Dec 21, 2024  
USC Catalogue 2024-2025 
    
USC Catalogue 2024-2025

Master of Public Administration/Master of Social Work (MPA/MSW)


The Master of Public Administration/Master of Social Work (MPA/MSW) dual degree offers students interested in careers as administrators of social agencies the opportunity to prepare for social work while developing the administrative capabilities necessary in the public sector.

The MPA/MSW requires two calendar years of full-time study. The first academic year is devoted to the standard social work first year curriculum. During the second year, the curriculum combines social work and public administration course work. The curriculum for both summers will be in public administration.

Course requirements in the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work include the required courses outlined in the Social Work (Integrative Social Work) (MSW) section of the catalogue. Students will take their remaining MSW units in specialized courses in integrative social work. Students will be advised into the appropriate courses. 

Students can enter this program only with the written consent of both schools. Students who apply initially to the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work must declare their intention to pursue the MPA/MSW dual degree at the time of their application. If admission is approved, such students will be admitted to the dual degree program. 

Students must complete 73 units (45 in social work and 28 in public administration).

Social Work (54 Units)


Contact the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work  for Social Work requirements.

Note:


*PPD 545  is not required as students in this dual take SOWK 506  Human Behavior and the Social Environment, which covers similar content. 

Electives


Students take 8 units of electives (one management and one analytic).

Electives in Public Administration need to be selected from approved management and analytic electives (see MPA requirements). Any substitutions must be approved by the graduate adviser in the Price School of Public Policy.