Curriculum

The MSW@USC curriculum explores emerging needs in the field to prepare a new kind of social worker who can meet the demands of 21st-century society. The online MSW program at USC features a rigorous curriculum that is the same as that of the on-campus program. Courses are delivered online and taught by our award-winning faculty.

The MSW curriculum explores content relevant to today’s employers, expanding on the program’s historic strengths while emphasizing early intervention, prevention and wellness, leadership and effective collaboration, core competencies (evidence-based practices, evidence-informed interventions), and implications of new findings in neuroscience.

As an MSW@USC student, you will first build a foundation in social work principles and practice and then have the option to focus your studies on your area of interest. You can design your curriculum by choosing one of the school’s optional tracks of study before you begin your classes:

Adult Mental Health and Wellness

Focus on the mental health and physical well-being of adults, ranging in age from young adults to seniors.

Children, Youth and Families

Address the needs of vulnerable children, youth and families while building supportive social environments.

Social Change and Innovation

Lead and drive positive change in communities, organizations, businesses and government.

Military Social Work

Learn how to meet the unique needs of active military members, veterans and their families.

School Social Work

Prepare to help pre-K–12 students overcome external factors that hinder their ability to succeed in school. This track is currently only available to California-based students.

Learn more about the optional program tracks within the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work and explore what you will study.

For students interested in the School Social Work track or pursuing PPSC, your schedule may be modified to ensure a positive field placement experience and that you meet all necessary requirements for the credential. This means that if your first term of field placement falls over the summer term, you will need to take a modified schedule which will likely delay your graduation date. For specific questions, reach out to an admissions counselor at 877-700-4679 or sswvac@msw.usc.edu.

The MSW@USC program prepares you with crucial hands-on experience to tackle today’s social work challenges.

You will spend more than 1,200 hours completing field education, online through the Virtual Field Practicum as well as in person through community-based field placement. You will work with a coordinator to choose a placement site that’s right for you.

For students who are participating in the 60 unit curriculum, visit the 2021 curriculum page for more information.

Get in touch with an admissions counselor to discuss your goals and how the MSW@USC can help you lead positive change.