Social Work Doctorate
Doctor of Social Work (DSW)
The Doctor of Social Work (DSW) is a professional doctorate that prepares master’s-level social workers for leadership in organization or academic settings. It is offered in a three-year, part-time format, which allows students to maintain their employment while studying.
The program prepares them to practice ethically, translate research into policy, and assume leadership in the implementation of advanced social work practice. The self-designed externship (240 hours) and capstone project allow students to enhance their expertise in one of the following areas of focus:
- Advanced clinical practice
- University teaching
- Leadership and management
Graduates of the DSW program are, therefore, competent and compassionate agents of change.
Plan of Study (48 credits)
The DSW program is offered in a three-year, part-time format that allows students to pursue a doctorate while maintaining their employment. The plan of study consists of two courses per semester (summer, fall, and spring) over three calendar years. Summer courses are hybrid courses; each course meets on ground during a five-day residency, and the remaining coursework occurs online.
Residency Dates
June 24-28, 2024
For specific DSW degree requirements and course descriptions, please see the Graduate Catalog.
Semester and Year | Course Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Summer (Year 1) | SWK 803 - Historical and Contemporary Analysis of Social Policy SWK 831 – Leadership and Management in Social Work |
3 3 |
Fall (Year 1) | SWK 805 – Paradigms, Epistemology, and Heuristics in Social Work SWK 820 – Emergent Models and Critical Issues in Clinical Social Work Practice |
3 3 |
Spring (Year 1) | SWK 823 – Neuroscience and its Application for Social Work Practice with Couples and Families SWK 821 – Therapeutic Relationships: Advanced Clinical Practice |
3 3 |
Summer (Year 2) | SWK 800 - Evidence Informed Practice SWK 822 – Mental Health and Substance Abuse: Advanced Clinical Practice |
3 3 |
Fall (Year 2) | SWK 806 – Education for Social Work SWK 804 – Clinical Social Work Supervision |
3 3 |
Spring (Year 2) | SWK 802 – Program Evaluation SWK 809 – Capstone I: Capstone Proposal - Translational Project or Peer-Reviewed Manuscript |
3 1.5 |
Summer (Year 3) | SWK 833 – Technical Skills in Social Work Administration SWK 809 – Capstone I: Capstone Proposal - Translational Project or Peer-Reviewed Manuscript |
3 1.5 |
Fall (Year 3) | SWK 807 – Externship I SWK 810 – Capstone II: Capstone Final Project - Translational Research Project or Peer Reviewed Manuscript |
2 2.5 |
Spring (Year 3) | SWK 808 – Externship II SWK 810 – Capstone II: Capstone Final Project - Translational Research Project or Peer Reviewed Manuscript |
2 2.5 |
Total | 48 |