USC’s Online Doctorate of Social Work CurriculumUSC’s Online Doctorate of Social Work CurriculumUSC’s Online Doctorate of Social Work Curriculum

Learn How to Solve Large-Scale Social ChallengesLearn How to Solve Large-Scale Social ChallengesLearn How to Solve Large-Scale Social Challenges

Doctorate of Social Work: Curriculum Overview

The Standard Track (42 units)

  • Complete in 9 semesters (36 months).
  • Register for 2 courses (6 units) over 6 semesters.
  • Enroll in the Capstone Project for the last 3 semesters.

The Accelerated Track (42 units)

  • Complete in 7 semesters (28 months).
  • Register for 3 courses (9 units) over 4 semesters.
  • Enroll in the Capstone Project for the last 3 semesters.

As a Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) student, you will complete 42 units of coursework focused on three areas:

  • Problem definition within the Grand Challenges for Social Work
  • Innovative design principles
  • Executive leadership in human service and community contexts

The Grand Challenges for Social Work

The Grand Challenges for Social Work, as defined by the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare, are critical social issues in today’s society:

  • Ensure healthy development for all youth
  • Close the health gap
  • Build healthy relationships to end family violence
  • Advance long and productive lives
  • Eradicate social isolation
  • End homelessness
  • Create social responses to a changing environment
  • Harness technology for social good
  • Eliminate racism
  • Promote smart decarceration
  • Reduce extreme economic inequality
  • Build financial capability for all
  • Achieve equal opportunity and justice

Capstone Project

With guidance from expert faculty, you will apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired in your courses to create an innovative proposal related to one of the Grand Challenges for Social Work that is ready for public discourse and implementation.

The final capstone deliverable includes three broad components: a written assessment and analysis, a prototype, and an oral presentation during your final three semesters of the Doctorate of Social Work online program.

These three components of study will help prepare you for a career as an effective social change leader. You will graduate from the online DSW program equipped to establish a legacy of social impact.

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