Washington D.C. Military Immersion
Washington, D.C. Military Immersion
In partnership with USC Capital Campus, the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work is excited to offer a spring immersion course open to all USC students.
The Social Work 656: National Military Immersion in Washington, D.C., course is a 3-credit, in-person educational experience taking place March 14-19, 2027, during USC spring break.
Whether you're already familiar with the military or studying these issues for the first time, this course provides a rich opportunity for in-depth learning and an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at policies affecting 16 million active-duty military service members, veterans, and their families.
You'll explore:
- How the executive and legislative branches develop and implement relevant policies
- The role of advocacy on mental health and social issues
- Evidence-based practices and programs to address the unique needs of this population
Who's Involved?
The immersion course is led by Carl Castro, professor and director of Military and Veterans Programs. Castro served 33 years in the U.S. Army before retiring at the rank of colonel, and participated in the Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo Campaigns, Operation Northern Watch, and the Iraq War.
The syllabus for 2027 is still being finalized, but previous immersions have included meetings with:
- Members of the U.S. Congress
- Social work leaders
- Leaders of military and veterans organizations
- Active-duty military members, veterans, and their families
Quote
This immersion experience was truly meaningful, and I am incredibly grateful to have been part of it. The relationships I built, the networking opportunities, and the powerful stories I heard are things I will carry with me moving forward. This is an experience I could never have replicated on my own.
- 2026 D.C. Immersion student
Eligibility and How to Apply
This course is open to all current USC students, but D-clearance is required.
To apply, email Professor Carl Castro by November 1, 2026 with your:
- Name
- USC ID number
- Current degree program/major
- Graduation year/class
Schedule
Students will be expected to attend three online meetings prior to the immersion trip, and all program events and activities in Washington, D.C.
Students must arrive in Washington, D.C., in time to participate in a 6pm kickoff meeting on March 14, and must stay through the March 19 closing meeting, which is scheduled to end at 5pm. Program activities are generally scheduled to take place between 8am-5pm, but a few days will include evening events.
The syllabus is still being finalized, but is likely to include activities such as:
- Special guest lectures
- Private site visits of Washington, D.C., landmarks
- Office visits to military, veterans, and social work agencies and organizations
- Q&A with members of the U.S. Congress
- Meetings with representatives of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
Costs and Financial Aid
This course is included in undergraduate spring semester tuition, as long as students do not go into overload. See information on course credit, below, for graduate students. Students are responsible for their own round-trip travel and lodging.
Scholarships will be available to eligible students. Please contact the USC Financial Aid Office for additional questions related to financial aid.
Course Credit
- Current BSW students: This course does not count toward degree requirements but can be taken as part of the spring semester course load if desired.
- Current MSW students: This course counts as one of the two required courses for students on the Military and Veterans Social Work track. Students who do not have a designated track, or whose track does not include a required elective, may request to count this course toward their MSW degree. Please email sdp.enroll@usc.edu for details. Note: MSW students who do not obtain advance permission to count this course as an elective will be responsible for the extra units.
- Current DSW students: This course is open to DSW students, but it does not count toward the DSW degree. You will be responsible for the additional units.
- All other students: Please speak with your academic advisor or program to determine whether this course may count toward degree requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can enroll?
This course is open to all current USC students with an average GPA of 3.0 or above. D-clearance is required. Preference will be given to students enrolled in USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work degree programs.
To apply, please email your name, USC ID number, current degree program/major, and graduation year/class to Professor Carl Castro by November 1, 2026.
How many units will I earn, and can I count this course toward my degree?
This course is 3 units. In some cases, it may count toward degree requirements.
- Current BSW students: This course does not count toward degree requirements but can be taken as part of the spring semester course load if desired.
- Current MSW students: Students who do not have a designated track, or whose track does not include a required elective, may request to count this course toward their MSW degree. Please email sdp.enroll@usc.edu for details. Note: MSW students who do not obtain advance permission to count this course as an elective will be responsible for the extra units.
- Current DSW students: This course is open to DSW students, but it does not count toward the DSW degree. You will be responsible for the additional units.
- All other students: Please speak with your academic advisor or program to determine whether this course may count toward degree requirements.
When is this course offered?
This is a spring 2027 course.
Prior to the immersion, students must participate in online meetings on February 27, March 5, and March 13. The immersion will take place in Washington, D.C., during the 2027 USC spring break, March 14-19.
What does the D.C. immersion entail?
The syllabus is still being finalized, but is likely to include activities such as:
- Special guest lectures
- Private site visits to Washington, D.C., landmarks
- Office visits to military, veterans, and social work agencies and organizations
- Q&A with members of the U.S. Congress
- Meetings with representatives from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
Students must be onsite and available to participate in all scheduled program activities, beginning with a 6pm kickoff meeting on March 14 and ending with a closing meeting to 5pm on March 19. Most program activities will be scheduled between the hours of 8am-5pm, but a few days will include evening events.
How do I get to Washington, D.C.?
Students are responsible for booking and paying for your own round-trip travel to Washington, D.C., and lodging while on site. Scholarships will be available for eligible students.
Please book all travel to arrive in time for a 6pm kickoff meeting on March 14, 2027, and remain through the March 19 closing meeting, which will end at 5pm. Depending on your airport, we recommend scheduling departing flights no earlier than about 7pm on March 19.
More Information
Contact Professor Carl Castro directly with your name, USC ID number, current program, and year/class by November 1, 2026.