Field education information for BSW students
Gain social work skills and knowledge
Under the supervision of qualified social workers, you will have the opportunity to integrate knowledge and classroom experience. Students engage in experiential learning activities, knowledge building and develop their professional practice framework informed by social work values and ethics.
Field Education Courses
Community Engaged Practicum and Preparation course (SOWK 390)
In the Community Engaged Practicum and Preparation course (SOWK 390), all students who don’t have an Alberta Social Work Diploma explore the social work landscape including the various roles and settings of social work practice. They engage with macro social work practice, professional credentialing, supervision, seminar, and peer learning. This course prepares students for social work practice through building foundational, transferable knowledge and skills, deepening self-awareness and professional identity, applying social work values and ethics, and developing self-care strategies.
Please visit the FAQ page for more information on the Community Engaged Practicum.
Classroom and in the community
Real time class
- Blended program: Monday afternoons
- Online program: Monday evenings
The weekly time commitment is 3 hours per week in class and 6–9 hours outside of class for practicum activities.
Graded course with assignments
100
Practicum learning is supported by a qualified social work instructor who serves in dual roles as both field instructor (practicum social work supervisor) and classroom teacher.
The focus of learning will connect to professional identity and practice, social work values and ethics, human rights and social action, action to rectify racism, organizational/systems change, social work research and policy analysis/development, and reflective practice.
Community Engaged Practicum and Integration course (SOWK 392)
The Community Engaged Practicum and Integration course (SOWK 392) is a continuation of SOWK 390, required for students who don’t have an Alberta Social Work Diploma. In this course, there is a strong focus placed on macro practice experience through community engagement and social justice initiatives. Students’ continued development of their social work skills and professional identity is supported through engagement in macro practice, social work supervision, peer learning, and weekly seminar.
Please visit the FAQ page for more information on the Community Engaged Practicum.
Classroom and in the community
Real time class
- Blended program: Monday afternoons
- Online program: Monday evenings
The weekly time commitment is 3 hours per week in class and 14–15 hours outside of class for practicum activities.
Continuing to work on the learning plan established in the Fall term.
Pass/fail course – focus on practicum hours.
200
Practicum learning is supported by a qualified social work instructor who serves in dual roles as both field instructor (practicum social work supervisor) and classroom teacher.
The focus of learning will connect to professional identity, values, ethics, skills, knowledge and practice, human rights and social action, action to rectify racism, organizational/systems change, social work research and policy analysis/development, and reflective practice.
The Final Practicum (SOWK 590)
In SOWK 590, students complete their final 400-hour practicum through one of four pathways designed to strengthen social work skills, supervision, reflective practice, and ethical understanding. This experience includes diverse placement opportunities, such as agency-based, workplace, research, and self-directed practicums.
Practicum is 32 hours per week and Tuesday to Friday are the designated practicum days. The exact schedule will be determined based on the practicum pathway (agency, workplace, research, self-directed).
400
Supervised by a qualified social work supervisor.
The focus of learning will connect to professional identity, values, ethics, skills, knowledge and practice, human rights and social action, action to rectify racism, organizational/systems change, social work research and policy analysis/development and reflective practice.
Final Integrative Seminar (SOWK 592)
Final Integrative Seminar (SOWK 592)
Designed to accompany practicum, the integrative seminar fosters the integration of theory and practice. Students engage in critical reflection, demonstrate social work values, and articulate their personal practice frameworks, solidifying their transition to professional social workers.
Real time class
- Blended program: Monday afternoons
- Online program: Monday evenings
Graded course with assignments
Weekly classes
Integrative seminar is instructed by a university instructor, also known as a faculty liaison. Students will also receive qualified social work supervision based on their practicum pathway.
The focus of learning will connect to professional identity, values, ethics, skills, knowledge and practice, human rights and social action, action to rectify racism, organizational/systems change, social work research and policy analysis/development and reflective practice.
