Master of Social Work Field Education

Field education is the heart of social work learning and often to referred to as the signature pedagogy. This is the place where theory meets practice, and where students begin to shape the kind of professionals they want to become. At Quinnipiac, we approach the field as more than a graduation requirement. It’s a transformative experience grounded in mentorship, reflection and community.

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Welcome to Field Education

Our mission is to provide a field education experience that centers the voices, identities and goals of our students. We believe every student deserves a placement that not only meets educational competencies, but also nurtures their growth, affirms who they are, and challenges them to think critically about systems of power and change.

We work intentionally to match students with diverse agency partners and to support them throughout the process with a relational model. Our team brings deep experience in clinical and macro practice, and we remain actively engaged with our students, liaisons and field instructors across all stages of the journey.

Equity is not an add-on in our approach. It’s embedded in how we design learning experiences, build relationships with our community partners and train the next generation of social workers. Whether you're a student, a field instructor or part of our broader community, we’re grateful that you’re part of this collective effort.

You’re not just entering a practicum. You’re stepping into your purpose.

As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting our students, we want to ensure you have the tools, clarity and guidance needed to succeed. Whether you're just getting started or preparing for your next step, this resource is here for you. The information provided here is designed to answer common questions, help you feel confident as you begin your practicum and give you a clear sense of what to expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Field education is considered the signature pedagogy of social work. It plays a central role in the MSW curriculum by giving students hands-on experience. All MSW students will complete field practicums, which allow them to apply classroom learning (knowledge, values and skills) in real-world settings across micro, mezzo and macro levels.

Field placements are arranged through a collaborative process managed by the Field Education Office. Students do not arrange their own placements. Upon entering the MSW program, students apply for their generalist field placement, and again later for their specialized placement. After submitting a Field Practicum Application, students meet with their assigned Field Education Coordinator to review their application, assess readiness and discuss appropriate referrals. Additional meetings can be scheduled to support the practicum interview process.

The MSW program partners with a wide range of agencies to provide diverse practicum experiences. These include public, private, for-profit and nonprofit settings such as:

Community mental health services
Substance use treatment agencies
Children and youth programs
Family resource centers
Domestic violence agencies
Public schools
Hospitals and healthcare facilities
Policy and planning organizations
Advocacy groups

Students are placed within approximately 50 miles of their residential address.

Students living out-of-state must propose at least three potential practicum sites within 50 miles of their home. The Field Education Coordinator will collaborate with the student to identify suitable options and vet the proposed sites and supervisors to ensure they meet accreditation and program standards. Final placement decisions and referrals are coordinated by the Field Education Office.

Generalist placement (first-year MSW students):

14–16 hours per week, totaling at least 400 hours over two semesters

Specialized placement (advanced standing or second-year students):

18–21 hours per week, totaling at least 500 hours over two semesters

Students may occasionally need to flex their schedule for evening or weekend activities, depending on agency needs. Supervision and consistent scheduling are essential to meeting practicum requirements.

In some cases, yes. Employment-related placements are reviewed individually and must be approved by both the Field Education Office and the employer. The student’s responsibilities must align with CSWE’s Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) and the university’s MSW program requirements. Additionally, field supervision must be provided by a credentialed MSW separate from employment supervision.

No. Per CSWE accreditation standards, prior experience, whether professional, volunteer or personal, cannot be used in place of field instruction hours.

Yes. Quinnipiac University requires all incoming MSW students to complete a background check before beginning classes. Practicum sites may require additional screenings, which could include fingerprinting, drug testing, physicals, or separate background checks. Many social work placements involve working with vulnerable populations, and both agencies and employers commonly conduct background checks related to criminal history, child abuse substantiations, driving records and substance use. While a violation or conviction doesn’t automatically disqualify someone, it may impact placement and employment opportunities. You do not need to disclose any past issues now, but we believe in informing students early about these potential limitations.

Yes, but careful planning is essential. The MSW program (whether online or on campus) requires significant time commitments for both coursework and field placement. Online students may find flexibility in their schedules, especially if pursuing an employment- related placement. Students are encouraged to speak with their academic adviser and Field Education Coordinator to create a feasible plan and identify needed support systems.

Evening and weekend placements are limited and may narrow the scope of available opportunities. Most practicum sites operate during standard weekday business hours. Supervision and skill development typically happen during these hours as well. While occasional flexibility may be possible, students should expect to be available 2–3 days per week for 6–8 hours during daytime blocks. Adjusting your work schedule to accommodate field placement is usually necessary for successful completion of the MSW program.

Field education is where knowledge becomes action and intention becomes impact.

Whether you’re studying online or on campus, this is your opportunity to show up for communities, advocate for change and become the kind of social worker our world needs. It won’t always be easy, but it will be meaningful. Trust your voice, stay grounded in your values and know that you are never alone in this process. We can’t wait to see who you become through this journey.