Field education guide

Field education is integral to the social work curriculum in preparing students for professional practice.

Many graduates and practicing professionals say that it was their field experience they valued most during their program. In the field is where theory turns into practice. You have the opportunity to put what you have learned in class into finding your professional self while being at an agency, in addition to learning and then applying the knowledge and skills of social work practice. In the classroom, you are learning to know and understand; in the field, you are learning to do.

Field Education Manual

The VCU School of Social Work Field Education Manual is required reading for all students and contains more detailed information about the expectations and policies of field education. It is important to check this first to see if your question has already been answered before asking your field liaison.

About field experiences

Ready to apply?

Complete and submit your completed field application online. All relevant application deadlines are on the VCU School of Social Work student calendar.

Need help?

Please contact the Office of Field Education at swfld@vcu.edu.

Application deadlines

Stay up to date on upcoming field application deadlines by checking the field calendar.