Q: How many field placement hours are needed to receive a
....Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree?

Q: Do I find my own placement?

Q: Can I be paid for my field placement?

Q: Do I need a new placement each year?

Q: Can I begin my placement in the summer?

Q: Can I interview at several agencies before selecting my placement?

Q: Do I need a criminal background check?

Q: What if I am sick and miss several days of field?

Q: Can I do a placement where I work?

Q: Do field placement hours count toward clinical licensure?

Q: Is field instruction a graded course?

Q: How far will I have to travel for my field placement?

Q: Are there any evening or weekend placements available?



Q: How many field placement hours are needed to receive a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree?
A: The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) establishes the minimum standard for the number of hours required to complete the B.S.W. and M.S.W. degrees. Adelphi meets or exceeds these requirements as follows:

Q: Do I find my own placement?
A: No. The Field Education Office at the School of Social Work is responsible for assigning you to a field placement. The School’s field education program has long-standing relationships with social work agencies and is responsible for developing all placement sites. Field education staff maintains regular contact with field agencies regarding student placements. If you want to be placed at a specific agency, submit your request in writing to the Field Education Office in Garden City or at one of the off-campus Centers. The School will then contact the agency to explore the feasibility of developing this placement.


Q: Can I be paid for my field placement?
A: There are a few competitive stipend internships available to second-year M.S.W. students. However, there are no “paid” internships. Students who are employed in a human service setting may be eligible for work/study


Q: Do I need a new placement each year?
A: Yes. Foundation-level internships offer opportunities for developing generalist social work practice skills. Second-year placements focus on the development of advanced clinical skills and skills for the advanced direct practice with individuals, couples, families, and small groups.


Q: Can I begin my placement in the summer?
A: No. The program is based on a concurrent curriculum model, in which students take field instruction together with required courses in social work practice.


Q: Can I interview at several agencies before selecting my placement?
A: No. The Field Education Office will work with you to arrange an interview for a field placement at an agency that meets your learning needs. If the interview goes well and you and the agency agree that the placement is an appropriate fit, it will be confirmed. If either party has reservations, another interview will be arranged.


Q: Do I need a criminal background check?
A: Yes. For many placements, a criminal background check is required. Fingerprinting, a physical, PPD (tuberculosis test) and other health requirements may also be required. When possible, you will be notified about these requirements in advance.


Q: What if I am sick and miss several days of field?
A: Any hours missed must be made up.


Q: Can I do a placement where I work?
A: This type of placement is called a work-study placement and must be approved by the Field Education Office. Approval of a work-study application depends on timely submission of the application and the integrity of the proposed field assignment.


Q: Do field placement hours count toward clinical licensure?
A: No. Hours that count toward licensure must be completed after receiving your M.S.W.


Q: Is field instruction a graded course?
A: Yes. Students receive a grade of pass, incomplete, or fail.


Q: How far will I have to travel for my field placement?
A: Students are expected to allow approximately 45 minutes of travel time to and from their field placement site. Every effort will be made to plan a reasonable commute.


Q: Are there any evening or weekend placements available?
A: Evening and/or weekend placements are limited, as many agencies are either closed or do not have available supervision or suitable assignments during these hours. Typical placement days are Monday through Friday and take place during standard business hours. If asked, all students are expected to be available for one evening per week in their field assignment.