Field education represents 25% of your academic experience at the School of Social Work. The SSW Office of Field Education (OFE) provides support throughout your entire experience in field, starting with the placement process and ending at graduation. Students have access to dedicated OFE Field Faculty who ensure that both online and on-campus students have the guidance and resources they need to succeed, including disability accommodations.
As a student, you have access to over 1,200 placements across all eight pathways, reflecting the wide- ranging scope of the social work profession, with approximately 350 sites in Southeast Michigan. Across our field sites, there are over 2,300 qualified social workers and task supervisors who will mentor you and help you prepare for your social work career.
Prospective Students
At the School of Social Work students spend between 672-900 hours at a placement
site that aligns with your professional and educational goals. Our placement sites
include, but are not limited to, hospitals, schools, non-profit organizations, community
agencies, local and state government offices, and private therapy practices.
Current Field Students
In depth resources about the field application process for incoming field students,
as well as key information about field expectations, guidelines, deadlines, and
additional resources for current field students.
Prospective Field Instructors
The Office of Field Education is always looking to expand our field placement
locations and build relationships with new field instructors. Qualified field instructors
provide direct supervision to students and, at a minimum, have an MSW degree from
an accredited institution and are two-year post graduation. If the student requires
oversight by a licensed MSW, the supervisor must be licensed.
You can also host field students without being a licensed master-level social worker
or having any master-level social workers in your agency. We are always interested in
exploring innovative placements.
As a field instructor, you shape the next generation of social workers. To begin
the process, please email [email protected]. Our program assistants will
schedule a 30-minute initial informational meeting with the Director and/or
Assistant Director of Field Education to discuss agency and field instructor
requirements and answer your questions.
Current field instructors have access to benefits including free continuing education
credits, access to the university’s extensive library resources, and, for those located
in Michigan, MCard discounts and School events.
Current Field Instructors
Essential tools, training, and resources to support your role as a Field Instructor while
supervising and mentoring University of Michigan School of Social Work graduate
students.
