Field education is an essential component of the comprehensive educational program offered by the Radford University School of Social Work. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) identifies field education as the signature pedagogy of social work education, underscoring the importance of university-community partnerships that provide students with opportunities to integrate, reinforce, and apply the knowledge, values, and skills gained in the classroom.
Since 1974, Radford University has been committed to preparing students for careers as professional social work practitioners. Throughout this time, the School of Social Work has developed strong and meaningful professional relationships with community agencies, practitioners, and organizations that connect faculty, students, and social work professionals in support of student learning.
The partnership between the School of Social Work and community agencies is a fundamental and necessary component of field education. Agency resources—including professional staff, Field Instructors, Task Supervisors, administrators, and other community professionals—provide critical support and contribute significantly to the educational development of social work students.
The School of Social Work extends its sincere appreciation to the agencies, Field Instructors, Task Supervisors, faculty, and students whose time, expertise, commitment, and dedication continue to make social work field education at Radford University a success. Their contributions are instrumental in preparing the next generation of social work professionals.
The School of Social Work, including its faculty and students, is grateful to the agencies and community partners who generously share their knowledge, resources, and expertise in support of social work education and the preparation of future practitioners.
Social work students in the BSW program are required to successfully complete a 400-hour field placement during their final semester of study. Field placement occurs during either the Fall or Spring semester.
Admission to Field
Students majoring in social work complete a minimum of 400 hours of supervised field practice in a human service agency. Field education represents a culminating and integrative
component of the BSW curriculum, providing students with the opportunity to apply
classroom knowledge, professional values, and social work skills in a practice setting.
Students complete their field experience through one placement under the supervision of a trained professional social worker who provides educational supervision and guidance throughout the placement.
MSW students participate in supervised field education experiences within human service
agencies and other approved practice settings. Field placements provide students with
opportunities to develop and demonstrate professional social work knowledge and skills
through direct practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Field placements are completed under the supervision of a qualified professional with
an MSW or LCSW, consistent with program and accreditation requirements.
First-Year Generalist Year
First-year MSW students in the Generalist year are required to successfully complete
a 410-hour field placement over the course of the Fall and Spring semesters.
Clinical Year
MSW students in the Clinical year are required to successfully complete a 600-hour
field placement over the course of the Fall and Spring semesters.
Questions About Field Education
For questions regarding field placements, field education requirements, or the field
placement process, please contact:
Diana Joyce
Director of Field Education
Radford University School of Social Work
dsjoyce@radford.edu