Bachelors of Science in Social Work (BSSW) Student Field Information

Welcome to the BSSW’s field education page. Field practicum (SOWK 455) and seminar (SOWK 450) are in combination, the capstone academic experience for a student who intends on obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) degree. The CSWE nationally accredited program requires students to gain “mastery” of the nine CSWE competencies by the time a student graduates from the program.

Students should work with their social work academic advisor to determine an appropriate course plan to complete SOWK 450 and SOWK 455.  Students will apply for field practicum during their final academic year in the BSSW program.  The process entails an orientation, an application, and an interview process as students work closely with the BSSW Director of Field Education to obtain a practicum experience that will integrate the students’ prior academic knowledge and allow them to engage with clients and constituents to practice new knowledge in a real-life field setting.  It is required that students are in good academic and non-academic standing consistent with Minnesota State University, Mankato and the Department of Social Work policies before they start this final semester.

During practicum and seminar, students will practice at a field agency for approximately 30 hours per week for 15 weeks.  Practicum and seminar are taught in the Fall and Spring semester; they are not available in the summer.  For additional policies and procedures specific to social work field education, please see the Field Education Manual.