Field Education Eligibility

Students applying for Field Instruction must meet the following criteria for admission to Field Instruction:

• Accepted into the BSW Program.
• GPA of 2.50 in social work and an overall GPA of 2.25.
• Completed the volunteer placement during SW 330 or the equivalent assignment.
• Evidence that a successful volunteer placement has been completed must be provided for admission to Field Instruction. 
• Completed all courses required for the BSW degree except Social Work Practice III (SW 448), which is taken concurrently with SW 449 and SW 450.
• Exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis due to extenuating circumstances.
• Apply for Field Placement during the semester before the Field Placement.

The BSW Program does not award academic credit for life or work experience under any circumstances. There are no exceptions to this policy.

Do you have a criminal conviction history?

Before you apply to study social work at Jacksonville State University, you should be aware that all students accepted into the BSW program must be eligible for field placement, and for required coverage under the College’s professional liability insurance policy, as well as individual liability insurance.

A criminal history may limit or possibly prevent a student’s eligibility for field placement. Successful completion of a field placement is required in order to complete the BSW degree. Many agencies used for field placement require a background check and/or drug screening as a condition of placement or employment. It is possible that some agencies may not accept a student for a field placement with certain criminal history backgrounds or a positive drug screen. Applicants to the BSW program who have concerns about a previous criminal history are encouraged to discuss their concerns with the BSW Program Coordinator prior to admission or enrollment.