What is Field Work?
Field work is a vital part of your MSW Online experience. It gives you the chance to apply your classroom learning — skills, values and knowledge — in real-world settings within your local community.
Through supervised, in-person field placements, you’ll work in an approved agency setting alongside experienced social workers. These experiences help you:
- Develop hands-on clinical and organizational skills
- Learn how to work with individuals, families, groups and communities
- Build confidence as a future licensed social worker
- Meet the practice standards required for licensure
Field work is not just a course — it’s your professional bridge between education and career.
Where Field Work Happens
All field work is completed in person at approved local agencies under the supervision of a licensed master’s-level social worker. Boise State’s field education team helps you secure a placement in your community. Placements may include:
- Nonprofit organizations
- Mental health agencies
- Schools or educational support programs
- Hospitals and healthcare systems
- Veteran support services (VA)
- Government and social service agencies
Field Work Hours and Credit Requirements
Students complete field work across multiple semesters, depending on whether they are in the standard or advanced standing MSW pathway.
MSW Online – Regular Program
Foundation Year (First Placement)
- Occurs during 2nd and 3rd semesters (full-time students)
- 400 hours total over two semesters; 200 hours per semester (approx. 14–15 hours/week)
- Best practice: two full days at your agency each week
Concentration Year (Second Placement)
- Occurs during 5th and 6th semesters
- 600 hours total over two semesters; 300 hours per semester (approx. 21–22 hours/week)
- Best practice: three full days at your agency each week
Advanced Standing MSW Online
- One 600-hour placement during 2nd and 3rd semesters (full-time students); 300 hours per semester (approx. 21–22 hours/week)
- Best practice: three full days per week in your agency
Field Work Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work full-time while completing my field work?
While it isn’t impossible to work, it would be difficult to work full-time, especially during your Concentration year placement. During this placement, you will be expected to complete 3 full days of field work each week over two consecutive semesters to equal 600 hours.
Do I select my own agency for field work?
The Assistant Director of Field Education and Field Coordinator have primary responsibility for selecting agencies that can provide appropriate field education experiences for students. Students do not develop their own placement opportunities, but rather work directly with the Assistant Director or Field Coordinator in identifying appropriate placements. This will be done through field advising appointments.
When do I begin my field placement?
Field placement will begin the second semester of your coursework if you are full-time. Field advising will occur sometime between the first and fifth week of classes in the first semester. In some instances, this may occur prior to classes starting.
What days/times will my placement occur?
Your placement must occur under the supervision of an experienced master’s level social worker in an agency setting. Most field agencies prefer to have students at the agency Monday-Friday during traditional business hours. If you are working full-time and require evening and/or weekend placements, it may be difficult to find an agency to accommodate your needs. If an appropriate field placement is not available to meet your needs, you will need to choose between modifying your work schedule or delaying your progress in the program.
Can I complete my field practicum at my place of employment?
While not necessarily encouraged, field practicum placement in an agency where a student is employed may be proposed by a student through the process outlined in the Field Manual. The proposal may not include or in any way duplicate the roles, tasks, or responsibilities for which the student is employed. Evaluation and approval of the proposal is the responsibility of the Boise State School of Social Work.
A student enrolled in the MSW regular program will not be allowed to complete a field practicum placement at his or her place of employment for two consecutive years. A variance to this policy will be considered if no other option exists for the student (e.g. remote village in Alaska). However, the field placement must meet the goals of the graduate program and CSWE accreditation requirements. It’s important to understand this will be a rare variance for students and a student’s life situation will not dictate the requirements of the program.
May I complete my field placement in a hospital, school or VA?
Placements in hospitals, schools and VAs are often concentration year placements and will not be considered for foundation year placement. If you are doing your field placement in a summer semester, schools will generally not be an option.