The School of Social Work accepts the principle that field education is the “signature pedagogy” of social work education and requires that all students have experience in professionally supervised field placements.

An educationally directed field experience is a central part of a social work education. It is in the field placement where students are provided an opportunity to develop, apply, and test knowledge and skills from the classroom under the supervision of a practicing social worker. Some key points about field education:

Internships are arranged to meet individual student needs and interests. • Settings include child welfare programs, schools, mental health centers, hospitals, corrections, substance abuse programs, aging services, homelessness programs, and other community programs where social workers work.
MSW students complete 1,000 hours of field education in two different agencies, 16 hours per week, over two academic years.
BSW students complete 500 hours of field education in one agency; 16 hours per week, during their senior year.
The School utilizes more than 350 different placement agencies, throughout the state, which provide a wide range of learning opportunities.

Agencies or social workers interested in providing field placements for students or becoming a field instructor are encouraged to contact a member of the Field Team.

Admitted students can obtain more detailed information on field placements and the placement process on their respective Student Web Centers: M.S.W.-Portland, M.S.W.-Distance, and B.S.W.

Joanne Fuller (Alumna, M.S.W. '96) leads one of the most important departments in Multnomah County. more