Field Education

The field practicum provides senior social work students with an opportunity for practical experience in a social service agency, under the supervision and direction of a licensed social worker. The purpose of the field practicum is to continue and complete the social work education curriculum in a social service agency. The practicum is an experiential course (SOWK 4469) in which students apply theories and concepts learned in the classroom to practical situations in agencies. Students gain experience working with individuals, families, groups and communities.

While in the field practicum, the student is expected to meet specific learning objectives related to the effective practice of generalist social work. The objectives laid out for field work match the objectives of the TWU social work program and are intended to ensure that graduates are capable of functioning as beginning practitioners at graduation.

The student’s final semester of the senior year consists of a block placement in a social service agency four days a week, usually Tuesday through Friday. On Mondays, students are enrolled in the Social Work Integrative Seminar (SOWK 4463) in the morning. The practicum is offered three times a year, in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

The TWU Social Work Program has the advantage of being able to place students within the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex as well as in more rural areas. Our program works with a wide variety of social service agencies in order to ensure quality practicum sites with rich opportunities for professional growth. Our agency partners address a wide range of problems and needs, serve diverse client populations, and engage in a variety of interventions from which students may gain valuable knowledge and experience.

Download the Social Work Field Practicum Manual for additional information.

Questions?

For more information about the field education program, please contact: 

Ratonia C. Runnels, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Director of Field Instruction
Office: OMB 411D
Phone: 940-898-2078
rrunnels1@twu.edu