Field education is an essential element of the curriculum in the SDSU School of Social Work. It is the field practicum learning experience that allows the student to integrate classroom theory and knowledge and practice skills in developing professional competence and identity. This application includes social work theory in real-life practice situations, skill building, and upholding professional standards of social work ethics and values, under the professional supervision of qualified social workers in their role of field instructors.
Student Resources
Field Education Site
BASW Handbook
Current BASW students should familiarize themselves with the BASW Student Handbook:
- Download the BASW Student Handbook (pdf, updated October 2024)
- Download the BASW Prospective Student Handbook (pdf, updated October 2024)
- Download the GERO Prospective Student Handbook (pdf, updated October 2024)
MSW Generalist Program Assessment Guidelines and Study Guide
- Download the MSW Generalist Program Assessment Guidelines and Study Guide - Spring 2025 (pdf, updated 2/25/2025)
MSW Comprehensive Exam
Plan B students must pass a Comprehensive Examination administered by the School as one of the requirements for the MSW degree.
- Download the Comprehensive Examination Guidelines – Spring 2025 (pdf, updated 3/25/2025)
Publishable Paper, Alternative to Comprehensive Exam
A student may seek a faculty member to supervise and mentor her/him in the writing of a publishable paper. The successful writing of the paper will serve as an alternative type of “Comprehensive Examination.”
- See Alternative to the Comprehensive Exam, The Research Publication Option (pdf, updated February 2023)
Master’s Thesis (Plan A) Information
Plan A students must complete a Thesis as part of the requirements for their MSW degree. In addition to the information in the MSW Student Handbook (above), here are some important resources and guidelines.
- Master’s Thesis Committee (Plan A) Information and Forms
- Thesis Guidelines for Master’s Students and Committee Members (pdf)
- Graduation and Thesis/Dissertation Deadlines (scroll toward the middle of the College of Graduate Studies Announcements and Deadlines webpage)
The Joint Doctoral Program (JDP) in Interdisciplinary Research in Substance Use (IRSU)
The PhD degree in Interdisciplinary Research on Substance Use (IRSU) is awarded jointly by San Diego State University and UC San Diego.
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