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Field Education

Field Education: Where Learning Meets Practice

Field education is the heart of social work training at the Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work. It’s where classroom knowledge transforms into real-world impact. Through carefully guided placements in community agencies, students engage directly with individuals, families, and systems—developing the skills, confidence, and compassion needed to become effective social work professionals.

At Norfolk State University, we view field education not just as a requirement, but as a powerful opportunity to learn by doing, serve with purpose, and grow through experience. Our commitment is to ensure every student is supported, challenged, and inspired throughout their field journey. With over 100 community-partner agencies in the Hampton-Roads area, and the eastern United States, our students are involved in diverse activities in the agencies; and we will spotlight students in our field agencies throughout the academic year.  

BSW Field Education Process 

  • Submit the Field Practicum Application  

  • The student’s faculty advisor will give input. 

  • The BSW Field Director and BSW faculty will meet regarding applications. 

  • The BSW Field Director will schedule an interview with the student.  

  • The student will be placed in an agency. 

  • BSW Field Director will host a field practicum orientation meeting.  

Total Hours Required 450 for two consecutive academic semesters. This is approximately 15 hours per week and a total of 225 per semester. 

 

MSW Field Education Process 

  • Complete an application for Field Practicum I or Field Practicum II 

  • Submit a current resume 

  • Tentative field placements are assigned 

  • Resumes are forwarded to agencies via email 

  • Agency will schedule an interview with the student. 

  • Note: Notify Director of Field education regarding interview date/time 

  • Agency field supervisor notifies the Field Education Office of the acceptance or nonacceptance of the student 

  • The Field Education Office will confirm the placement with the agency and notify the student of the outcome.  

  • The student and the agency will receive a letter confirming placement acceptance. 

  • If not accepted, the student is referred to another agency.  

  • If a student is not accepted by the second agency referral, the student is referred to the Director of Field Education. 

  • Extensive criminal background checks and other related tests (TB Tests, immunization verifications, COVID vaccine, drug testing, CPR Certification, etc.) may be required by the agency prior to beginning field placements. 

  • Students will be financially responsible for the agency requirements pertaining to these documents. 

  • If considering employment-based placement, submit additional documents below:     

  • Job description 

  • Resume of individual provided clinical supervision 

  • The University Office of Disability Services must develop all disability accommodation plans that involve field education for Students in coordination with the Director of Field Education. These plans should be developed prior to the start of field education whenever possible. 

  • Students are expected to demonstrate flexibility, adaptability, and commitment to professional growth throughout the practicum placement process. 

  • Clear and timely communication with the Field Education Office is required if challenges arise during the placement process. 

Total Hours Required 910 for two consecutive academic years. The first year is approximately 364 hours per total (14 hours weekly) . The second year is approximately 546 hours total (21 hours weekly). 

 

EMPLOYMENT-BASED PRACTICUM PLACEMENTS 

Students working in eligible social work-related organizations may have the option to complete their practicum placement at their place of employment (CSWE, EPAS, 2022, 3.3.7). An employment-based practicum placement must achieve all the placement objectives for a social work student. The student must engage in generalist or specialist practice activities under qualified social work program approved practicum instructors/task supervisors. The objectives must be reviewed by the student, the prospective practicum instructor/task supervisor, and the designated Practicum Faculty Liaison. Additionally, the School of Social Work must be assured that the employment agency supports the placement as an educational experience and is committed to providing the time and supervision to be involved in discrete learning activities with specific learning objectives that are related to the placement objectives. The employment agency is expected to help the student and the university to create and maintain an environment for learning to take place. 

Students interested in pursuing an employment-based practicum placement are responsible for securing and maintaining employment in a social work-related organization. The Practicum Office does not assist students with securing employment to pursue an employment-based practicum placement. 

Partner With Us in Field Education

Are you passionate about shaping the next generation of social workers? The Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work invites community agencies to partner with us as field education sites for our BSW and MSW students. Field placements are a vital part of our students’ learning experience, offering them hands-on opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings while contributing meaningfully to your organization’s mission.

Whether you're a current field agency or exploring the possibility of becoming one, we’re here to support you. Below, you’ll find important resources and criteria to guide your involvement.

For Potential Field Agencies

Is your agency interested in becoming a practicum site for BSW or MSW students?
Explore our criteria and learn how to join our network of committed community partners.

For Current Field Agencies

Access key documents and updates to support your ongoing partnership: