Prospective Student FAQs

What is practicum education?
Practicum education allows MSW students to apply and integrate the knowledge, theories, and concepts of social work practice in real-world settings. Under the guidance of practicum instructors, students engage in structured and intentional learning opportunities aligned with the 2022 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS). Practicum agencies offer "in vivo" experiences, providing students with the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge, social work skills, critical thinking, ethics, values and professional behavior in direct practice settings.

To graduate, all MSW students must complete four sequential Applied Learning in Practicum Education courses: SOWK 591, 593, 691, and 693. A minimum of 1,200 practicum hours is required to earn the MSW degree, with at least 1,100 hours completed at an approved agency through the formal placement process and 100 hours earned through classroom learning as part of the Applied Learning in Practicum Education courses.

First-Year Generalist Practicum (SOWK 591 and 593):

Students must complete a minimum of 450 practicum hours over two semesters, typically requiring 16 hours per week. Hours earned in the generalist practicum do not apply toward the advanced second-year internship.

Second-Year Specialized Practicum (SOWK 691 and 693):

Students must complete a minimum of 650 practicum hours over two semesters, generally requiring 24 hours per week at the assigned practicum site (excluding university holidays). All 650 hours must be completed by the end of the SOWK 693 semester.

For students pursuing the Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPSC), a minimum of 600 practicum hours must be completed at a California PPSC-approved school-based placement.

Practicum education is a vital component of the MSW program, ensuring that students are prepared to integrate academic knowledge with practical skills in professional social work environments.

Can I get credit for my previous experience?
Practicum placements are specifically designed and organized internship opportunities designed to help you develop the nine competencies established by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Therefore, we are unable to offer credit for previous experience.

How does the practicum placement internship work?
Campus-based students typically complete their first and second-year practicum placements at different agencies. However, students may request to remain at the same agency for both years with appropriate pre-approvals. In contrast, Virtual Academic Center (VAC) students are assigned a single community-based placement to complete a minimum of 890 practicum hours over three semesters. Initial internship placements are assigned to campus-based students through SOWK 591 and to VAC students through SOWK 593.

During the second year, campus-based students participating in the Advanced Integrative Social Work (ISW) curriculum may engage in a matching process. This involves interviewing with agencies of interest selected from a list of approved placement sites. Students are responsible for coordinating their interviews, providing post-interview feedback, and adhering to submission deadlines as directed by their practicum faculty.

Once a placement is confirmed, it is the responsibility of all students to promptly contact their assigned practicum instructor or agency coordinator. This ensures timely completion of any agency-specific Human Resources requirements or orientations before the internship begins. Delays caused by a student’s failure to initiate contact or complete onboarding requirements are not the responsibility of the school.

This structured placement process ensures that both campus-based and VAC students are supported in securing meaningful practicum experiences aligned with their academic and professional goals.

Are you paid for practicum internship?
Most of our practicum placement agencies do not provide a stipend or salary for students. While some agencies offer stipends based on language ability or other special circumstances, a stipend is never guaranteed. Visit our paying for graduate school section of the website for all opportunities offered by our school.  

Can I do my practicum internship at my place of employment?
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) establishes minimum standards for practicum placements at a student’s place of employment (POE) to ensure a meaningful and appropriate learning experience. USC Social Work has specific protocols, procedures and standards for POE internships, which are detailed in the place of employment application.

Students interested in pursuing a practicum placement at their current place of employment must notify the appropriate practicum faculty at the beginning of the placement process to request the application. Approval from practicum faculty is required before a student can use their place of employment as their internship site. 

Applications can be requested by emailing sswpracticum@usc.edu and must be completed and approved prior to finalizing the internship.

What is the difference between the advanced standing and the traditional MSW programs?
Students who hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) may be eligible to complete their Master of Social Work (MSW) in just 12 months through the advanced standing program.

What is the difference between the types of programs?
All students will apply through the same online application.

