University of Southern California Social Work Masters, California

Why University of Southern California (USC)?

The online Master of Social Work offered by University of Southern California (USC) extends the opportunity to study at this prestigious university to students who are unable to attend classes on campus. The University of Southern California (USC),  a large public research university in Los Angeles, California accepts applicants with an undergraduate degree in any subject, but applicants should have completed a minimum of 18 units of interdisciplinary liberal arts coursework, spanning both social and biological sciences. 

Standardized test scores are not required, and a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00  is expected.  

Program Snapshot

University Name	University of Southern California (USC)
Location	Los Angeles
State	California
Niche.com Grade	A+
Name of Degree	Master of Social Work
School or Department Administering Program	Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work
Credits	66
Cost per credit	$1,195.00
Tuition for Entire Program	$78,870
Test Requirements	No
Minimum GPA	3.00
Prerequisite Courses and Skills	minimum of 18 units of interdisciplinary liberal arts coursework, spanning both social and biological sciences
Campus Visit Required?	No Visit Required
Typical Time to Complete	4-6 semesters
When Can Students Start the Program?	Fall, Spring, Summer
Program Concentrations	Adult Mental Health and Wellness; Children, Youth and Families; Social Change and Innovation; Military Social Work; School Social Work
Synchronous Classes	Yes
Required Courses	Human Behavior and the Social Environment Policy and Advocacy in Professional Social Work Social Work Practice With Individuals, Families, and Groups Science of Social Work Integrative Learning for Social Work Practice Applied Learning in Field Education I and II Diversity, Social Justice, and Culturally Competent Social Work Practice Integrative Learning for Advanced Social Work Practice I and II Learning for Advanced Social  Advanced Applied Learning in Field Education I and II
Does the Program Include a Capstone?	No
Does the Program Include a Practicum or Internship?	Yes
Other Features that Make the Program Unique	flat rate offered for students enrolling full-time 15-18 credits; first part of field education is virtual
Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program)	Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior; Engage diversity and difference in practice; Advance human rights and social, economic and environmental justice; Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice; engage in policy practice; Engage, assess, intervene and evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities
Program Description	This 66-credit program prepares students to pursue one of five specializations within the social work field. A capstone is not required but all students must complete a practicum. All courses are synchronous and the first part of the field experience requirement is completed virtually.

What will I Learn?

The Master of Social Work program at the University of Southern California aims to educate ethical and competent social workers who understand and demonstrate the professional values of human rights, and social, economic and environmental justice. Through a curriculum emphasizing evidence-based practice and research and assessment skills, students are prepared to serve the needs of individuals, families, communities, groups and organizations. Students are also prepared to be active participants in shaping and debating policy issues. 

Required courses in the program begin with Human Behavior and the Social Environment and Policy and Advocacy in Professional Social Work. Students learn key professional skills in Social Work Practice With Individuals, Families, and Groups and the Science of Social Work. They consolidate their learning in required Integrative Learning for Social Work Practice courses and complement their practicum experience with Applied Learning in Field Education courses. All other courses are electives.

Students can choose to specialize in one of the following concentrations: Adult Mental Health and Wellness; Children, Youth and Families; Social Change and Innovation; Military Social Work; School Social Work.

How much will the program cost?

Students finish their degree within 4-6 semesters and pay $1,195.00 per credit for a total of 66 credits, or $78,870 in total.

How does the program fit into my life?

No campus visit is required. Courses are synchronous, meaning that students attend “live” class sessions online each week at a scheduled time.  Students can enter the program in Fall, Spring or Summer. The first part of the required practicum is virtual, which may be attractive for students who would find it difficult to schedule all practicum hours to be performed in-person. 

Summary

Offering five concentrations, including the hard-to-find concentration in Military Social Work, the online program at this prestigious state university offers excellent opportunities for students to specialize and deepen their knowledge of social work. The cost of this program is higher than many similar programs, but the increased rigor of the program may well be worth it for many applicants.