Abstract
In general, graduate programs are demanding and challenging. Researchers' desires are to explore the sources of academic stress for as well as coping mechanisms employed by Social Work graduate students at California State University, Sacramento, Division of Social Work. Goals of this study are to increase awareness to students as well as the Division, and hope that the Division will continue to explore possible program modifications to create a more satisfying learning environment for students. Sixty-six MSWI and MSWII students participated in this study. Findings indicate that the top five academic stressors are thesis, papers, time management, excessive homework/reading, and tuition cost. In general, MSWIIs experience more stress than MSWIs.