Overview

The Social Work programme at San Diego State University is designed to prepare versatile leaders for professional, ethical, and advanced specialist social work practice. This comprehensive curriculum focuses on advancing equity, social justice, and human rights to enhance individual and community well-being across the diverse US-Mexico border region and beyond.

Students can choose from various pathways, including one, two, three, or four-year plans to suit their professional needs. The programme is fully accredited and follows a competency-based framework that builds capacity from generalist foundations to advanced specialist expertise in clinical or administrative roles.

Why Social Work at San Diego State University?

The School of Social Work provides a unique focus on the evolving needs of border-connected regions and Indigenous communities. Students benefit from a curriculum that integrates anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion into every aspect of practice. The university offers two distinct advanced specialisations: Direct Practice/Clinical or Administration and Community Development.

The programme features robust field education opportunities, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. Facilities and partnerships extend to county health agencies, hospitals, and grassroots community organisations. Additionally, the university provides specialised training programmes in public behavioural health and aging services.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 8548 per year
National fee: USD 8548 per year
Local fee: USD 8548 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured into a foundation year followed by advanced specialist training. Modules may include:

Social Welfare Policy & Services
Human Behavior in the Social Environment
Social Work Practice
Social Work Research Methods
Computer Applications in Social Work Practice
Civic Engagement
Social Work Administration
Clinical Social Work Practice
Social Work Practice with Families

Careers with Social Work

Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in public and non-profit human service agencies. Those specialising in administration often secure positions as program managers, policy analysts, or chief executives in advocacy organisations. Clinical graduates typically pursue roles as advanced practitioners in mental health settings, hospitals, and family service agencies.

The programme also supports careers in community development, where alumni work as social change agents in neighborhood associations and environmental agencies. Many graduates also transition into roles as program evaluators, consultants, or university administrators, contributing to the broader health and human services ecosystem.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Sem in Social Welfare Policy & Services

Hum Behavior in the Social Environment

Soc Work Prac: A Generalist Perspective

Field Practicum

Sem in Social Work Research Methods

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

60 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

San Diego, United States

Disciplines

Social Work View 574 other Masters in Social Work in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.8

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Complete the Cal State Apply Application

Create an SDSU WebPortal Account

Submit Official Transcripts and Diploma/Degree Certificate

Submit Official Test Scores

Submit Program Specific Documents

Applicants who have earned a three-year baccalaureate degree from an international institution, may be considered for admission.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

11548 USD / year

≈ 11548 USD / year
Out-of-State

11548 USD / year

≈ 11548 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

8548 USD / year

≈ 8548 USD / year

Additional Details

Non-resident tuition: Add $444 per unit to the basic tuition and fees listed above.

Living costs

San Diego

United States

1400 - 2455 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Social Work.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

San Diego

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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