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 applying to field for more details.

• Traditional agency-based practicum supervised by agency Field Instructor
• Employment-based field practicum supervised by a different agency supervisor in a different department.
• Employment-based field practicum supervised by your current supervision in your current position.
• Block placements for MSW students only (completion of two field courses in one semester.

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 (up to 10 hours per semester with Field Instructor approval)
• Completion of agency-directed field activities (including training)
• Field supervisions
• Field orientation to the field practicum

MSW students enrolled in SW 722, 821, 822 should complete MSW field assignments (totalling 5 points each semester) under the direction and supervision of their agency field instructor. Students who are enrolled in School Social Work, YOSAT II or combined degree programs may have specific requirements for field assignments.

These assignments are located on your Sonia homepage.

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

Field instructors for baccalaureate students hold a baccalaureate or master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program and have at least two years of post-social work degree practice experience in social work

MSW Students

Field instructors for master’s students hold a master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program and have at least two years post-master’s social work degree practice experience in social work. 

The person identified as the Field Instructor is required to provide weekly supervision, review all Field Education  documents completed by the student, and complete the Mid-Term Progress Report and the Final Field Evaluation

Our Field program strives to work with instructors for baccalaureate and master’s degree social work students who have a CSWE-accredited baccalaureate or master’s social work degree. Field liaisons have the discretion to arrange Field education practicums on a case-by- case basis with Field instructors who do not hold a CSWE-accredited baccalaureate or master’s social work degree that fits one of the two additional criteria. In these cases, supervision by an individual who meets the CSWE requirements for supervision is provided to students in several ways, including:  

• Co-supervision with an individual at the agency who meets the CSWE requirements for field supervision.  
• Supplemental Supervision provided by UWM by a Field Faculty who meets CSWE requirements for field supervision.

Please direct your questions to your assigned field liaison. If they are out of the office, you can direct your questions to the Field Directors:

BSW: Jenny Taylor-McBride at taylormc@uwm.edu

MSW: Johanna Barkei at barkei@uwm.edu

A specific placement is not REQUIRED for an LCSW, however, having a “Clinical” placement will reduce the number of post-graduate hours required to obtain your LCSW.

A Clinical Placement is defined by the State of Wisconsin Division of Safety and Professional Services(DSPS) as:  

At least 2 semesters in a placement where more than 50% of the practice is to assess and treat interpersonal and intrapsychic issues in director contact with individuals, families, or small groups.  This placement must be in a “Primary Clinical Setting” which is a Facility, or unit within a Facility, whose primary purpose is to treat persons with a DSM diagnosis.  Students must engage in clinical social work services consisting of assessment, diagnosis, treatment, including psychotherapy and counseling, client-centered advocacy, consultation, and evaluation. 

For more information please visit the DSPS website: https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/SocialWorkerLicensedClinical/Default.aspx