Prospective Student FAQs

What is practicum education?
Practicum education is the application and integration of knowledge, theories, and concepts of social work practice. Under the supervision of practicum instructors, students engage in selected and organized opportunities guided by the 2022 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS). Practicum agencies provide "in vivo" experiences relevant to the academic content. Students apply academic knowledge, social work skills, critical thinking, professional behavior, ethics, and values learned in the classroom to direct practice work.

All MSW students must complete all four semesters of Applied Learning in Practicum Education Courses: 591, 593, 691, 693. All four courses must be completed sequentially as part of the graduation requirements. 

Students complete a minimum of 1200 practicum hours to earn their MSW degree. 

All practicum internship hours are completed at an approved agency site for a minimum of 1100 hours assigned through the formal placement process. Of the 1200 practicum hours, a minimum of 100 hours are earned by attending the classroom portion of the Applied Learning in Practicum Education courses. 

The first and second semesters of generalist first year (591 and 593) require the completion of a minimum of 450 practicum hours, typically 16 hours a week; the third and fourth semesters (691 and 693) require the completion of a minimum of 650 practicum hours. Any practicum hours earned in the generalist first-year internship do not apply to the advanced second-year internship. During 691 and 693, in general, students are required to complete a minimum of 24 hours of internship a week at the assigned practicum site (excluding university holidays). Students must complete a minimum of 650 practicum hours by the end of their 693 Semester. 

Note: Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPSC) students must complete a minimum of 600 hours at their assigned California PPSC school-based placement.

Can I get credit for my previous experience?
Practicum placements are specifically designed and organized internship opportunities designed to help you develop the 9 competencies established by the Council on Social Work Education. Therefore, we are unable to offer credit for previous experience.

How does the practicum placement internship work?
Full-time, on-campus students (OCP) are typically in different agencies for their first and second year with an option to stay in the same agency with all the appropriate pre-approvals. Virtual Academic Center (VAC) students are assigned one community-based placement to complete a minimum of 890 practicum hours for three semesters. The internship is assigned to all OCP (SOWK 591) and VAC (SOWK 593) students. 

OCP second year practicum students may participate in a matching process by interviewing with agencies of interest specific to the Advanced Integrative Social Work (ISW) curriculum. MSW students will interview with agencies chosen from a list of approved placement agency sites. Students are responsible for arranging their interviews and providing the required post-interview feedback in a timely manner to the appropriate Practicum Faculty.

For all students, once the match is made, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the practicum instructor /agency coordinator as soon as possible to complete any agency specific human resources requirements and/or agency orientation prior to the start of the internship. The school is not responsible for any delays caused by the student not making contact with, or beginning, their internship at the confirmed placement agency.  

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) sets the minimum standards for practicum placement with the student’s place of employment (POE). USC Social Work has established protocols, procedures, and standards that must be met to ensure an appropriate student learning experience in this setting. These are outlined in the Place of Employment Application. Students must indicate their intention to pursue a POE based internship at the outset of the placement process to the appropriate practicum faculty to receive an application and have the request approved. 

Students interested in pursuing an MSW internship at their current place of employment must apply and be approved by practicum faculty prior to being permitted to use their place of employment as their internship. The application is available by request via sswpracticum@usc.edu.

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.