Doctorate of Social Work

Advance your knowledge and skills in clinical practice, leadership, and higher education. 

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:

• University teaching
• Leadership and management

Graduates of the DSW program are, therefore, competent and compassionate agents of change.

Program Highlights

• Southern’s DSW program is the first in New England.
• All DSW courses are delivered online in a cohort model.
• A five-day, in-person residency begins each summer term. The residency week is always the last full week of June.
• Full-time faculty advise a four-semester capstone project.
• Mentors for students’ self-designed externships (240 hours) are leaders in their respective fields.

Program Requirements

Visit the graduate catalog for application deadlines and program requirements.

Request Information Apply Now

See information on all of the department’s programs.