The Council on Social Work Education (2008) describes field education as the “signature pedagogy” of social work education. Signature pedagogy is the professional preparation for students to be instructed in critical aspects of their profession. For social work, that happens through a field placement.

Students must have successfully completed all required course work as indicated in the BSW Student Handbook, obtain a 2.5 or better GPA in social work courses, and have an overall WLU GPA of 2.0 or better. Field Placement courses (SWK 480 and SWK 484)are required capstone experiences that all students must successfully complete to receive their BSW degree. However, these courses and subsequent placements are a privilege and not an absolute right. Therefore, students will be evaluated on all academic and non-academic standards both prior to and during their field placement(s).

Students should work closely with their advisor regarding the year that they anticipate entering the field. The Field Education Director works closely with students regarding the placement process. Students are required to complete a minimum of 400 clock hours in the field setting.

Field Placement Manual 2022-2023 (.docx)
Field Placement Manual 2022-2023 (.pdf)