Field education Field education is the heart of the Master of Social Work program at Pacific University. After students are accepted into the MSW program, placements at approved social service organizations are established.
First year students participate in a two-semester practicum consisting of 14-16 hours per week, totaling 420 hours. During their second year, students participate in another two-semester practicum consisting of 18-20 hour per week, totaling 500 hours. Over the entire course of the MSW program, students participate in a total of 920 practicum hours.
Foundation year placements orient students to the social work profession. Students begin to acquire the skills and knowledge to practice social work with individuals, families, groups, and communities. Field faculty determine placements for foundation year students with consideration of student strengths, interests, and agency availability and needs.
Concentration year placements continue to enhance the student’s social work skills and expertise, essentially building on foundation year learning. Students have greater input into placement requests during their concentration year. However, placement is contingent on many factors including placement availability, suitability, and fit between students and the site.
In addition to the time dedicated to practicum placements, students attend a weekly seminar class. Seminar is an interactive setting where students integrate classroom knowledge with practice and critically analyze and reflect on their practicum experiences and professional development.
Professor looks patiently at student.