid-term progress report, and final evaluations are required for all semesters in the 2023/24 academic years. The only exception is that the mid-term progress report is waived for students completing a block placement.

An employment-based field practicum has the same requirements for students and field instructors as all non-employment-based field practicums including weekly educational supervision and the assignment of added new responsibilities to expand on social work competency development. An employment-based field practicum plan needs prior field liaison approval.

BSW Students

Our field education program seeks an individual with a BSW or MSW with two years postgraduate experience and one year with the current agency to provide field supervision. Students placed with a field instructor with a related degree such as human services or counseling will need added virtual weekly educational supervision provided by an individual with an MSW, which is counted toward the total field hour requirement. This added supervision is an accreditation requirement and serves to provide the social work perspective to students not supervised by a social worker.

MSW Students

Our field education program seeks an individual with an MSW with two years of postgraduate experience and one year with the current agency to provide field supervision. Students placed with a field instructor with a related degree such as a master’s degree in human services, counseling, or psychology will need added virtual weekly educational supervision provided by an individual with an MSW, which is counted toward the total field hour requirement. This added supervision is an accreditation requirement and serves to provide the social work perspective to students not supervised by a social worker.

A block placement means that a student must complete all course requirements for each field course they take in the semester. The first field course and all required documents should be completed by mid-semester, at which time the student can begin their second field course. The exception is the mid-term progress report, which will be completed by students and field instructors during the semester.

Students are expected to follow health and safety requirements of the field agency. This includes notifying the field agency and field liaison of a positive COVID test.

Please direct your questions to your assigned field liaison. If they are out of the office, you can direct your questions to Field Director Jeanne Wagner at jeannew@uwm.edu, 414-229-6501, or after hour emergencies at 414-367-9515.