Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) Degree Programs Online
While some entry-level positions may only require a bachelor’s degree in social work, other roles in the field, such as licensed positions and teaching careers, require a master’s or postgraduate degree, such as a Doctor of Social Work (DSW). If you’re interested in earning a DSW but find it challenging to fit on-campus classes into your daily schedule, consider schools with online degree programs. Learn about some options in the next few paragraphs, as well as the career choices that come with this degree.
What Is a DSW Degree?
A DSW degree is a doctoral-level program that enables social workers to gain advanced understanding in areas such as research, supervision and policy analysis. Not to be confused with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Work, which equips students for careers in research, training and policy development, the DSW degree is designed to prepare students to work as administrators, trainers and evaluators and to assume other leadership roles. Some common workplaces include social work agencies and healthcare offices/organizations.
Online doctorate in social work programs are generally designed to teach students how to conduct research and provide a deep understanding of the clinical social work field. If you’re more interested in research than working in a clinical environment, there are DSW programs that provide the foundational knowledge for a future in research.
The program cards and tables featured on this page were last updated in September 2021. For the most current program information, please refer to the official website of the respective school.
Simmons University
Simmons School of Social Work (SSW)
Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
Simmons University offers an online Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) — MSW required; no GRE required. The program prepares you to become a well-rounded scholar-practitioner through a curriculum focused on three key areas: inclusive leadership, advanced clinical practice, and teaching and education.
- Complete in less than two years full time or less than three years part time
- MSW required; three years post-MSW work experience required
- No GRE scores required
SPONSORED
Online DSW Degree Programs
Online DSW degrees may allow students to access a wide range of reputable higher education institutions. An online DSW degree typically takes about three years to complete and may require a Master of Social Work (MSW) for admission to the program.
Here is a list of all online Doctorate of Social Work programs:
| University | Location | Study Length | Test Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barry University | Miami Shores, Florida | 3 years | No GRE Required |
| Capella University | Minneapolis, Minnesota | 4+ years | No GRE Required |
| Kutztown University | Kutztown, Pennsylvania | 3 years | No GRE Required |
| Simmons University SPONSORED | Boston, Massachusetts | Less than two years | No GRE Required |
| Southern Connecticut State University | New Haven, Connecticut | 3 years | N/A |
| St. Thomas University | St. Paul, Minnesota | 3 years | No GRE Required |
| The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, Alabama | 3 years | No GRE Required |
| Tulane University | New Orleans, Louisiana | 3 years | No GRE Required |
| University at Buffalo | Buffalo, New York | 3 years | GRE Required |
| University of Kentucky | Lexington, Kentucky | 2.5+ years | No GRE Required |
| University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | 2.5+ years | No GRE Required |
| University of Tennessee at Knoxville | Knoxville, Tennessee | 3 years | No GRE Required |
| Walden University | Minneapolis, Minnesota | 2.5 years | No GRE Required |
SPONSORED
Barry University
School of Social Work
Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
Miami Shores, Florida
Name of Degree: Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Length of Program: 3 years
Credits: 48
Concentrations:Trauma Informed Practice
Capella University
School of Social Work
Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Name of Degree: Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 4+ years
Credits: 62
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- MSW from a CSWE-accredited program
- Three years of post-master’s experience
- Minimum GPA of 3.5
- Academic transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- Three letters of reference
- Personal narrative
- Resume
Kutztown University
Department of Social Work
Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
Kutztown, Pennsylvania
Name of Degree: Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Length of Program: 3 years
Credits: 48
Concentrations:Leadership and Management
Admission Requirements:
- MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program
- Transcripts from all previously attended universities or college
- Two years of post-MSW experience
- Resume
- Three letters of recommendation
- Five-page statement addressing current knowledge of social work
- Three-page personal statement
Simmons University
Simmons School of Social Work (SSW)
Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
Boston, Massachusetts
Earn your DSW online — an MSW is required to apply; GRE scores are not required. Simmons School of Social Work is the oldest school of clinical social work in the nation and has offered online graduate social work education since 2014. As a student, prepare to become a visionary leader, practice with evidence-informed and inclusive models, and teach the next generation of social workers.
