BSW Field Education
Field Education is designed to provide BSW students with an opportunity to integrate and use their academic learning in a practice setting. We believe that each student brings to the field experience unique abilities, learning styles and career goals. In addition, the learning experiences available in each agency differ. In recognition of all of these variables each student at the University of Maine participates in an individual educational survey prior to entering field.
The BSW-Field-Expectations describes the Junior and Senior Year Field Experience activities.
SWK 395 Junior Year Field Experience
BSW students complete a two-semester field experience (SWK 395 Part A and B) during the junior year. The fall semester of SWK 395 is a 3 credit, two and one half hour weekly class designed to introduce students to social work practice knowledge, values and skills and to support students’ socialization into the profession. A central emphasis in SWK 395 is on breadth of exposure to underserved client populations and different fields of practice. Weekly learning modules and guest speakers focus on skill development, professional behavior, interviewing skills, and ethical behavior and practice. Students also begin to meet in groups to complete service learning opportunities in several social service agencies. In the spring semester, students spend some time in the weekly class and continue to complete service learning opportunities in additional new agencies.
SWK 495 Senior Year Field Practicum
BSW students complete a two-semester field practicum (SWK 495) during the senior year. The Senior Year Field Practicum consists of two consecutive semesters of SWK 495 during which students participate in a weekly field seminar in addition to spending a minimum of 400 clock hours in their field placement.
Field Education Policies and Forms provides more information.