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Bachelor of Social Work Field Experience:
Prepare for Field Experience

Welcome to Field

Social Work internships at Walden University are referred to as "Field Experience" or "Field" for short. Field is an integral part of your social work program. The purpose of field is to integrate classroom learning with real social work practice. It gives you the opportunity to develop skills you will need as a professional social worker.

A productive field experience requires you to actively participate in the field experience process.

Review Important Materials

Before beginning field, you should review the following: 

Correspond with your Student Success Advisor

Confirm the following with your Student Success Advisor

  • When you will begin field (varies depending on track).

  • When you will take your Skills Lab course.

  • That you are on track to complete your pre-requisite courses prior to beginning field.

Understand Requirements

Skills Lab

Skills Lab is a course which gives you real-world experience and an opportunity to work one-on-one with faculty members and classmates. You are required to participate in one Skills Lab. 

  1. BWLB 4900 - Social Work Skills Lab - Complete after completing SOCW 3004 and SOCW 4003. SOCW 4004 is recommended before Skills Lab; however, it can be taken concurrently with Skills Lab.

For more information on the timing of when you will want to take your Skills Labs, when the course is offered, and how to attend, visit the Academic Residencies website. 

Field Hours

One agency placement totaling 400 hours. 

  • SOCW 4100 - 200 hours
  • SOCW 4110 - 200 hours

Types of Tasks

These are the types of tasks that you will be expected of you during field experience. It is required for you to have direct in-person contact with clients. 

Tasks BSW

Micro

(individuals)

Non-Clinical Intakes

Needs Assessments

Case Management

Resource Referral

 

Some Social Work Roles: Broker, case manager, educator

Mezzo

(families, groups)

Family Supportive Services

Psycho-Educational Groups

 

Some Social Work Roles: Mediator, educator, case manager, resource provider

Macro

(organizations and communities)

Research Projects

Program Development

Community Partners Collaboration

Community Outreach

 

Some Social Work Roles: Researcher, community broker of services, facilitator, networker

People Helping Along the Way

The BSW Field Director

This is the Walden faculty member responsible for the overall functioning of the field education program. They are administratively responsible for the design, coordination and guidance of the field education component of your program.

Academic Program and Field Experience Coordinator

The Academic Program and Field Experience Coordinator is responsible for oversight and management of the MSW & BSW field experience team, ensuring quality and adherence to policies during the field application and placement process. The supervisor oversees the BSW and MSW field application and placement operations, processes, and staff.

Field Experience Coordinator

The Field Experience Coordinator is the Walden staff member who works closely with you and field instructors to secure your field placement.

Field Experience Operations Coordinator

The operations coordinator is the Walden University staff member responsible for working closely with the MSW field office staff to provide administrative support for students, faculty liaisons, and others.

Field Liaison

The Field Liaison is your Walden faculty member who teaches your field education courses.

Field Instructor

The Field Instructor is the agency staff member who supervisors you during your field experience placement.

Field Agency

The Field Agency is the organization you complete your field experience placement.