Field Education Resources

Field education is an integral part of social work education, where students begin to connect and integrate theory and practice. Field experiences reinforce student identification with the purposes, values, and ethics of the social work profession. Field education is implemented through field instruction at an agency-based site with a field supervisor in collaboration with the Department of Social Work field office. Cabrini’s BSW program is committed to developing placement opportunities that promote the achievement of professional competence in social work’s generalist foundation. 

BSW juniors:

• Complete SOW 311 Preparation for Practice their spring semester, the semester prior to entering field. This class prepares students for their senior year, 400-hour field placement
• Learn of the social work competencies that will guide their senior field experience and gain ample preparatory time to develop both the knowledge and skills for ethical social work practice
• Professional development is also emphasized to cultivate students’ readiness for field 

BSW seniors:

• Field experience is a full academic year
• Senior BSW students will complete at least 400 hours in field (16 hours per week, over the 9-month academic year)
• Field placements are generalist placements designed to provide students with opportunities to engage actively in professional tasks that complement, as well as reinforce, classroom learning