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Field Education

Overview

Field education is an integral part of the curriculum and represents a significant portion of the educational experience here at UConn. Students are required to do two different 560 hour internships for either 20 hours (normally three full days in field) a week for 28 weeks or 15 hours (normally two full days in field) a week for 37 weeks. The first internship is a part of the foundation curriculum and is designed to provide a generalist perspective of social work practice through a wide range of field assignments.

In the second semester of the foundation year field, there is an increased focus on the method concentration. The second internship is a part of the advanced curriculum and is designed to add depth, breadth and specificity to the knowledge and skills gained in the foundation year, though primary emphasis is on the method concentration. Both foundation and advanced field have pre and/or co-requisite courses.

Field work at agencies throughout the region exposes students to the extraordinary variety of work settings, populations, and client needs that characterizes social work today. Our network of agencies has been carefully developed to provide appropriate placements and to ensure a level of support that maximizes the learning experience. All field instructors are experienced, agency-based social workers with special training in supervision.

Back at the School, students and professors will review and draw on student agency experience and integrate it into classroom and future field learning.

To enhance student learning opportunities, the School also offers an option for international placements that is open to students who demonstrate interest in international/cross-cultural work.

The School cannot offer academic credit for work or life experience.