Field Instruction

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 Syllabi

For field instructors

Tools used in field instruction

For generalist year MSW students and field instructors

For advanced generalist year MSW students and field instructors