PDF version of this chapterDual Degree Programs
Master of Public Administration and Master of Social Work
The Master of Public Administration/Master of Social Work (M.P.A./M.S.W.) dual degree offers students who are interested in careers as administrators of social agencies the opportunity to combine solid preparation in the substantive field of social work with the acquisition of the administrative capabilities necessary in the public sector.It is anticipated that the M.P.A./M.S.W. will require two calendar years of full-time study. The first academic year will be devoted to the standard social work first year curriculum. Students can enter this program only with the written consent of both schools. Students who apply initially to the USC School of Social Work must declare their intention to pursue the M.P.A./M.S.W. dual degree at the time of their application. If admission is approved, such students will be admitted to the dual degree program. Social work students selecting this program are required to select the Community Organization, Planning and Administration concentration in their second year program. However, students who have substantial prior supervisory or administrative experience can petition the dean of the School of Social Work to waive this concentration requirement.
During the second year, the curriculum will combine both social work and public administration course work. The curriculum for both summers will be in public administration.
| Social Work (54 units) | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| SOWK 503 | Human Behavior and the Social Environment I | 3 |
| SOWK 505 | Human Behavior and the Social Environment II | 3 |
| SOWK 533 | Social Welfare I | 3 |
| SOWK 535 | Social Welfare II | 3 |
| SOWK 543 | Social Work Practice I | 3 |
| SOWK 545 | Social Work Practice II | 3 |
| SOWK 562 | Social Work Research | 3 |
| SOWK 586ab | Field Practicum I | 4-4 |
| SOWK 587ab | Field Education Seminar I | 1-1 |
| SOWK 609 | Human Behavior in Groups and Organizations | 3 |
| SOWK 629 | Evaluation of Research: Community Organization, Planning and Administration | 3 |
| SOWK 649ab | Seminar in Community Organization | 6 |
| SOWK 679 | Social Planning and Administrative Processes | 3 |
| SOWK 686ab | Field Practicum II | 8 |
| Public Administration (28 units) | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| PPD 500 | Cross-Sectoral Governance | 4 |
| PPD 501 | Public Sector Economics | 4 |
| PPD 540 | Public Administration and Society | 4 |
| PPD 541 | Public Financial Management and Budgeting | 4 |
| PPD 546 | Professional Practice of Public Administration | 4 |
| PPD electives* | 8 | |