Master of Social Work

School/Division: Dworak-Peck School of Social Work

Degree/Certificate: Master of Social Work

The USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work champions social justice for the well-being of individuals, families and communities through innovative teaching of evidence-informed and practice-based skills, pioneering transformative research, and cultivating leadership for social change. The school’s programs equip students with a broad background of knowledge about health and social welfare problems, programs, services and policies designed to prevent and address those problems and knowledge about existing and emergent trends and issues. Across all programs, students are professionalized and encouraged to develop professional philosophies and approaches that are in harmony with the basic tenets of their chosen professions. At the same time, students share the desire and calling to prevent and mitigate severe social and health problems that challenge the viability of culturally diverse and complex urban settings; to build on the strengths of individuals, families, and communities; and to lead the scholarly search for innovative, efficacious, and just solutions. 

The Master of Social Work degree requires 48 semester units of course work. The program of study leads to the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree with a specialization in an area of advanced practice. Course requirements are organized into a generalist curriculum and a specialized practice curriculum. The generalist curriculum provides students with knowledge, values, skills, and cognitive and affective processes that prepare them for professional practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The specialized practice curriculum involves integration of social work knowledge, values, skills, and cognitive and affective processes and demonstrated ability to engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate across or within client populations, problems areas, and methods of intervention. Depending upon the program of study, areas of sub-specialization include Adult Mental Health and Wellness; Children, Youth and Families; Military Social Work and Veteran Services; School Social Work; or Social Change and Innovation. 

The advanced-standing MSW is an option for students with a BSW to complete the MSW degree in less time and with fewer requirements. Students eligible for advanced-standing can complete the MSW in as few as 12 months.

In order to provide a pathway to licensure, we integrate required California pre-licensure course content into our curriculum and in SOWK 511. As an Accredited MSW Program, most states accept licensure eligibility with a few states specifying required courses.  However, because licensure requirements vary by state and are subject to change, all students should confirm eligibility and verify course requirements for the state where they intend to pursue licensure.

For students enrolled in the 48 Unit MSW degree specializing in Integrative Social Work:

New York– The USC Online Suzanne Dworak Peck School of Social Work program does not meet New York State requirements for licensure. The program does not meet the number of units (60) required by the state of New York and students are not eligible for New York State licensure.  For more information, please refer to the state’s website: http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/sw/#.

Florida- As a USC Online Suzanne Dworak Peck School of Social Work student residing and planning to practice in Florida, you will need to provide proof of Psychopathology either SOWK 612 or SOWK 677 to meet the coursework requirements for becoming a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern in Florida. For more information, please refer to the state’s website: https://floridasmentalhealthprofessions.gov/licensing/licensed-clinical-social-worker/.

New Hampshire– As a USC Online Suzanne Dworak Peck School of Social Work student residing and planning to practice in New Hampshire, you will need to provide proof of Psychopathology SOWK 612 or SOWK 677, and Substance Abuse SOWK 617 to be eligible for licensure in New Hampshire. For more information, please refer to the state’s website:  https://www.oplc.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt441/files/inline-documents/sonh/mental-health-counselor.pdf

Indiana– As a USC Online Suzanne Dworak Peck School of Social Work student residing and planning to practice in Indiana, you will need to provide proof of Psychopathology SOWK 612 or SOWK 677; and Group and Family Practice SOWK 523/525 to meet the coursework requirements for licensure eligibility in Indiana. For more information, please refer to the state’s website https://www.in.gov/pla/professions/behavioral-health-and-human-services-licensing-board/statutes-and-rules/

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