Overview

As part of one of the world’s leading private research universities, the University of Southern California Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work has been continuously listed among the top accredited social work graduate programs ranked by U.S. News and World Report. With its reputation for educational excellence, cultural diversity and research funding, the school prepares students for leadership roles in public and private organizations that serve individuals, families and communities in need. The school was the first to endow a center for interdisciplinary social work research – the Hamovitch Center for Science in the Human Services – and remains a pioneer in translational research, experiential learning and academic innovation. The USC School of Social Work offers the Master of Social Work (MSW) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees at the University Park campus in Los Angeles. The MSW is also available at our academic centers located locally in Irvine (Orange County), West Los Angeles and San Diego, and nationally through our Virtual Academic Center. Mission Our mission is to improve the well-being of vulnerable individuals and communities, advance social and economic justice, and eradicate pressing societal problems in complex and culturally diverse urban environments throughout Southern California, the nation and the world. That mission is achieved through value-driven, scholarly and creative social work education, research and professional leadership.