Welcome to the Field Education Office
Thank you for your interest in becoming a Field Agency with the University of South Carolina College of Social Work.
As a Field Agency, you will play a vital role in the professional development of our students by providing one-on-one mentoring and coaching. Your guidance helps students apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world social work practice.
This page provides all the essential documents and information you need to begin the process of becoming a field site.
Agency Requirements
Below are the steps required to begin the affiliation process
1. Affiliation Agreement.
Our partner organizations play a crucial role in preparing students for professional social work practice. To ensure students are covered by the University’s liability insurance, the College of Social Work must maintain a formal Affiliation Agreement with all community field partners.
Please have the attached agreement reviewed and signed by the appropriate representative of your organization. Once completed, return the signed document to our office so we can obtain the required University signatures and approvals.
2. Agency Application.
New field organizations must complete the Agency Application to help us evaluate the types of tasks, learning opportunities, and overall environment available to students. This information allows us to demonstrate to the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) that our placements meet accreditation standards.
You may complete this form online at: https://redcap.link/NewAgencyApp
3. Interest in Hosting Students Form. This form is where new practicum organizations identify their willingness and capacity to host interns. On this form, please identify the degree level(s) and number of students you are willing to host, as well as any onboarding requirements for our office and students to be aware of. This form can be completed online at Interest in Hosting Students.
4. Field & Job Fair Registration Form (in February Annually). Our annual Field & Job Fairs are approaching! Register now to network with partner agencies and recruit qualified B/MSW students for practicums or post-graduation employment opportunities. 2026-2027 Field and Job Fair Registration Form – Fill out form
Field Education Program Options
We offer several pathways for students in our BSW and MSW programs, each with unique field placement structures. Below is an overview of the available options:
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
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Placement Schedule: 16 hours per week
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Total Hours: 200 hours each semester
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Semesters: Fall and Spring
Master of Social Work (MSW) – Full-Time
(Available in Columbia and Online)
Generalist Placement
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Placement Schedule: 16 hours per week
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Total Hours:
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150 hours in Fall (begins mid-September)
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250 hours in Spring
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Advanced Generalist Placement
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Placement Schedule: 16 hours per week
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Total Hours:
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250 hours in Fall
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250 hours in Spring
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Master of Social Work (MSW) – Extended-Time
(Available in Columbia, Greenville, Charleston, and Online)
Generalist Placement
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Placement Schedule: 8 hours per week
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Total Hours: 112.5 hours each semester
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Semesters: Fall, Spring, and Summer (begins mid-September)
Advanced Generalist Placement
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Placement Schedule: 8 hours per week
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Total Hours: 112.5 hours each semester
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Semesters: Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall, and Spring (5 semesters total)
For additional information on becoming a Field Agency, please visit our website: Apply to Be a Field Agency – College of Social Work | University of South Carolina
Field Instructors
Field Instructor and Task Supervisor Requirements
For additional information on the benefits of becoming a Practicum Instructor, please visit our COSW website: Become a Field Instructor - College of Social Work | University of South Carolina
Experienced social workers with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work are encouraged to apply to serve as Field Instructors. To qualify, you must:
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Hold a BSW or MSW from an accredited social work program
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Have full-time, paid experience in an organization that serves, protects, or advocates for vulnerable populations
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Meet the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) criteria for field instruction
To serve as a Field Instructor for the MSW program, you must also:
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Hold an MSW from a CSWE-accredited institution
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Have at least two years of post-graduate professional experience
To apply, please complete the Field Instructor Application and submit the following:
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An updated résumé or CV
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Verification of your BSW or MSW degree
Acceptable forms of degree verification include a copy or photo of your diploma, a copy of your social work license, or official transcripts.
Task Supervisors
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Task Supervisors are agency staff who support students' day-to-day learning but do not serve as their formal Field Instructor. Task Supervisors:
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Do not need to have a social work degree
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Are not required to provide formal supervision
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Offer informal guidance and oversight related to daily responsibilities
Please complete the Task Supervisor Application and submit your updated résumé or CV. If sections of the application do not apply to your role, it is acceptable to leave them blank
Required Training for First-Time Field Instructors and Task Supervisors:
If you are serving as a Field Instructor or Task Supervisor with the University of South Carolina for the first time, you are required to complete a one-hour, on-demand virtual training.
This training is available at the following link:
▶️ USC Field Instructor/Task Supervisor Training
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The training qualifies for 1 Continuing Education Unit (CEU)
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You must complete the quiz at the end of the video to receive your CEU certificate
We appreciate your commitment to supporting the next generation of social workers.
The 2024-2025 Field Education Manual can be found here.
