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Field Placement & After Graduation

 

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Field Placement

A 400-hour field placement is a core component of the social work program. An incredible opportunity to gain practical experience and confidence, our field placements give students the chance to directly apply the theories and skills learned in the classroom. 

Placements are done with a local social services agency and are typically completed over two semesters during senior year. Students interested in international study have the option of completing their field placement in one semester through one of our faith-based, partner programs in Uganda and Romania. 
 
Our students have completed field placements at sites such as: 
 
  • Bethany Christian Services
  • George Junior Republic
  • UPMC’s Child Advocacy Center
  • Grove City Area School District
  • AHN Primary Care Network
  • Echo Pines Equine

Students may also complete their field placements in one of the following cross-cultural, off-campus sites:

  • Uganda
  • Ecuador
  • Baltimore, MD
  • Chicago, IL

Field placement manual

After Graduation

Upon graduation, social work students are well-prepared for employment in various areas of social work practice including child welfare, mental health, and policy advocacy. Our graduates are making a global impact. Some work in conjunction with international ministries and nonprofit organizations (both faith-based and secular).  Others are in the D.C. region working toward just policy in think tanks and advocacy groups. We also have a constellation of graduates in the Pittsburgh region who are running domestic violence programs and serving individuals and families in child welfare in places like homeless shelters.
 
Many Grove City College graduates elect to further their education by pursuing a Master of Social Work, which is considered the terminal degree in the discipline and prepares students for practice in a large and diverse range of employment options.

Positive Job Growth

As of 2023, the median pay for social workers in the US was $58,380. The job growth rate for social workers is expected to increase by 16% by 2026. Particular areas of social work are expected to grow at an even faster rate. Health care social work is expected to grow by 20%, and employment of mental health and substance abuse social workers is projected to grow 19%. - Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook