CHHS >> Social Work >> Field Education
Field Education
- SSW Field Education
- Field Education Agency Information
- Field Instructor Requirements and Responsibilities
- Field Manuals
- BASW Field Education Information
- BASW Field Calendar
- BASW Field Forms
- MSW Field Education Information
- MSW Field Calendar
- MSW Field Forms
Field is the heart of social work education. The internships create the opportunity to experience social work practice in all of its various forms, and to apply the theoretical learning of the classroom to real agency situations with clients, programs, colleagues, and communities. At SFSU School of Social Work, we are committed to serving historically oppressed and disadvantaged populations with an empowerment emphasis utilizing a strengths perspective based in a systems framework. With that basic philosophy in mind, students are supported in choosing internships individually tailored and in the communities in which the students live. Therefore, our placement process is student driven and student centered. We have internships in over 300 public and private non-profit social service and human service agencies throughout the Bay Area and beyond. Due to the fact that we have many agencies seeking students, MSW and BASW students have a wide range of choices. All agencies approved by the School adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics. All Field Education policies, procedures, and calendars are listed on the following pages. Any questions about the Field Education program can be directed to Dianne Mahan Field Director at 
mahan@sfsu.edu or Devi Ruslani, Field Assistant at fielded@sfsu.edu.
The Field Education experience offered by social service and human service agencies in the Bay Area is a critical component of the School of Social Work's educational program. Before becoming a participant in our Field Education Program, agencies are required to complete the Field Education Application form and the Program Information Form. The requested information tells us the services of the agency, the characteristics of constituencies served, the profile of prospective field instructors, the educational opportunities the agency offers and the qualities agencies seek in interns.
Please review our website for the School's curriculum and mission before applying. We have an Undergraduate and first-year MSW program supporting the Urban Generalist model; and a three-dimension model for the second-year MSW program. The second-year placements provide concentrated field education experiences in one of the the three dimensions: Individuals, Families, and Groups (IFG); Administration and Planning (A&P); or Social Action and Change (SAC) also known as community organizing. The application forms require state preferences for undergraduate, first or second-year MSW students.
We encourage agencies to develop student units of two or more students. Multiple students provide a richer field experience for most students. If approved as a Field Education site, agencies are listed in the Directory of Agencies for review by our students and faculty as placement decisions are made. Approval as a potential internship site does not guarantee interns since there are many more agencies than students. Approval only guarantees that agencies will be available for student review and choice.
Field is the HEART of Social Work Education