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: Less than two years
Credits: 48
Leadership, Advanced Clinical Practice, Teaching and Education
Southern Connecticut State University
School of Social Work
Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
New Haven, Connecticut
Name of Degree: Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Length of Program: 3 years
Credits: 48
Concentrations:Advanced Clinical Practice, Leadership and Management
Admission Requirements:
- MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate and graduate GPA
- Three years of post-MSW social work practice experience
- 4–5 page essay
- Transcripts from all previously attended universities
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
St. Thomas University
St. Thomas School of Social Work
Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
St. Paul, Minnesota
Name of Degree: Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Length of Program: 3 years
Credits: 45
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- MSW from an accredited program
- Three years post-MSW practice experience
- Three letters of reference
- Sample of written work
- Application essay
The University of Alabama
School of Social Work
Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Name of Degree: Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Length of Program: 3 years
Credits: 45
Concentrations:Leadership and Management
Admission Requirements:
- MSW from a CSWE-accredited program
- Prefered 3.0 GPA from undergraduate and graduate programs
- Three years of post-MSW experience
- Valid and active social work license, certification or registration
- Three recommendations
- Transcripts
- Resume
- Personal statement
- Academic writing sample
Tulane University
School of Social Work
Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
New Orleans, Louisiana
Name of Degree: Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 3 years
Credits: 54
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate and graduate GPA
- Three years of post-MSW social work practice experience
- 4–5 page essay
- Transcripts from all previously attended universities
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
University at Buffalo
School of Social Work
Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
Buffalo, New York
Name of Degree: Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Length of Program: 3 years
Credits: 39
Concentrations:Evidence-Based Practice with a Trauma-Informed and Human Rights Perspective
Admission Requirements:
- MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program
- Minimum 3.3 undergraduate and graduate GPA
- Three or more years of experience at a social service agency or equivalent post-master’s experience
- Personal statement
- Resume
- Transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Optional copies of research or publications
- Optional professional or academic writing sample
University of Kentucky
School of Social Work
Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
Lexington, Kentucky
Name of Degree: Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program: 2.5+ years
Credits: 42
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- MSW from an accredited program
- Employment History
- Three years post-MSW practice experience
- Three letters of reference
- Sample of written work
- Application essay
University of Pennsylvania
College of Social Work
Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Name of Degree: Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2.5+ years
Credits: N/A
Concentrations:Clinical Social Work
Admission Requirements:
- MSW from an accredited program
- Three years post-MSW practice experience
- Three letters of reference
- Sample of written work
- Application essay
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
School of Social Work
Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
Knoxville, Tennessee
Name of Degree: Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
Enrollment Type: Part-Time
Length of Program: 3 years
Credits: 45
Concentrations:Clinical Practice, Leadership and Management
Admission Requirements:
- MSW from a CSWE-accredited program
- Three years post-MSSW/MSW clinical practice experience
- Minimum 3.0 GPA for previous graduate work
- GRE scores
- Transcripts
- Three references
Walden University
School of Social Work
Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Name of Degree: Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
Enrollment Type: N/A
Length of Program: 2.5 years
Credits: 78 quarter credits
Concentrations:Advanced Clinical Practice, Social Work Education, Impact Leadership in Social Work Administration
Admission Requirements:
- Master of Social Work (MSW degree)
- Two years of post-MSW practice experience within the last five years
- Resume
- Transcripts
What To Expect From a DSW Program?
Online Doctor of Social Work (DSW) programs can differ between schools, but they often have common admission requirements and curriculum topics. Learn more about education requirements and curriculum below.
Education Requirements
When applying to a DSW program, it is generally expected that applicants have prior knowledge or experience in the field of social work. This is often achieved through graduate-level training, making a master’s in social work a common prerequisite. However, some universities accept students with a master’s degree in a closely related field like counseling or psychology.
Some programs require a specific GPA while others do not list those requirements. Some require applicants to have successfully completed the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Tests within the five years preceding their application. Letters of recommendation and personal statements are typically requested to demonstrate your capacity for producing high-quality work and your dedication to social work practice.
For more information about DSW degree requirements, be sure to check the admission criteria of the school you hope to attend.
Curriculum
Like education requirements, the DSW degree curriculum varies between programs. DSW curricula cover a wide range of topics. Students delve into the coursework with a focus on management and leadership. This allows them to cultivate skills relevant to various careers in the field. Courses may cover the following topics:
- Data-driven decision-making: Mastering development, implementation and management of change through data collection and analysis.
- Organizational leadership: Understanding how organizations work and how organizational change is facilitated.
- Innovation and change: Studying cutting-edge transformative thinking and change-management research to predict community needs.
- Leading public discourse: Exploring the development of new perspectives in the public realm to better benefit communities.
If you’re pursuing a DSW, then it’s likely that you’ve identified an area of social work that interests or drives you. Some DSW programs offer concentrations like social welfare, clinical practice leadership, criminal justice and medical social work.
Organizations
As a social work student, you may be familiar with professional organizations such as the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Discover additional organizations:
What Can You Do With a Doctorate of Social Work?
