Master of Social Work/Master of Science, Gerontology (MSW/MS)

Dual Degree Programs

The Suzanne Dworak-Peck 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 MSW 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 Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. For this reason, 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.

Master’s Requirements

The Master of Social Work and Master of Science, Gerontology (MSW/MSG) dual degree offers the student interested in direct service or community organization the credentials most valued in clinical and therapeutic practice. Students enrolled in this dual degree receive an MSW as well as an MS in Gerontology.

Program Requirements:

This dual degree requires completion of 77 units: 32 units of work in the Davis School of Gerontology and 45 units in the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. The course work is usually completed over a 24-month period for full-time students. 

Course requirements in the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work include the required courses outlined below. Students will take their remaining MSW units in department core courses specific to either the AMHW or SCI departments only. Students will be advised into the appropriate courses. 

For MSG degree requirements, see the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology . 

Required MSW Courses

• SOWK 506 Human Behavior and the Social Environment Units: 3
• SOWK 510 Professional Self-Care in Integrative Social Work Practice Units: 3
• SOWK 511 Critical Decision Making in Integrative Social Work Practice Units: 3
• SOWK 523 Foundations of Integrative Social Work Practice I Units: 3
• SOWK 525 Foundations of Integrative Social Work Practice II Units: 3
• SOWK 536 Policy and Advocacy in Professional Social Work Units: 3
• SOWK 546 Science of Social Work Units: 3
• SOWK 591 Applied Learning in Practicum Education I Units: 3
• SOWK 593 Applied Learning in Practicum Education II Units: 3
• SOWK 630 Diversity, Social Justice and Interculturally Competent Social Work Practice Units: 3