About the MSW program
- Why should I pursue a master's degree in social work from SDSU?
For over 40 years, SDSU School of Social Work has been committed to excellence in all aspects of professional social work education and training with a long history of community engagement and involvement. We have an excellent faculty who strive to make your educational experience a good one. Our academic program is rigorous, exhilarating and absorbing. Students have many opportunities to examine, probe and challenge their ideas and capabilities.
- How long will it take to earn my MSW degree?
We offer three curriculum plans, allowing you to complete the MSW program according to your own schedule:
Summer course options make it even easier to stay on track toward graduation, no matter what your work schedule.
- What practice areas are offered?
You may choose from one of two method concentrations: direct practice or administration practice. Within each concentration, a student may design their own program of study according to their interest (e.g. child welfare, mental health, health and aging).
- Are there dual degree programs?
- Do you offer a part-time program?
No, we do not. However, we offer a three-year and a four-year curriculum plan that allow students to complete the program over the course of three or four years.
- Do you offer the MSW program at locations other than San Diego?
Yes, we also offer a program at the Imperial Valley SDSU Campus.
- What orientation activities does the school provide for new students?
We require all new students to attend an incoming orientation session that will introduce the program, curriculum, field instruction, student organizations and campus resources. Additionally, we courage students to set up a campus tour through SDSU Prospective Student services that will provide an introduction to other campus resources and support services. The SDSU International Student Center is also available to help foreign students become oriented to the school.
About Applying for MSW Admission
- What are the admission requirements for the MSW program?
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree (liberal arts perspective) from an accredited college or university. We strongly prefer at least a 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA. Applicants must also take the GRE and have successfully completed an undergraduate statistics course. For more about what we look for in an applicant, please read the admission criteria on cover page of application packet.
Note that when applying, applicant is filing two separate applications: one to SDSU Graduate Admissions and one to SDSU School of Social Work. The coversheet of the application will spell this out in detail.
- What type of undergraduate degree do I need?
A liberal arts background, spanning both social and biological sciences, is the ideal preparation for the MSW program, but you are encouraged to apply even if your bachelor's degree was not in the liberal arts. We accept all majors.
- Do I need to take the GRE and when should I take it?
Yes. The GRE is also a SDSU requirement. Currently faculty only review the "analytical writing" score for MSW applicants. All scores are reviewed for the MSW/MPH program. MSW/JD applicants take the LSAT exam rather than the GRE. SDSU Graduate Admissions may waive the GRE requirement if your graduate school was a member of the Council of Graduate Schools (refer to www.cgsnet.org to see if your school is listed. You may also call Graduate Admissions at 619-594-0884).
The priority due date for 2-year plan applicants is 1/15/08 and for 3, 4-year plan and dual degree programs the final due date is 4/1/08. It generally takes 3-4 weeks for scores to be reported. Please take this into account when registering for the GRE.
- Do I need to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)?
Yes, if your medium of instruction was in a language other than English. Test scores are reported to the Graduate Division and the School of Social Work by the Education Testing Service, SDSU Institution Code 4682.
The priority due date for for 2-year plan applicants is 1/15/08 and for for 3, 4-year plan and dual degree programs the final due date is 4/1/08. It generally takes 3-4 weeks for scores to be reported. Please take this into account when registering for the TOEFL.
- What are the requirements for international applicants?
In addition to meeting the criteria for admission, international applicants must submit official academic records for all university-level studies completed abroad and at U.S. institutions, evidence of English language proficiency and documentation certifying the student's ability to meet the cost of attendance each year the student is in the United States. International applicants must also take the TOEFFL.
- What is the MSW program application deadline?
We have two application deadlines so that you can choose the timeline that works best for you: January 15 and April 1. 2-year plan, international, and transfer applicants must apply by the January 15 deadline to allow time for processing additional paperwork.
- January 15 deadline:
Applicants who submit completed applications postmarked by January 15 will generally be mailed an admission decision no later than March 31. Some applicants find this earlier timeline helpful if they are applying to other programs or if they simply want to plan for next year as soon as possible.
- April 1 deadline:
Applicants who submit completed applications postmarked by April 1 will generally be mailed an admission decision no later than May 31. Applications received after April 1 will be considered late and may not be reviewed for admission.
- How many students are accepted?
We enroll approximately 100-120 new students in the MSW programs each fall.
- When will I hear whether I am accepted?
Decision letters are mailed via standard U.S. postal mail according to the application timelines explained above.
- Can I transfer credits from other graduate programs?
Yes, with certain restrictions. Transfer applicants must have at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average at your original institution. Class credit will be evaluated and allowed on a case-by-case basis. A maximum of 30 credit hours may be transferred. Please contact Liz Marucheau (MSW Admissions Coordinator) re: transfer application (emaruche@mail.sdsu.edu)
About Paying for your Graduate Education
- What is the cost of attending graduate school at SDSU?
Please refer to our estimates of tuition and expenses for MSW and Joint Program students and visit the SDSU Financial Aid Office website for more information about the cost of attendance.
- Does SDSU provide financial aid?
Yes. The SDSU Financial Aid Office administers federal aid programs and provides information on private financing programs. Please read our overview of financial aid for MSW students and visit the SDSU Financial Aid Office website for detailed information about the financial aid application process, deadlines and downloadable forms. To ensure maximum financial aid eligibility, complete all financial aid documents by the deadlines, regardless of your application status. Also, check the scholarships page on the School of Social Work site for additional financial aid opportunities:
- Are there any additional financial aid resources?
We offer departmental scholarships to MSW students. Awards vary and are based on individual merit and financial need. Refer to our scholarships page for more information.
Specialized MSW Stipend Programs
- CalSWEC Title IV-E Child Welfare Services Stipend Program: 2-year plan students receive educational stipends of $18,500 and specialized training in public child welfare in exchange for committing to work in a California public child welfare agency or at the San Diego HHSA upon graduation. Full time county employees may be reimbursed for educational expenses.
- CalSWEC Mental Health Training Program: Available for 2-year plan, advanced 700 level students only. Students selected will receive specialized training in mental health and a stipend of $18,500 in exchange for committing to work with the County of San Diego, Behavioral Health Services Department or a non-county contracted mental health site immediately upon graduation.
University scholarships are available. Also, private loans are available. Please refer to the SDSU Financial Aid Office website for more information.
- What financial aid opportunities are available for international students?
Please see the SDSU International Student Center web site for more info:
- Do you offer graduate assistantships?
Yes. Please complete the graduate assistantship application (.pdf) and bring completed application to the School of Social Work, Main Office, Hepner Hall, Room 119.
- Is student housing available?
Yes. SDSU Housing Services offers a wide variety of housing options for graduate students, from residence halls to apartments. Most MSW students do not live in university housing since the San Diego area has numerous interesting communities in which to live, many within a reasonable commuting distance from SDSU. If you decide to apply for housing, we recommend that you meet the Jan. 15 application deadline for the MSW program so that you can receive your admission decision as early as possible--housing applications may only be submitted once you have been admitted to SDSU.