How do I apply for a dual degree program?
Students interested in dual degree programs should apply to each program separately. Each program has different requirements. If admitted, the student will complete the special dual degree curriculum.

Can I work while I’m in the program? What is the time commitment for the program?
The majority of students do not work while they’re in the advanced standing or traditional MSW program due to the field internship requirement (16-20 hours per week during weekday business hours), the rigor of the program, and the necessity for self-care. Those who need to balance a full-time job and going back to school are advised to consider our Part Time program, but take note that in the second year of this program, students are required to participate in a field internship during working hours. If you have questions about which program is right for you, please contact our admissions team.

What makes the USC program different from other schools?
Faculty/research impact, Trojan Network, relationship with field agencies (Clinical experience/focus), 2 evidence-based practice trainings, opportunities to work in diverse Los Angeles communities

Does USC offer an evening/part-time program?
Yes, please see the Part Time program.

What is the difference between MSW and MFT?
The NASW defines social work as "The professional activity of helping individuals, families, groups or communities enhance or restore their capacity for social functioning or creating societal conditions favorable to that goal. A Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) is trained to work with families and individuals experiencing distress and are in need of counseling.

I applied to the MSW program. Can you send me a copy of my materials (Such as transcripts, resume, recommendation letters, etc.)? 

Transcripts and all other materials submitted for admissions consideration become the property of USC. The university does not return or duplicate materials for any reason whatsoever. The information and materials in your submitted application are made available only to the central Office of Admission and the admission committee of your academic department or professional school.

What is the application deadline?
Our current application deadlines are published on our website. 

Can I get a refund for the application fee?
Once you submit your applications we are unable to refund application fees. If you qualify for a fee waiver, you must apply for the fee waiver and the waiver must be applied to your application before submitting it.

How do I request letters of recommendation?
You can find instructions for submitting a letter of recommendation on the application support portal. 

How do I send my official transcripts to USC?
The Office of Graduate Admissions publishes instructions on how to send transcripts to USC.

What does USC look for in an applicant?
You can find application requirements on our website. 

Can I transfer graduate credits from another university?
Transfer applicants are considered for fall enrollment only. The maximum amount of transferable credits is 15 semester units. There is no petition process for denied transfer credits. More info about Transfer Applicants.

What should my resume look like?
Learn more: Application Instructions - Step #2

What are the instructions for the Statement of Purpose?
Learn more: Application Instructions - Step #3

Who should I have write my letters of recommendation?
Learn more: Application Instructions - Step #4

Can I apply to both the on-campus and online program?
No, applicants may only have one application.

I applied to the online program by accident but I’m actually interested in the on-campus program. Can I switch my application?
Yes, please contact the Office of Admissions.

Do I need to submit transcripts from college classes taken in high school?
Transcripts from high school are not required.

How do I apply for scholarships?
Prospective students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships. Students will receive an email with a link to apply for the Endowed and Philanthropic Scholarships. 

Can I apply for Federal Work Study?
To be considered for Federal Work Study (FWS) you will have to check off that you are interested in participating in FWS when applying for financial aid (FAFSA). If you are selected as a FWS recipient you will be notified via email. Please note that students will not receive denials and will only be notified if they receive an award. Historically students are notified in late August.

Can I get paid at my internship?
Most field placements are unpaid. 

Am I eligible for state/federal grants?
Unfortunately there are no grants available for graduate school.

Am I eligible for stipends?
Learn more about Stipends.

Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
Students can complete the single Endowed and Philanthropic (E&P) application to apply for multiple scholarships at once and may apply for as many awards within the application as they feel they qualify for. You can receive both merit award and E&P award, as well as outside award.

What can I use my scholarship towards?
Scholarships can be applied only to tuition and fees.

When will my scholarship be disbursed?
The specific terms of your scholarship are described in the award letter email.

My scholarship award letter says that my award will be distributed evenly over the semesters of the program. Can I get my award in one lump sum or all in one semester?
No, the scholarship will be disbursed as outlined in the award letter.