University of Southern California

Professionals seeking leadership or management roles that challenge them to solve large-scale social problems are encouraged to apply to USC’s online Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program, the DSW@USC. The online program prepares students from diverse academic backgrounds to make a lasting social impact as they seek to eradicate violence, homelessness, economic inequality and other pervasive issues.

The DSW@USC is delivered through online classes and coursework and in-person residencies focused on the development of innovative ideas.

Ready to discover more? Request information from USC directly.

Sponsored Online Social Work Program

Curriculum Overview

The DSW curriculum focuses on two primary areas: innovation and leadership, and advanced management practice in complex systems. Students explore topics such as organizational leadership, technological fluency, public discourse and data-driven decision making during core courses and seminars. The program culminates in a capstone project in which students present an original solution for one of the 12 Grand Challenges for Social Work.

Featured Courses:

• Evaluating Innovation and Change
• Informatics and Social Innovation
• Leading and Managing Complex Systems
• Financial Management for Social Change
• Data-Drive Decision Making in Social Services