The Online Doctor of Social Work program at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work attracts aspiring social innovators from diverse professional backgrounds, including business, health care and public policy. Meet a few of our alumni, and learn how their desire to solve large-scale social problems has inspired them to pursue a doctorate in social work.
Glenna Anderson, DSW
Mental Health Clinician
Torrance, California
“I am a naturally creative person with a passion for social work. The DSW program seemed to be a hybrid of these two ideas. It focuses on innovation and new ways of tackling old problems.”
Tina Atherall, DSW
CEO, PsychArmor Institute
New York, New York
“The DSW program provides a wide space to think differently, think outside the box and, most importantly, lose the pounds of restrictions that we often place on ourselves as professionals.”
Noel Lipana, DSW
Board Member, DJD Art Foundation
Folsom, CA
“I chose the Online DSW program because I wanted to be a part of an aggressive and focused attempt to solve some of our most difficult social challenges through science, leadership and innovation.”
Melita “Chepa” Rank, DSW
Behavioral Health Director, Fort Thompson Indian Health Service
Fort Thompson, South Dakota
“I had been researching other DSW programs, but once I found USC’s program built on the Grand Challenges for Social Work, I knew this was the right program.”