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Boise State University’s Master of Social Work Online prepares its students for social work practice through 100% online coursework and in-person field work, regardless of location. The MSW program achieves this through the tireless efforts of its field coordinators — a team of licensed social work professionals — who collaborate with students and find appropriate placements within organizations that match their ideals, interests and career goals.
The commitment to securing department-approved field placement for students is what sets Boise State’s MSW Online apart from similar programs. Learn more about how program faculty and staff help support students, field work requirements and testimonials from recent graduates.
What is field work?
Field work, also referred to as field practicum, is how MSW students gain in-person, on-the-job experience by putting their knowledge and coursework into practice. Students are assigned a field placement at a program-approved agency, allowing for interaction with social work professionals and exposure to diverse clients, all while under the supervision of a licensed master-level social worker.
Field work plays an essential role in the curriculum of any social work degree plan, as it prepares students for building relationships within the community and communicating with people from different backgrounds. Credits from field work are a requirement for completing Boise State’s MSW Online — more on that below.
Field work requirements for MSW Online
The Master of Social Work Online requires different field work credit hours depending on placement year or advanced standing status. The MSW Online program consists of 61 credits: 43 credits of classes and 18 credits of in-person field work (including seminar). The Advanced Standing MSW Online program contains 25 credits of coursework and 12 credits of in-person field work.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
MSW Online field work
The following table details the field work requirements for each year of the program.
| Status | Semester(s) | Total Credit Hours | Credit Breakdown | Shift Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation year (First placement) | 2nd and 3rd semesters (full-time) | 400 hours | 200 hours per semester (approx. 14-15 hours/week) | 2 full days at agency per week |
| Concentration year (Second placement) | 5th and 6th semesters (full-time) | 600 hours | 300 hours per semester (approx. 21-22 hours/week) | 3 full days at agency per week |
| Advanced standing | 2nd and 3rd semesters (full-time) | 600 hours | 300 hours per semester (approx. 21-22 hours/week) | 3 full days at agency per week |
How does the Master of Social Work Online choose field work assignments?
The Assistant Director of Field Education and a dedicated team of clinical faculty members who serve as field coordinators are responsible for pairing each social work student with their field work agency because of the importance of this requirement. These are licensed master social workers (LMSW), most of whom also hold clinical licensure (LSCW).
Field assignments are local to the community where the student is based, which is a huge benefit for online students. As for exactly how selections are made, the MSW Online field team chooses field agencies based on the student’s interest and the availability of organizations in their local area through a collaborative and structured process.
“The goal is to secure a placement that offers supervised, meaningful learning experiences that develop professional social work competencies. [The field team] works with multiple agencies across the country and continues to build additional partnerships — based on student and agency interest — each semester,” the MSW online field team representatives shared.
Social work students will meet for a series of field advising appointments with their advisors to determine which local agency best meets the needs of both the student and the program.
For more information on how field work is assigned, including frequently asked questions, visit the Master of Social Work Online field work page.
How does the MSW Online support students during their field work?
Once MSW Online students have obtained their placement and started their field work, they aren’t entirely on their own. Students should expect close supervision from the agency field instructor at the organization where they conduct their field work and mentoring from their faculty field liaison throughout their placement — both individuals are professional master’s prepared social workers.
The faculty field liaison also serves as the instructor for the seminar course component, helping students process, reflect and integrate their field experiences with coursework and professional growth. As for field team coordinators and program advisors, they remain active participants in each student’s degree journey when support is needed to stay on track.
When asked what advice the MSW field work team would give to incoming students to help them balance their course and field work, they said, “Students need to understand the rigor of fieldwork and formulate a plan that considers external factors and obligations. By effectively managing their time, practicing self-care and seeking assistance when necessary, students can successfully navigate the demands of both academic and field obligations.”
How do real MSW students feel about their field work experience?
When reflecting on the program, the majority of graduates — particularly transfer students — greatly appreciated the direct attention from their field coordinators and the assistance in finding placements. They can also offer advice for students who want to find their own placement, such as MSW Online graduate Yessica De La Torre.
“I was initially really nervous about finding placement, but luckily, the staff and faculty were very supportive. They gave me the option to find my own placement, which turned out really great because I had a great experience at my placement,” De La Torre said.
Recent graduate Ashlie Thacker agreed, “I felt really supported throughout both of the practicum field work courses. Those are the ones that stand out the most to me.”
Another benefit of having one-on-one time with advisors and coordinators in an online environment is the ability to link field work to the student’s area of interest or passion for public service.
Graduate of the MSW Online program Richard Renz completed his field practicum by working as a clinician at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution in Kuna. There he was able to provide support to the inmates. “You can see the mental health needs inside the prison, and it’s very powerful,” Renz said. He was even able to connect his field practicum to the work he was already doing with individuals on probation and parole.
Learn more about the social work program
Earning a Master of Social Work Online from Boise State University can open doors to new opportunities and a brighter future — and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re exploring if an online degree is right for you or need help transferring credits, connecting with a student success coach is the perfect first step.
Ready to learn more? Attend one of our online information sessions or contact a student success coach today.