Program Track Options

You may enrich your MSW — and further customize your online MSW@USC program — with one of five optional program tracks, each designed to prepare you to meet the needs of a specific population.

Military Populations and Settings

Learn to better understand military culture and allow your professional practice to meet the unique needs of active military members, veterans and their families. You will learn to provide mental health therapy, crisis intervention, counseling and other services in a variety of professional settings that serve military clients.

Learn More About Military Populations and Settings

School and Educational Settings*

Learn how to help pre-K–12 students overcome challenges outside the classroom that may affect their ability to thrive at school. This track fulfills the in-classroom and field education requirements for the Pupil Personnel Services Credential, which you will need to practice school social work in California*.

Learn More About School and Educational Settings

Adult Mental Health and Wellness

Explore issues ranging from drug abuse to elder care to health care legislation. This track looks closely at human behavioral theory with an emphasis on clinical practice and policy. You will explore the role of neuroscience as it relates to the mind-brain-body system, as well as social systems including family, culture and community.

Learn More About Adult Mental Health and Wellness

Children, Youth and Families

Prepare to advocate for and intervene on behalf of children and youth in their respective social environments. Train to work in direct practice with these individuals, and their families, and help them to rise above adversity and recover from crises, including poverty, homelessness and substance abuse.

Learn More About Children, Youth and Families

Become a big-picture thinker who solves community problems while supporting the needs of individuals and their communities. Focus on how social work innovation applies to global systems, and explore evidence-based research in both business and community development through coursework in organizational leadership, juvenile justice, policy and more.

Learn More About Social Change and Innovation

*Students interested in the School and Educational Settings track may require a modified schedule to ensure a positive field placement experience. For additional information about field placement requirements, reach out to an admissions counselor at 877-700-4679 or sswvac@msw.usc.edu. California students who are interested in pursuing the Pupil Personnel Services Credential will be required to complete 45 units and other requirements after completion of the program. If you have questions or concerns about the program, please contact your academic advisor.

The School and Educational Settings track allows students who wish to practice in California the opportunity to pursue the Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPSC). This allows them to work as a social worker in school settings. Students who reside or intend to practice in a state outside of California may complete this track, but are not guaranteed licensure as a school social worker. Requirements may vary from state to state. Therefore, a student enrolling in this program and selecting the School and Educational Settings track should research the requirements in the state in which they reside or intend to practice.