Field education is the signature pedagogy of social work programs.
Through close working relationships with a broad range of agencies within a 100-mile radius of Binghamton University, the Department of Social Work demonstrates its commitment to the community by dedicating service to various populations. The MSW program helps to define and meet the needs of individuals, groups, families, organizations and communities, while providing students with opportunities to explore interests and develop skills.
Field instruction begins with the development of a generalist foundation of social work theory and practice, then continues with advanced generalist training. In both levels, students complete 510 hours in the field, in field placements coordinated by the field education staff. Students earn eight academic credits and spend 15 field hours per week for 34 weeks over two semesters at an agency, for a total of 16 academic credits and 1,020 field hours in two agencies over the course of the MSW program. Students are expected to fulfill their field hours on two weekdays, during regular field agency hours, under the supervision of a licensed MSW-level field instructor. Both full-time and part-time students are expected to adjust their schedules to meet the field hour requirement.
2019-2020 Field Assignment Calendar
For field instructors
- 2019 Field Manual
- Prospective field agency form
- Field instructor credential form
- Field Liaison Midterm Progress Report
Tools used in field instruction
- Intern placement tracking (IPT) system
- Intern placement tracking (IPT) student guide
- Explanation of the student learning plan
- Supervision Info Sheet and Preparation Tools
- Weekly supervision log
- Process recording instructions
- Process recording sample
For generalist year MSW students and field instructors
- Intern placement tracking (IPT) system
- Learning plan
- Learning plan (sample)
- Process recording confirmation of completion
- Time log
- Field instructor midterm evaluation
- Field instructor final evaluation
