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 four curriculum plans, allowing you to complete the MSW program according to your own 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 are offered to 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, which generally takes place one
week before classes start. 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, the applicant is filing two separate
applications: one to SDSU Graduate Admissions (DEADLINE FEBRUARY 1ST)
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 two year curriculum applicants is January 15th, and for three and four year curriculum and dual degree programs the final due date is March 1st. 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 two year curriculum applicants is January 15th, and for three and four year curriculum and dual degree programs the final due date is March 1st. 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 March 1. 2-year plan, international, and transfer applicants
must apply by the January 15 deadline to allow
time for processing additional paperwork.
- How many students are accepted?
We enroll approximately 75 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 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 pick up and complete the graduate assistantship
application 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.
