The world’s oldest and largest school of gerontology, the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology has a long tradition of forging new paths in the field of aging. The master of science in gerontology prepares graduates to assume leadership positions in the delivery of services to older people and their families, planning and evaluation of services and administration of programs.
Course work is usually completed over a 24-month period, and students may select any of the MSW second-year concentrations. Students follow the first-year MSW curriculum and take gerontology courses during the summer session. Second-year courses are taken in both schools, with students completing the research course in their concentration area in the School of Social Work and field work through the School of Gerontology.
Degree Requirements
32 units: USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
40 units: USC School of Social Work
Maria Henke
213.740.5156
mhenke@usc.edu
www.usc.edu/dept/gero/AgeWorks
The Jewish Communal Service program at Hebrew Union College – adjacent to USC’s University Park campus – provides a solid academic and experiential foundation in Jewish history, sociology, organizational structure of the Jewish community and Judaica.
In the first year, students enroll in course work at both institutions while finishing field work in a social service setting. Two summer sessions are completed at the School of Jewish Communal Studies. In the second year, students will choose a concentration and enroll in the three required courses – the field practicum in their concentration choice and two electives. The program is generally completed over 24 months.
Degree Requirements
49 units: School of Jewish Communal Service, Hebrew Union College
41 units: USC School of Social Work
Carol Sofer
213.749.3424 ext. 4220
csofer@huc.edu
www.huc.edu
Students interested in advocating for social work causes may want to consider the four-year, dual MSW/law degree option, offered in partnership with the USC Gould School of Law.
During the first two years, students complete the first-year JD program and the first-year MSW curriculum. In the third year, they focus on the second-year JD program. By the fourth year, students must complete the MSW concentration requirements and an additional course to be determined as part of your individualized study plan. The final semester is taken in the JD program. The Law School gives credit for the third semester in the School of Social Work, while the latter recognizes law courses as substitutions for three social work courses and one semester of field instruction (for which a clinical law semester is substituted).
Degree Requirements
76 units: USC Gould School of Law
47 units: USC School of Social Work
Robert M. Saltzman
rsaltzma@law.usc.edu or
Chloe T. Reid
creid@law.usc.edu
213.740.7331
www.law.usc.edu
MSW/Master of Public Administration
The USC School of Policy, Planning, and Development trains leaders who can create multidisciplinary approaches to the complex issues of governing, managing and building contemporary urban communities. Available only to students in the Community Organization, Planning and Administration (COPA) concentration, the MSW/MPA is suited to those interested in careers as public-sector administrators.
The initial academic year is devoted to the first-year social work curriculum, while the second year combines social work and public administration course work. The curriculum for both summers will be in public administration. Both program requirements are completed over 24 months.
Degree Requirements
28 units: USC School of Policy, Planning, and Development
54 units: USC School of Social Work
Faye Cameron
fcameron@usc.edu or
Cynthia Clayton
cclayton@usc.edu
213.740.6842
www.usc.edu/schools/sppd
MSW/Master of Planning
Also available to students in COPA concentration, the MSW/master of planning program caters to students who desire careers in social policy, social planning or social services delivery.
In the first year, the focus is on direct service, allowing planning course work to be supplemented by knowledge of consumers and service delivery. Two years of field practica in social work provide in-depth exposure to social service issues from both planning and direct service perspectives, thus satisfying some of the planning laboratory/workshop requirements and eliminating the need for a separate planning internship. The dual degree is normally completed over 28 months.
Degree Requirements
32 units: USC School of Policy, Planning, and Development
51 units: USC School of Social Work
Faye Cameron
fcameron@usc.edu or
Cynthia Clayton
cclayton@usc.edu
213.740.6842
www.usc.edu/schools/sppd
