We recognize you may have many questions about the Field Experience application and process. We are here to help! Common questions are below:

Q: What is the process to get placed at an internship?

     A: Complete information can be found here: https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/c.php?g=81877&p=665040

*Be sure to note and meet the deadlines listed on the website. If deadlines are not met your start date will be moved to the next term.

1. Contact Student Success Advising to determine the term you are eligible to begin field experience.
2. Apply for field in Meditrek for that specific term.
3. You will receive an email from Meditrek after your application is processed.
4. You will be assigned a Field Experience Coordinator (FEC) who will work with you and the field site to try and get all needed documentation done and confirm the site and supervisor are a good fit. Meanwhile, you should continue thinking of potential backup sites.
5. You can then log back into Meditrek and complete the Lead Agency Form.
6. Your FEC will send you final email confirmation if your placement is approved.

Q: How do I locate an internship?

A: Please carefully look through our Locating an Agency page here:

https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/c.php?g=81877&p=665045 If you are still having difficulties identifying potential agency options after reviewing the information on the website and would like searching assistance, please complete the “Requesting Searching Assistance” form found here: https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/c.php?g=81877&p=665045#s-lib-ctab-14716528-4.

Q: Who can provide my weekly supervision?

      A: You must get an hour of supervision each week at your agency from someone with their MSW degree and at least two years of experience in the field since graduating with that degree.

Q: What types of tasks should I do for the internship?

      A: All students should have opportunities to engage, assess and intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Generalist (Foundation) year students practice at a generalist/non-clinical level (i.e., case management) while Advanced Practice year students should engage at a clinical level with a mental health focus.

Q: Where can I go with questions before I am assigned a FEC?

      A: Please email our field office at mswfield@mail.waldenu.edu and someone will respond within two business days.

Q: Do I have a class that goes with the internship?

A: All students are enrolled in a field course that includes a weekly online synchronous meeting.

Q: Can I complete hours during the break?

A: No, you are not able to complete internship hours during the break in between academic quarters.

Q: Can I carry extra Generalist (Foundation) placement hours into the Advanced Practice field placement?

      A: No, students are not able to count additional Generalist (Foundation) hours for their Advanced Practice field placement.

Follow up with Student Success Advising at studentsuccess@mail.waldenu.edu or (800) 925-3368 (option 3) with questions regarding start date, when to take certain classes, or your prospective graduation date.

Q: What are the requirements for the MSW Field Experience agency and MSW supervisor (Field Instructor)?

 A: MSW students need to receive professional supervision from an individual with an MSW degree and 2 years of postgraduate practice experience. In the case that a potential field instructor does not have an MSW degree, field education coordinators and the director of field review their educational background and licensure on a case-by-case basis for approval as tasks supervisors. Approval depends many factors, tasks, agency context, and the university’s ability to provide faculty supervision to ensure the CSWE requirements are met.

Q: What are the requirements for the BSW Field Experience agency and BSW Field Instructor (Agency Supervisor)?

A: Appropriate BSW Field experience agencies for undergraduate social work students are those that serve social work populations and meet CSWE (Council on Social Work Education) standards and the social work curriculum. Field Experience placements must have an agency employee who supervises the student in the Field experience. This individual is known as the Field Instructor (Agency Social Worker) and is employed by the agency. In addition, it is required that this individual have a BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited social work program and has a minimum of 2 years of post-BSW experience. The Field Instructor may have an MSW but still must have 2 years work experience. The Field Instructor (Agency Social Worker) does NOT have to be licensed but it is preferred. The Field Instructor will evaluate the performance of the student through field evaluations and site visits. The Field Instructor will also approve all logged hours by the student. 

Q: What is the difference between Generalist (Foundation) and Advanced Practice?

A: Generalist (Foundation) placement is focused on generalist social work practice and is required for all full-time and part-time students. To learn more about Foundation placement and specific tasks, view the task grid.

Advanced Practice placement is an advanced placement where you learn clinical skills and is generally completed at the end of your program. To learn more about Concentration placement and specific tasks, view the task grid.

Q: Are the requirements for BSW the same as MSW?

• No, the requirements are NOT the same.
• BSW Field requires 400 hours or 200 hours for 2 consecutive quarters (terms)
• BSW Field Instructor must have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree plus 2 years post graduate experience.