Susan Salas, EdD, LCSW

Dr. Susan Salas holds the title of Director of Practicum Education in the School of Social Work at California State University, Long Beach for the past 9 years. In addition, she is the Coordinator of the Geriatric Social Work Education Consortium (GSWEC) stipend program. Prior to this, she was a Practicum Consultant for the California Title IV-E (formerly CalSWEC) Child Welfare Education Program for 12 years. She holds an undergraduate degree in Human Development from the University of California, Davis; a Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University; and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from California State University, Long Beach. She has considerable practice experience in community mental health with children and families with an emphasis in Latinx mental health. Dr. Salas' macro interests include social policy and legislative change including her previous involvement in the coordination of CSULB's participation in the annual NASW Legislative Lobby Days weekend.  

Dr. Salas’ research and scholarship includes the retention of Latinx Community College transfer students and social work students with legal histories. She is proud to be a primary architect in the emerging area of recruiting and retaining students with legal histories program that has successfully attracted students from throughout Southern California. She has expertise in developing practicum education curriculum and practicum instructor trainings. Dr. Salas is a major advocate for the preservation of California Indian sacred sites and indigenous spiritual practices.