Student Resources

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.

• Visit the SDSU School of Social Work Field Education Site

• Download the Qualifying Examination Guidelines – Spring 2025  (pdf, updated 11/8/2024)

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 10/23/2024)

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)