University of Southern California

Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Ending Homelessness at the University of Southern California provides you with practical, evidence-based knowledge essential for preventing homelessness and enhancing the lives of individuals facing housing instability. This program focuses on policy development, service delivery, and intervention strategies, equipping you with skills applicable in various community and social service environments.

What you'll study

Core learning areas typically include:

• Human Behavior and the Social Environment: Foundations for understanding needs and risk factors.
• Policy and Practice in Social Service Organizations: Insights into how organizations deliver services and implement policies.
• Social Policy: Examination of the systems-level drivers of homelessness and access to housing.
• Social Work Practice with Individuals: Techniques for assessment, engagement, and intervention in complex cases.
• Social Work Practice with Families, Groups, and Complex Cases: Focus on family systems, group dynamics, and coordinated responses.
• Social Work Research: Emphasis on evidence, evaluation, and utilizing data to enhance outcomes.
• Integrative Learning for Social Work Practice: A synthesis of theoretical knowledge and applied practice.

Fieldwork/practice component: Some offerings may include supervised practice hours in a social service setting, which are often scheduled part-time during the term. Requirements can vary by cohort and availability, so it is advisable to confirm the specific fieldwork expectations for your intake.

Diversity, ethics, and economic justice: These themes are woven throughout the curriculum, fostering culturally responsive practices and ethical decision-making.

Entry requirements

The USC School of Social Work requires applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Additionally, a minimum of 18 units of liberal arts coursework is required.

Career prospects