Doctorate of Social Work Online at USC
The USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work is the first among private, elite research universities to offer the Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) degree program online: the DSW@USC.
The online DSW prepares experienced professionals with the skills to develop practical, applied solutions to large-scale social challenges that directly impact vulnerable, marginalized or otherwise disadvantaged populations.
As a student in our online doctorate in social work program, you will develop the skills of both practitioners and scholars: You will adopt the disciplinary habits of scholars through rigorous inquiry, and learn the methodological tools associated with leading and managing innovation and change.
Become an effective leader of social change. Request more information.
The DSW@USC at a Glance
You will complete coursework focused on two primary content areas: innovation and leadership and advanced management practice in complex systems.
As a DSW@USC student, you will complete 42 units of coursework focused on three areas:
- Problem definition within the Grand Challenges for Social Work
- Innovative design
- Executive leadership in human service organizations and community contexts
The DSW degree may be completed along an Accelerated or Standard track.
- The Accelerated track may be completed in 7 semesters. Students will register for 3 courses (9 units) over 4 semesters before enrolling in the Capstone Project.
- The Standard track may be completed in 9 semesters. Students will register for 2 courses (6 units) over 6 semesters before enrolling in the Capstone Project.
- Students will complete all other coursework (36 units) prior to enrolling in the Capstone Project at the end of their program.
- Students will register for 2 units of Capstone Project over the final 3 semesters for a total of 6 units.
- Students will receive credit for these units upon acceptance on their Capstone Project.
The DSW@USC will prepare you to:
- Compete with other advanced degree-holders for leadership and management roles.
- Design innovative solutions to large-scale problems such as homelessness, poverty and domestic violence.
- Lead public discourse and drive change surrounding the social challenges you care about most.
- Make a lasting impact by reducing socioeconomic barriers and other obstacles for children and adults worldwide.
Online DSW Program Requirements
The online DSW program is as demanding and rigorous as an on-campus counterpart and comes with the same admissions requirements. Your background must demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to solving systemic social problems. To be considered for this online DSW degree program, you must have:
- A master’s degree from a CSWE program or a related field, such as an MPA, MPH, MSN, MPP, MBA, MFT or any professional doctorate
- A minimum of five years’ post-master’s experience
- Above-average achievement in your undergraduate and professional experience
No GRE Required
Learn more about admissions requirements for our online DSW program.
Not ready to pursue your DSW degree online? Learn more about our online MSW program, the MSW@USC, available on a full- or part-time basis.
DSW Online Curriculum
You will complete coursework focused on two primary content areas: innovation and leadership and advanced management practice in complex systems.
The DSW@USC Courses
The curriculum includes Design Laboratory for Social Innovation I and II, where you will incorporate models from your courses to address one or more of the 12 Grand Challenges in Social Work, as defined by the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare.
- Strategic Innovations for the Grand Challenges
- Leading and Managing Large Complex Systems
- Design Laboratory for Social Innovation I
- Data-Driven Decision Making in Social Services
- Leading Public Discourse
- Design Laboratory for Social Innovation II
- Communication and Influence for Social Good
- Application of Implementation Science
- Financial Management for Social Change
- Research
- Executive Leadership
- Capstone Project
Explore the complete DSW@USC curriculum.
Career Outcomes
When you earn your Doctorate of Social Work online from USC, you will be positioned to participate in and lead conversations on sweeping social topics such as gun violence, foster care, homelessness and more.
Career possibilities include:
- Community outreach specialist
- Corporate social responsibility specialist
- Human services specialist
- Policy advocate and analyst
- Research analyst
Learn more about what you can do with a DSW.
Student Experience
Taught by USC social work professors, seminar-style classes are kept small. Your digital classroom features innovative and collaborative tools — such as breakout rooms, live chat and document sharing — designed to foster close, intimate discussions.
Recordings of live class sessions are available 24/7 so you can revisit concepts and classroom conversations.
What will you do with a DSW? Request information.