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Doctor of Social Work (DSW) at USC

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What Should You Know About Doctor of Social Work (DSW) at USC?

Doctor of Social Work (DSW) is a practice doctorate (DSW) at USC in Los Angeles, California, offered online. It requires 42 units and takes 9 semesters (standard track). Final project: capstone project. At $2,322 per credit, estimated tuition is $97,524 before fees. CSWE status: candidacy.

Researched and edited by Taylor Rupe · Updated October 10, 2026

How Doctor of Social Work (DSW) Works

Degree: DSW
Format: Online
Credits: 42 units
Length: 9 semesters (standard track)
Final project: Capstone project
Focus areas: Social change and innovation
Start terms: Spring, Multiple start dates each year

Admission to USC's DSW

Degree you need: MSW from a CSWE-accredited institution
Practice experience: At least 3 years of post-MSW professional experience in social work, particularly in supervisory or management roles

What USC's DSW Costs

Tuition: $2,322 per unit (1-14 units)Program tuition, per credit, 2025-26. Source: dworakpeck.online.usc.edu, reviewed October 10, 2026.
Estimated tuition: $97,524$2,322 per credit times 42 credits, before fees.

Add fees and federal loans to the USC DSW estimate

From dworakpeck.online.usc.edu, reviewed October 10, 2026. Check start dates, deadlines and current tuition with the school before you apply.

How Doctor of Social Work (DSW) Compares

Estimated tuition of $97,524 is the 19th lowest of 19 practice doctorates on this site with an estimate (median $45,000).
Its 42 credits compare with a median of 48 across practice doctorates that state credits.
It asks for 3 years of post-master's practice; the median among practice doctorates that state a figure is 2.
It ends in an applied capstone, as do 29 of the 38 practice doctorates on this site.

Is Doctor of Social Work (DSW) at USC CSWE-Accredited?

USC's practice doctorate is in CSWE candidacy (directory captured September 30, 2026): it is working toward accreditation and is not yet accredited.

Every CSWE-accredited and candidate DSW program

Other Social Work Doctorates at USC

Similar DSW Programs at Other Schools

Practice doctorates sharing a format with this one, closest in estimated tuition first.