Social work has a wide variety of careers and salary ranges. Make sure that you meet the minimum educational requirements and obtain the correct license to be considered for your desired position, whether that is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), licensed master social worker (LMSW) or other role. Certain social work positions require an LCSW or LMSW license, whereas others, like post-secondary teaching, may require a DSW. Upon graduating with a DSW, you may pursue a number of careers, including:
- Advanced Practice Social Worker: This professional often specializes in specific practice areas and may consult or supervise other social work professionals. They may work to set policies at local or national levels, or they might work in education. They are qualified to practice independently and make referrals to other specialists.
- Child Welfare Permanency Worker: This professional is also known as an adoption worker. Their role involves assessing prospective homes for children in foster care or under state supervision. They also assist with the child’s transition into the home and referrals for post-adoptive care.
- Nonprofit Director: This professional oversees the direction of a social service nonprofit. This includes legal, financial, program and management oversight. The nonprofit director often reports to a board of directors.
- Professor of Social Work: This professional teaches courses and performs research in social work at a college or university. A social work professor may begin their career as an assistant professor and later be eligible for a tenure-track position.
- School Social Worker: This professional works collaboratively with teachers and staff at elementary, middle or high schools to eliminate barriers to education and address issues that could impact students’ well-being both in and outside the school environment. Learn more about how to become a school social worker.
- Social and Community Service Manager: This professional plans, directs or coordinates the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. They are also responsible for managing the program or organization’s budget and setting policies related to participant involvement, program requirements and benefits.
- Social Work Administrator: This professional directs a social service agency or health agency at the local, state or national level. They establish the agency’s budget, draft program development policies and oversee management. Learn more about how to become a social work administrator.
DSW Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual pay for social workers in 2022 was $55,350, with the highest 10% of workers earning more than $87,300. The median annual salary for postsecondary social work teachers in 2022 was $80,840, according to the BLS.
Earning potential will vary since social work salaries usually depend on employer, location, job title, years of experience, education level and other factors.
Benefits of a DSW Degree
While a DSW is not required practice in the field, it is commonly regarded as a symbol of advanced education surpassing the standard level attained by most social workers, which is the master’s degree or MSW. For those interested in leadership roles, the DSW may set you apart with additional knowledge and skills.
Some unique advantages of online DSW programs include:
Flexibility: Unlike brick-and-mortar universities, which have set class times, online DSW programs rarely do. Although students adhere to a schedule for exams and assignments, they typically enjoy the flexibility of working at their own pace from any location with internet access.
Self-Directed: Sometimes, in a traditional setting, students might feel overwhelmed trying to keep up with a fast-paced lesson. In an online DSW program, the student can take their time on more difficult topics or skip ahead when they’re ready.
Paying for an Online Doctorate in Social Work Program
While a bachelor’s degree in social work is the minimum requirement for certain jobs in the field, some positions require more advanced training at the graduate level or beyond. With graduate and postgraduate classes ranging up to thousands of dollars per credit, financing a social work degree may be a challenge for many prospective students.
Aside from traditional bank and federal student loans, many students turn to social work scholarships to help offset their tuition and other related costs. In addition to reducing the financial burden of higher education, scholarships typically don’t require repayment. Scholarship eligibility varies and may entail specific criteria for students to meet, including a minimum GPA or career-specific requirements.
FAQ
A Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) program offers advanced coursework in research, supervision and policy analysis. DSW programs are designed to help social workers develop the skills and knowledge needed to take on leadership and administrative roles in various social work subfields.
As opposed to an MSW degree, a DSW degree may provide additional knowledge for those looking to advance their careers as social work leaders, researchers or administrators. Whether or not a DSW degree is worth it depends on your career goals and passions. The amount of time you can commit to the educational journey and earning potential may also impact your decision to enroll.
Not necessarily. While some programs require that you have a master’s in social work, other programs accept related degrees, such as a master’s in psychology or counseling. However, if you do have an MSW, it should be from a CSWE-accredited program.
With a DSW and some experience, you may pursue a career as a post-secondary instructor. However, DSW holders typically seek to advance in the workforce, taking on leadership roles that require them to manage social workers, create policies and get involved in legal services. Individuals with a PhD in social work more often pursue careers in teaching and research.
The DSW and Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work differ in terms of their areas of focus. The DSW focuses on the practice of social work. A PhD in social work is based on research and theory to help improve the overall quality of life for families, individuals and communities.
For leaders looking to solve problems that impact large populations and address social work issues on a large scale, a Doctorate of Social Work is a step beyond the PhD. The curriculum for a DSW may include courses like leadership and management in complex social systems and advanced social work policy and practice. Since a PhD in social work prepares students to become educators, researchers or scholars, the program may include courses such as social justice, contemporary social problems and values and the social work profession.
Most DSW programs may take around three years to complete as a full-time student. A part-time DSW program, on the other hand, will likely take longer. Part-time programs are designed to accommodate students who work full time or have other obligations.
Last updated October 2023.