Field Instruction Field instruction is an integral part of the curriculum for the Master of Social Service degree, providing an opportunity for students to deepen their knowledge and skills through supervised practice. Field instruction and courses are taken concurrently to enhance the blend of practice and theory. Each semester's work in the field is designed to provide content, sequence and progression in learning. Students are in the field two days a week during the first year and three days a week during the second year.
Students have a different field setting each year.
The School considers the interests of each student, through a Field Instruction interview, in assigning field placements. Each student meets with a contact person from his or her assigned agency to discuss learning opportunities and objectives prior to confirmation. An applicant's current employment site can be evaluated for suitability as a field instruction setting. Field instruction settings include private and public agencies and organizations that fill a need in the community and have the authority, sanction and jurisdiction to do so. The settings are as diverse as the entire social work profession and include the social services areas listed below.