The field instruction program is an integral part of the JMSW curriculum. The field program is currently administered by a 12-month Co-Director at UNCG (Prof. Janet Kanode) and a 9-month Co-Director at NCA&TSU (Prof. Deirdre Posey). Field-related policies, procedures, and practices are explained in the JMSW Field Instruction Manual.

Two-year and three-year students are in the field for three semesters. In the foundation field internship, students complete 336 clock hours of field instruction. In the advanced generalist (concentration) year, students complete 672 hours, for a total of 1008 clock hours for the entire academic program. Advanced standing students complete the advanced year internship only, for a total of 672 hours.

Students are placed in different settings for their foundation and advanced placements. In the concentration practicum, students are placed in an agency relevant to their chosen area of practice (Families and Youth at Risk or Health and Mental Health).