USC Law and Social Work Schools Partner to Provide an Educational Opportunity for Students to Focus on Social Justice Advocacy

Dedicated to empowering communities through law and practice, the USC Gould School of Law and the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work are launching two joint graduate certificates in fall 2022 focused on the intersection of law and social work.

The Law, Social Justice and Diversity certificate, offered in person at USC’s University Park Campus location in Los Angeles, is designed for those who seek to learn more about law and social justice. This certificate explores the legal framework and regulations around social work and social justice in the United States.

The Social Work Administration certificate, offered as an online-only program, provides a working understanding of the laws and regulations that impact social work. This certificate is geared toward leadership-minded professionals in social work and social service agencies.

“The interdisciplinary certificates across social work and law will add to students’ existing skills to increase their community impact and help shape social policy,” says Samuel Mistrano, JD, associate teaching professor at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work and faculty lead for both graduate certificate programs with USC Gould. “Students will understand how to drive positive change and address societal inequities using practical applications of their academic lessons.”

Students in these specialized programs will gain fundamental knowledge of core concepts, essential laws, and emerging issues that shape current policy and professional practice.

“The law has a tremendous impact on social work and social justice,” says Deborah Call, associate dean and chief programs officer for the USC Gould School of Law. “Understanding the legal policies will help strengthen professionals’ advocacy for the individuals they serve.”

The on-campus Law, Social Justice and Diversity certificate may be earned as a standalone certificate in as few as three semesters or concurrently with an On-Campus Master of Studies in Law (MSL) degree at USC Gould or with the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work.

The online Social Work Administration certificate may also be earned as a standalone certificate in as few as three semesters or concurrently with the Online MSL degree or Online Master of Laws (LLM) degree programs at USC Gould, or with the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work.

Students in both certificate programs will benefit from dedicated academic advising, professional development and career services support, and networking opportunities available from the University of Southern California.