The Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work offers an advanced practice doctorate in social change and innovation for agency and community leaders and entrepreneurs.
Unlike other schools of social work that offer advanced practice doctorates in clinical practice or teaching, we prepare experienced professionals 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 doctor of social work program, you will develop characteristics of both practitioners and scholars. By adopting the disciplinary habits of scholars through rigorous inquiry and use of methodological tools associated with leading and managing innovation and change, you will become an effective social change leader.
Our graduates are prepared to seek management or executive leadership positions that advance their careers in social work and related human service arenas. By leading national discourse about intractable issues affecting populations worldwide, they graduate from the program equipped to establish a legacy of social impact.
DSW Program Mission Statement
The mission of the University of Southern California Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work Doctor of Social Work is to prepare transformative social work leaders to design, implement, and evaluate solutions for complex social challenges that impact myriad populations. Through a rigorous, standards-aligned curriculum that integrates practice, policy, scientific inquiry, theoretical perspectives, and a community centered approach, students are prepared to lead positive change within human service organizations and local and global communities. Rooted in the values of the social work profession, the program advances well-being and human dignity across communities and societies.
About USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work
The Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work has been a leader and innovator in social work education and research since its founding. Social work at USC was the first to combine elements of casework, group work and community organization into an integrated model of social work practice, which is widely reflected in curricula across the country to this day.
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-based practice and practice-based skills, pioneering transformative research, and cultivating leadership for social change.