Field Practice:
The cornerstone of professional social work education

The field practicum is the internship portion of the bachelor's and master's of social work programs and is a critical component of each student's program. Students work with experienced social work professionals in a variety of settings to complement classroom theory and research.

The college offers field practicum opportunities with more than 400 agencies. These settings include schools, courts, hospitals, nursing homes, state agencies, homeless shelters, women's shelters, and mental health centers.

The College of Social Work has a strong relationship with social services agencies throughout the state and surrounding areas. In an effort to meet students’ unique educational goals, we also offer the opportunity for students to explore practicum prospects in other parts of the nation, as well as internationally.

Our approach to field practice is based on theories related to adult and applied learning. We believe this opportunity to apply classroom learning in the field allows students to master and synthesize social work knowledge, values, and skills. In keeping with this approach, students who are new to the field of social work and are enrolled in either the full time or extended study programs will also participate in a field seminar prior to the start of the field practicum. This seminar aims to provide a foundation for social work practice and integrates classroom learning with real-life field experiences.

College of Social Work Field Coordinators:

Kim Denton, M.S.S.W., L.C.S.W.
Knoxville Campus: B.S.S.W. program
(865) 974-6677
kddenton@utk.edu
Rebecca Jackson, M.S.S.W.
Knoxville Campus: M.S.S.W. program
(865) 974-7512
rjacks20@utk.edu
Sarah Keiser, M.S.S.W., L.C.S.W.
Online M.S.SW. program
sckeiser@utk.edu
(615) 782-3398
Kim Crane Mallory, M.S.S.W.
Nashville Campus: M.S.S.W. program
kcrane@utk.edu
(615) 782-6157