BRYN MAWR

Field Instruction is an integral part of the curriculum for the Master of Social Service degree. Field Instruction and practice courses are taken concurrently during both years of study for full-time students and during the second and third years of study for part-time students.

Field Instruction provides an important opportunity for students to practice their newly acquired and refined skills and begin to integrate theory and practice. Students have a different field placement each year and are in the field two days a week during the first year and three days a week during the second year.

All students work closely with a supervisor to develop a clear learning agreement that focuses on skill development, a sense of professional identity, an understanding of social work ethics, an awareness of organizational roles, a valuing of difference and its implications for practice, and a disciplined use of self.

Each student meets with a member of the Field Instruction Office staff to discuss practicum planning. In making a practicum assignment, the School considers a student's interests, long-term professional goals and previous experience along with the School's knowledge of agency resources and appropriate learning opportunities.

Some students use their current worksites as field instruction settings. The School is prepared to carefully evaluate the appropriateness of such arrangements and provide the needed support to students and participating organizations.

Enhanced Field Placements -- The enhanced field placement model brings together students who share similar internship experiences. This model initially was used for students in our Child and Family Well-being specialization and students in our Home and School Visitor certification program. Three additional enhanced field placement opportunities are now being offered to students placed in a community practice program in Norristown, Pennsylvania, students working with the rural elderly, and students serving LGBT populations.  An additional enhanced placement opportunity is available to students placed in the Behavioral Health Care system in Philadelphia.

Students in each of the enhanced field placement areas are assigned to the same liaison or group of liaisons and meet several times each semester for integrative seminars. Enhanced field placement opportunities in each of these identified areas are open to students in the clinical, social service management, and policy practice and advocacy concentrations and each includes a strong focus on the integration of practice, policy, and research.

Peggy Robinson

Program Coordinator