The primary purpose of field education is to provide students with educational opportunities that lead to the progressive development of competency based practice skills that complement and integrate MSW curricular objectives. It is critically important for students to be able to apply theoretical concepts, empirically supported knowledge, and the values and ethics of our profession learned in the classroom to a real world setting where social work practice is taking place. The provision of generalist practice opportunities for all students in both macro and micro practice methods that address the needs of individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities are mandatory in the field education courses.

Upon graduating from the School of Social Work, graduates should be able to demonstrate competency by applying knowledge, concepts and skills introduced through their field education experience to their professional activities. Graduates should continue to build on the competency-based foundation continually throughout their careers.

For more information on the specific competencies U-M SSW graduate students are expected to learn through field education and courses, please see the CSWE website (https://www.cswe.org/accreditation/policies-process/2022epas/ )