University of Southern California School of Social Work

The MSW@USC is the first top-ranked MSW program offered nationally. Many online programs are limited to certain geographic areas or the availability of courses, making it necessary to travel to campus. Our program can be completed from virtually anywhere without the need to relocate to Southern California.

The USC School of Social Work works with selected agencies and organizations across the country that represent the complete range of social services. This provides MSW@USC students the opportunity to apply what they learn in class and a chance to work with real-life clients in the community.

The MSW@USC gives students the opportunity to earn the same quality education on-campus students receive. Our robust virtual environment provides the latest web-based technology for a highly interactive experience that mirrors the stringent curriculum of the onsite MSW program delivered by the same faculty.



PROGRAM:

Master of Social Work
The USC School of Social Work offers the opportunity to earn a Master of Social Work degree through the Virtual Academic Center without relocating to Southern California. This online program is designed to prepare social workers with the knowledge and skills to make a difference in the world, improve the lives of people and communities and eradicate pressing societal problems.

Concentration Description: Families and Children
This concentration emphasizes a "family-centered" model and prepares students for practice with families and children in multicultural urban communities. Students learn developmental/preventive services, problem solving, crisis and remedial services, and protective services for children and adolescents.

Concentration Description: Mental Health
Students develop skills in the psychosocial assessment of commonly encountered mental health problems, design of appropriate intervention plans and delivery of preventive and rehabilitative mental health services. They learn to deal with issues relating to outreach, advocacy, program evaluation and organizational or governmental policies.

Concentration Description: Community Organization, Planning and Administration
COPA prepares students to become administrators, planners and community organizers in urban settings. Emphasis is placed on a macro practice - one that focuses on the big-picture service improvements and policy changes that aid individuals and enhance the well-being of communities. Students develop skills in management and finance, program development and evaluation, and community organization.

Sub-Concentration Description: Military Social Work
This specialized area of study prepares individuals to provide a full range of human services to the nation's military personnel, veterans and their families, helping them cope with the stresses of military life. The military sub-concentration can be integrated with any of the three major concentration areas offered through the Virtual Academic Center.

Financing your Education

USC administers one of the largest financial aid programs in the United States. The USC Financial Aid Office provides applications and information about need-based financial aid, departmental grants, and long-term financing options including the following federal and private programs. •Federal Direct Stafford Loan (Subsidized or Unsubsidized) •Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan •Private Financing programs