Self-neglect in the elderly involves the failure or inability to perform activities of daily living. A recent study on self-neglect found that these type of referrals accounted for over one-third of all abuse cases reported to Adult Protective Services (APS). With the expected increase of the older adult population, it is essential for social workers to have knowledge about self-neglect for appropriate action. This study evaluated students' knowledge and perceptions of self-neglect among the elderly. Fifty-eight Master of Social Work students enrolled at California State University, Long Beach were surveyed regarding their knowledge and perceptions of elder self-neglect. Knowledge was measured on a scale of 0-100. Although their knowledge of abuse was relatively low (M = 42.8), student awareness of behaviors and situations associated with self-neglect were appropriate for identification and APS referral purposes. This study substantiates the need for MSW curriculum that includes the topic of elder self-neglect. Implications for social work education were discussed.