Abstract
This project was a collaborative effort in which the work and decision making was equally shared by the researchers. The demands of graduate school are time consuming, which often take time away from a student’s family and friends. The type of support a student receives while attending graduate school is analyzed through quantitative data to determine if social support can either alleviate or intensify a student’s level of stress. In a study performed by the researchers of 58 participants enrolled in the California State University, Sacramento Masters of Social Work program, it was found that a social work graduate student’s stress level can be positively and negatively impacted by their social support system. The implications for social work policy and practice are discussed. Recommendations for program changes within a social work graduate program are also addressed.