PDF version of this chapterDual Degree Programs
The School of Social Work currently offers dual degree programs with a number of other USC professional schools. In addition, the school maintains a dual degree program at Hebrew Union College located adjacent to the USC campus.
The goal of these programs is to encourage graduate students to gain a recognized competence in another discipline which has direct relevance to the roles filled by social workers in society. Dual degree programs are based on the premise that some topics covered in the school are also addressed in the curricula of other departments, so that some credit toward an M.S.W. degree may be given for specific courses in the cooperating department. Similarly, these departments have recognized that some credit toward their corresponding degree may be awarded for work completed in the School of Social Work. Because of this, students enrolled in dual degree programs can obtain both degrees with a reduced number of total units.
Students wishing to enroll in dual degree programs must apply for and be admitted to both schools.
USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
Students enrolled in this dual degree program complete 32 units of work in the Davis School of Gerontology and 46 units in the School of Social Work. The course work is usually completed over a 24-month period, with students selecting any of the second-year concentrations. See the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology for course requirements.USC School of Policy, Planning, and Development
Master of Social Work/Master of Planning
Dual degree students in this program receive an M.S.W. as well as a Master of Planning (M.Pl.). The M.Pl./M.S.W. degree requires completion of a total of 83 units and is normally completed over a period of 28 months. Students in this dual degree program must select the community organization, planning and administration concentration in the second year of their social work program. See the School of Policy, Planning, and Development for course requirements.Master of Social Work/Master of Public Administration
This dual degree program provides students interested in careers as administrators of social service agencies the opportunity to combine preparation in the substantive field of social work with the acquisition of the administrative capabilities necessary in the public sector. Students in this program must select the community organization, planning and administration concentration in their second year of graduate work. Most students complete both program requirements over a 24-month period. Students must take 54 units in social work and 28 units in public administration. See the School of Policy, Planning, and Development for course requirements.USC Gould School of Law
The dual degree program with the USC Gould School of Law is a four-year program in which students complete a total of 121 units. This includes 47 units in social work and 74 units in law.To earn the J.D., all students (including dual degree students) must complete 35 numerically graded law units at USC after the first year. The associate dean may make exceptions to this rule for students enrolled in Law School honors programs.
First and Second Years: Complete both the first year J.D. program of study and the first year M.S.W. course of study.
Third Year: Complete the second year J.D. program.
Fourth Year: Complete the regular third semester of the M.S.W. program in the fall and the final semester of the J.D. program in the spring.
The Law School gives credit for the third semester in the School of Social Work, while the latter recognizes law courses as substitutions for a one-semester practice course, special topics courses, a third semester of social policy and one semester of field instruction (for which a clinical law semester is substituted).
Jewish Communal Service, Hebrew Union College
Students in this dual degree program simultaneously pursue graduate studies leading to the M.S.W. and an M.A. in Jewish Communal Service over a 24-month period. A total of 90 units must be completed to meet the requirements of both degrees.USC Marshall School of Business
The M.S.W./M.B.A. dual degree develops knowledge and skills in working with individuals, families and groups, as well as organizational dynamics, marketing, decision sciences, accounting and human relations. Students interested in working in the management of human services and not-for-profit organizations will develop knowledge of human resources, philanthropic and corporate social responsibility, organizational development and information management.Application
Prospective students must apply to both the School of Social Work and the Marshall School of Business.Program Requirements
The M.S.W./M.B.A. requires completion of a total of 96 units (48 in the Marshall School of Business and 48 in the School of Social Work) and is typically completed in a three-year period, including summer.Students in this dual degree program must select the world of work concentration in the second year of their social work program. Course requirements in the Marshall School of Business include all courses required for the M.B.A. core program and graduate business electives sufficient to bring the total units completed in the Marshall School of Business to at least 48. Dual degree students may not count courses taken outside the Marshall School of Business toward the 48 units.
The M.B.A. and the M.S.W. degrees are awarded simultaneously upon completion of all program requirements.