MSW/Post MSW Field Program

Graduate level social work students fall into three categories which have slightly different requirements for field education. 

Foundation MSW:  Foundation MSW students are required to complete 4 semesters of field education.  These semesters are typically divided into two separate placements of 2 semesters each (SW 721, SW 722 and SW 821, SW 822).  Foundation students are required to complete one online asynchronous field seminar during their first field course (SW 721) facilitated by Field faculty. 

Advanced Standing MSW: Advanced Standing students are required to complete one, 3 semester field placement (SW 722, SW 821, SW 822).  There is no additional field seminar required for these courses. 

Post-MSW: These students are almost exclusively part of the School Social Work program.  All School Social Work students should immediately contact the School Social Work Coordinator, Ke’Andra Hagans (klhagans@uwm.edu).  Deadlines and requirements for school social work may differ due to DPI regulations. 

Hours required for MSW courses are: 

SW 721215 hours (includes up to 15 hours for time spent for field seminar activities) 14-17 hours per week
SW 722200 hours 14-17 hours per week
SW 821250 hours and 3 credits OR 300 hours and 4 credits17-21 hours per week OR 20-25 hours per week
SW 822250 hours and 3 credits OR 300 hours and 4 credits17-21 hours per week OR  20-25 hours per week

How to Get Started

Students must submit their field applications by the field deadlines  (can either list or link the field deadlines).  Students should review Applying for Field Education.  This recorded power point provides information about field requirements, the field application process, FAQ, and our field software, Sonia.   See Applying to Field for more information.

Applications are assigned to a faculty Field Liaison on a rolling basis around the 15th of each month.  Your Field Liaison will work with you to secure a field placement.  The next semester application will not open in Sonia until the prior semester application has closed. 

Field Course Objectives

Policies and Procedures

Students who are graduating need to have all course incompletes resolved within one week of the semester end date in their graduation semester or risk having their graduation extended to the end of the following semester, per UWM policy.

Deadlines for Submitting Field Applications

Fall Semester: May 15th
Outside of Milwaukee County, Veteran’s Administration, and School Social Work: February 15th

Spring Semester: September 15th

Summer Semester: February 15th