Field Education

Field education is a vital aspect of your Master of Social Work (MSW) program. The objective of field education is to ensure the field placement experience reflects the framework of the Faculty of Social Work and the curriculum goals of the Indigenous Field of Study (IFS) MSW program, and provides an opportunity for you to apply the values, knowledge and skills learned in the classroom. The objectives for the field program are set to meet the standards set by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE) as outlined in the CASWE-ACFTS Standards for Accreditation.

Full-Time Advanced Standing Students

Full-time IFS Advanced Standing students (admitted to the Faculty of Social Work with a Bachelor of Social Work degree) normally complete a minimum of eight courses and a field placement for three days a week in terms 2 and 3 of their program of study. The agency with which the student is placed will offer an experience that is consistent with the traditional wholistic healing approach. Full-time students will be in placement from January to June (three days a week). Placement days are generally Wednesday to Friday (may be subject to change).

Part-Time Students

The part-time IFS program students (admitted to the Faculty of Social Work with a Bachelor of Social Work degree) normally complete a minimum of nine courses over a two-year period. The placement is three days a week, usually over terms 2 and 3 of their program of study unless otherwise arranged with the field education supervisor. It is possible for students to work at their placements during semester breaks in order to finish earlier, and their hours will be credited towards their field placement required hours. Field placements are in your home community unless otherwise arranged.