Q & A with Director Tom Reilly — SDSU School of Social Work

Tom Reilly

What distinguishes SDSU’s School of Social Work from programs at other leading research and academic institutions?

We benefit, first and foremost, from a faculty whose members are among the most accomplished, knowledgeable, and dedicated scholars and teachers you’ll find anywhere in the country today. They’re thoroughly committed to their students’ success, and they are constantly advancing the frontiers of research in their fields.

Beyond outstanding faculty talent, we offer a host of different degree-granting programs comprising many unique specializations and concentrations, flexible class schedules, numerous scholarship programs, and the opportunity to study abroad.
You mentioned the faculty’s reputation for producing important research. Can you elaborate?Our faculty includes some of the leading authorities in an unusually broad range of disciplines and focus areas: substance abuse, child welfare, mental health, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, human trafficking, organizational effectiveness, public and non-profit management, immigration, community organizing … the list goes on.
It’s important to note that, while our interests and areas of expertise vary widely, we are united by a single, powerful vision and mission, which is to effect global change one community at a time.We firmly believe that individuals can impact the world in meaningful, enduring ways by pursuing careers in social work. Everything we do is intended to help students fulfill that potential.
What sorts of students thrive at the School?You have to want to make a difference by focusing on the public good. There has to be that level of commitment and passion. There is also, I think, an openness and uncommon appreciation of differences among our students. They celebrate diversity, and they strive to gain exposure to the various challenges confronting people from all walks of life. I think our location in San Diego is a tremendous asset in that regard. As a border city and a truly international city, San Diego gives students an extraordinary degree of insight into other cultures, both through research and field placements, and through the normal course of day-to-day living here in this community. Plus, you know, it’s not a bad place to live – San Diego is 74 degrees and sunny much of the time.
What surprises people about the School?The spirit of innovation and entrepreneurial thinking characterize our students and faculty. This is an extraordinarily resourceful and enterprising School, where theory meets practice and orthodoxy is challenged on a daily basis.We actively encourage students and faculty members to pursue new approaches to complex problems, to apply classroom teaching to real-world situations, and to put their creativity and analytical skills to the test each and every day. It’s a challenging environment, but ultimately a highly rewarding one. I’d encourage anyone interested in our programs to come visit us, audit a few classes, meet with our team and compare us to any other school in the nation. I think you’ll find there’s no better place to launch or advance a career with the potential to change the world, one community at a time.