Field Education
Overview
The School of Social Work practicum provides students with hands-on experience applying
classroom theories and skills in real-world settings. Through direct work with individuals,
families, and groups, students develop essential entry-level helping skills and connect
academic knowledge with professional practice.
Partnering with over 300 agencies nationwide, the field education program is the cornerstone of social work training—emphasizing ethical, intentional, and integrity-based practice. It promotes human rights and social, racial, economic, and environmental justice while fostering anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Field education and classroom learning are equally vital, integrating theory with practice to develop the nine core social work competencies. Programs are continually updated to ensure access to quality placements and prepare students for modern, technology-informed, and interprofessional practice.
These statistics are based on the 2025-26 school year.
Hours Completed for BSW Practicums
1710
This includes Junior and Senior Practicums
Hours Completed for MSW Practicums
2326
This includes Foundations and Advanced Practicums
Field Spotlights
Field Education Team
Candy Dolcy
Field Education Director
Professor Candy Dolcy, MSW, is responsible for the overall administration, planning, and coordination of field education for the School of Social Work. She provides overall direction for education of students assigned to different field agencies. In addition, she confirms that students meet the required hours of their practicum, as well as additional requirements. Students work closely with the director of field education to identify placement sites that support the development of their professional role in the social work profession.Candy Dolcy can be reached at 423.236.2630 during office hours or by email at candydolcy@southern.edu
Anil Asok
Field Education Graduate Assistant
Anil Asok is a Graduate Assistant in the Social Work Department, working closely with
Professor Dolcy, Dr. Racovita, dean, and the Field Education team. He assists with
course support and coordination of field-related activities, providing academic and
administrative support to faculty and students across the program.
Contact
Daniells Hall, 1st Floor
Collegedale, TN 37315