New Student Checklist - Traditional MSW Program (full time)
Prepare for Graduate School Success
We have created this detailed checklist to help you prepare for your first semester at USC. Questions? Contact the Office of Admissions at applymsw@usc.edu.
Confirm Your Enrollment
Step | Details | Due Date |
---|---|---|
Sign the Intent to Enroll Form (DocuSign) and Pay the $280 Commitment Deposit |
The Office of Admissions emailed you a DocuSign packet. Sign and initial each section, then pay the non-refundable $280 commitment deposit using a credit or debit card. This payment secures your place in the program and provides the required malpractice insurance coverage for field placement. $200 of this deposit will be applied towards your tuition after the add/drop deadline. Questions? Contact the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work Office of Admissions at applymsw@usc.edu. |
Your payment deadline is listed in your DocuSign packet. |
Complete your Statement of Intent through YouSC |
Register for a YouSC account using the email address you used on your application. Log in, then click Decision Status, then click Complete your Statement of Intent Here. Questions? Contact the USC Office of Graduate Admissions at 213-740-1111 or http://ask.usc.edu/app/ask/. |
Due the same day as your commitment deposit. |
Activate your USC Email Account |
Wait 48 hours after completing the Statement of Intent through YouSC, then activate your USC edmail account. Regularly check your USC email account for updates about scholarships, field placement, registration, and new student programs. Accessing your USC Email on a Mobile Device Questions? Contact USC Information Technology Services at 213-740-5555 or consult@usc.edu. |
Video Tutorial: YouSC Portal
Step-by-step instructions for how to submit your Statement of Intent through the YouSC Portal.
Submit Practicum Placement Form
Apply for Financial Aid, Stipends, and Scholarships
Step | Details | Due Date |
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Complete the Financial Aid Supplement | The Financial Aid Supplement requires you to enter the range of academic units for which you will enroll each semester. The enrolled units you select in this form must match your actual enrolled units in order for your financial aid to be properly disbursed. Visit YouSC and click Financial Aid Summary and Tasks (FAST). Questions? Contact the USC Financial Aid Office at 213-740-4444 or http://ask.usc.edu/app/ask/. | Due May |
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) | This form must be completed in order to receive a financial aid package from USC. Questions? Visit the FAFSA help website. | Due May |
Apply for Endowed and Philanthropic Scholarships | Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are able to offer several scholarships based on scholastic achievement, leadership qualities, and financial need. These scholarships are awarded to students who meet the specific criteria of each donor fund. You can apply for over 20 Endowed and Philanthropic Scholarships using a single application. Please note: Endowed and Philanthropic Scholarship Application Questions? Contact the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work Office of Admissions at applymsw@usc.edu. | Ongoing |
Apply for Stipends | The workforce development and stipend programs at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work offer MSW students the opportunity to specialize in an area of practice where there is a high need for qualified social workers. Students can apply to a stipend program(s) from an area(s) of focus based on their interests. Stipend programs differ in length, funding, requirements, and competitive application processes. Questions? Contact the stipend program administrator listed on the Stipend Programs Information website. | Each stipend has a separate application deadline published on the Stipend Programs Website. |
Apply for USC Housing (Optional)
Step | Details | Due Date |
---|---|---|
Apply for USC Housing | USC Housing has reserved a limited number of shared graduate housing accommodations for MSW students. Spaces in the program will be assigned on a first-come-first-serve basis based on the date of the housing application. There is a $55 non-refundable application fee and no obligation to enter a housing contract if offered housing. Social Work Housing Program Brochure Questions? Contact USC Housing at housing@usc.edu or (800) 872-4632 and mention the “Social Work Student Housing Program”. | Priority will be given to Social Work Graduate applicants who apply by May |
Attend Admitted Student Events
Step | Details | Due Date |
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Attend an upcoming event | The Office of Admissions regularly hosts events for admitted students to connect with classmates, meet representatives from different university departments, and learn about the three departments of study. Check your USC email account for invitations to events.
| Ongoing
|
Register for Classes
Step | Details | Due Date |
---|---|---|
Register for classes | To be eligible for registration, you must complete these three items:
You will receive specific registration information and instructions from the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work through email. Register on your day and time to get the best selection of courses. Questions? Contact the Social Work Registrar at sdp.enroll@usc.edu. | Mid-July |
Complete Student Health Requirements
Step | Details | Due Date |
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Learn about health insurance and waivers | All students who enroll for 6 or more units will automatically be enrolled in the USC Student Health Insurance plan. The premium will be added to your USC bill. Students already enrolled in an insurance plan that meets USC’s requirements can request a waiver after they register for courses. USC Student Health Insurance Waiver Requirements Questions? Contact the USC Student Health at 213-740-9355 or studenthealth@usc.edu. | Due September |
Submit immunization records | USC requires that all students receive two does of MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine), or show proof of measles and mumps immunity, priority to their first semester of enrollment at USC. You can submit records directly to USC Student Health using MySHR. Immunization Record Requirements Questions? Contact the USC Student Health at 213-740-9355 or studenthealth@usc.edu. | Due September |
Prepare for the First Day of Classes
Step | Details | Due Date |
---|---|---|
Obtain your USC ID card | You may request a USCard after you register for classes. Questions? Contact the USCard Services at uscard@usc.edu or 213-740-8709. | Available after you register for classes, before the first day of classes. |
Settle your tuition bill | Visit the Student Financial Services website to learn about options to settle your bill, including payment plans or online payments. Questions? Contact Student Financial Services at 213-740-7471 or cashier@usc.edu | Due the Friday before classes begin. |
Sign up for eRefund (Direct Deposit) | If you have a credit balance on your account, you may be eligible for a refund. To receive a refund, you must log in to USCe.pay and sign up for direct deposit if you have not already done so. Questions? Contact Student Financial Services at 213-740-7471 or cashier@usc.edu | |
Attend USC Orientation (optional) | Familiarize yourself with campus and learn about university-wide resources available to you as a graduate student, such as Public Safety, Libraries, and Dining. RSVP is required. Office of Orientation Programs Questions? Contact the USC Office of Orientation Programs at orient@usc.edu or 213-740-7767. | TBD |
Attend the MSW Program Orientation | The Master of Social Work program hosts a program orientation the week before classes begin. More details will be announced closer to August. | TBD |