Each practicum is in a different agency. In each field experience, students engage in social work practice under the supervision of an experienced practitioner who is qualified and trained to serve as a field instructor. The first practicum is a foundation practicum that provides learning opportunities in a broad range of social work activities. The second specialized practicum focuses on opportunities appropriate to each student's concentration of either direct practice or management. Sites used for the field experience are varied and include public and voluntary agencies, usually within a 100-mile radius from Albany.
Students are responsible for expenses and transportation associated with field placement.
Academic credit is given for the field practicum through the field instruction courses. Students must earn a Satisfactory grade to continue in the program. The Work-Study Option allows experienced students to use social work agencies where they are employed as the site for one of their field practica. A faculty committee must approve each work-study proposal. The Summer Block Option enables experienced, part-time students to complete the second field practicum in one summer by spending a minimum of 60 days in a field agency.