The Doctor of Social Work (DSW) is a professional doctorate that prepares social workers for leadership in agency or academic settings. Employed social workers earn their DSW in three years of part-time, online study, 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 Features
The first of its kind in New England, the Doctor of Social Work (DSW) is offered in a three-year, part-time, online format that includes:
- 48 credits over three calendar years
- All courses online
- Two courses per semester (summer, fall, and spring)
- Summer residency (five days, in-person) begins each summer term
- Self-designed externship (240 hours) with a mentor who is a leader in the field
Areas of Focus
- University Teaching
- Leadership & Management
Learning Outcomes
- Administer effective practice services for diverse, underserved, and vulnerable populations;
- Interpret and apply research to engage in evidenced informed best practices;
- Design effective programs which positively impact individuals and/or communities;
- Provide leadership and management capacity which will result in superior supervision, administration and innovative strategies to respond to new and unfolding problems;
- Effectively communicate knowledge, ideas, and concepts in a wide variety of venues and constituencies within and outside of one’s organization;
- Deliver best practices in education, training, and staff development; and
- Apply evidence-based best practices to enhance interventions.
Careers
Experienced social workers enter the Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program to enhance their effectiveness, enrich their knowledge and skills, and advance their careers. Doctor of Social Work (DSW) graduates assume leadership in agencies, communities, and the profession and enter university teaching.
Typical Job Titles
- Social Work Professor
- Social Work Researcher
- Clinical Social Work Director
- Social Work Consultant
- Nonprofit Program Manager
- Social Work Policy Analyst
School / College
College of Health and Human Services
Department
Social Work