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Part-time Program Placements (Online)

The placement planning process for students in the online MSW program takes into consideration their need for flexible learning within their own communities. Accordingly, the placement process is self-directed and students take the lead on proposing new placements or workplace placements based on their learning interests and geographical area. In the absence of a suitable local placement within the preferred geographical area, students will need to commute to fulfill the field requirements of the MSW program.

Field placements require that the student be in placement for a minimum of 16 hours across two placement days a week. The majority of agencies offer placements on weekdays during regular business hours.

Students who are also working professionals negotiate time off with their employers prior to beginning the program, in order to ensure they will be able to complete their courses and graduation requirements within the program timelines.

MyLearningSpace and the Field Orientation Webinar provide detailed information about the planning process for field placements.

Placement Timelines

Field courses are structured within specific terms, with start and end dates that do not align with the term or course dates for online-based courses. This structure considers the student’s program as a whole, and ensures that students complete required courses within the appropriate course sequence and can graduate in a timely manner. Field courses and online-based courses are offered concurrently.

Change of Sequence

From time to time exceptional situations occur where a student is unable to complete their field placement as scheduled, but does not wish to temporarily withdraw from all their courses. In these circumstances students may request to complete their placement out-of-sequence using the Field Placement Change of Sequence Request Form. Prior to submitting the form, students are expected to contact their field coordinator. A change in placement timelines may delay graduation. The student will be asked to submit a proposal for their course structure as part of this process.

Regular Track Program

  • Minimum 950 practice hours required at one placement setting
  • Course: Field Education (SK600)
  • Placement proposal due: term three of program
  • Placement starts: term five of program
  • Options for completing hours:
    • two days/week (16 hours/week)
    • three days/week (21 hours/week)
    • five days/week (35 hours/week)

Advanced Standing Program

  • Minimum 500 practice hours required at one placement setting
  • Course: Advanced Field Education (SK649)
  • Placement proposal due: term two of program
  • Placement starts: term four of program
  • Options for completing hours:
    • two days/week (16 hours/week)
    • three days/week (21 hours/week)
    • five days/week (35 hours/week)