University of Kentucky®
Doctorate Degree (DSW) in
Social Work
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PROGRAM DETAILS
FORMAT
TOTAL CREDITS 42
CREDENTIALS DSW Degree
COST PER CREDIT
$753.00
- UK Online
- All Programs
- Doctorate Degrees
- Social Work (DSW)
About this Program
The Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) prepares social work practitioners to advance their career and emerge as leaders in the field. This online program provides the experiences and foundation needed to work with specialized populations and navigate the realities of contemporary social work practice.
Our online program offers 100% asynchronous learning to allow maximum flexibility in your schedule.
The DSW creates more economic opportunities for social workers as it typically increases earnings by more than $20,000 (National Association of Social Workers, 2019) and increases job readiness for advanced practice positions.
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Designed For
This program is appropriate for experienced social workers and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) seeking to advance their knowledge in social policy, research methodologies, and specialized clinical practice. It is also suitable for individuals interested in pursuing academic careers, conducting research, or influencing social welfare policies at the macro level.
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What You’ll Learn
The DSW will provide an educational foundation to prepare practitioners who seek social work positions that require an advanced practice doctorate. Social workers with DSW degrees are often leaders in the profession in areas of practice, policy, and scholarship and are well-qualified to serve in higher-level administrative positions. Many also assume academic positions and make substantive contributions to the knowledge base of the profession.
Our DSW program utilizes an innovative Core Plus model that offers students a flexible, affordable, and efficient way to earn their degree. Courses are taught online through asynchronous models with the exception of residency week during the summer which is taught synchronously. Rez Week does provide an asynchronous option. The Core Plus approach offers flexibility, allowing learners to progress through the program at their own pace, while the cohort model and residency week foster support via concentrated time with classmates and faculty.
Beyond the core curriculum, students will select one of four concentrations:
- Administrative Leadership
- Clinical Social Work
- Military Behavioral Health
- Social Work Education
Course Examples
- SW 852 Intro to Doctoral Studies
- SW 855 Supervision, Ethics & Professional Practice
- SW 856 The Science of Social Work
- SW 859 Statistics for Social Workers
- SW 853 Contemporary Social Work Concepts
- SW 860 Program Evaluation Methods
- SW 864 Advanced Policy for Social Work Practice
- SW 865 Foundational Theory
- SW 893 Justice Informed Social Work Practice
- SW 892 Colloquium I
- Concentration Course 1, 2 & 3
- SW 894 Colloquium II
How to Apply
Admissions Criteria
- Applicants should hold a Master of Social Work degree, or equivalent, from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) with a minimum cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 (above a 3.5 is preferred).
- Students should have sufficient information technology skills to be successful in an online doctoral program.
- A minimum of two years post-MSW experience is required at the time of application.
Application Requirements
- Unofficial transcripts from masters degree-granting institution
- Employment history (resume or vita)
- Contact information for two references who will be sent a request for recommendation at the time of application. Please exclude personal, pastoral and relative references. If you have graduated within the past 5 years, you must provide at least one academic reference.
- Personal Statement - (no more than 5 pages, double-spaced, 12-point font) Your personal statement serves as a writing sample and should demonstrate critical thinking, graduate level writing, and be formatted in APA style (7th edition), including a title page and reference section (not included in the 5-page limit). All prompts listed in the three paragraphs below are to be addressed in your statement.
- Why are you interested in pursuing a DSW at this stage in your career? Two pieces to address are: how your practice experience informs the concentration area you are interested in (i.e., administration and leadership, clinical social work, military behavioral health, or social work education) and what impact do you expect a DSW education to have on your career?
- Contemporary social work calls for practice informed research and research informed practice. Identify a social work practice domain of your interest and practice that has been overlooked or lacks adequate research and attention in academia. How does the contemporary literature influence your understanding of your identified issue and how does it impact your identified population? Articulate how you might tackle this concern.
- Your discussion should demonstrate critical thinking about social work practice, application of current literature, a basic understanding of the practice problem or challenge identified and reflect an interest in improving practice.
Program Contact
Deadlines
Summer 2025
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Attending classes online has given me the opportunity to managed my non-profit organization while balancing the duties of being a mom. Although I am online I have been able to build a supportive community with other students within my program.
La'Shardae ScottWhy UK Online
Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success.
No test scores required.
Pay the same online tuition rate, no matter where you live.
Degrees are conferred by the University of Kentucky, an accredited university.
Access supporting services and success coaches to help you succeed.
Ready to Take Your Next Step?
Our team is here to help you with the next stage of your journey. Reach out to us today!
Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure
Where you live matters when completing distance education activities. If you will live outside of Kentucky while completing your program, please check the Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure page to confirm that the program can be offered in your state or country, and if relevant, that it meets professional licensure requirements in your state. Please note: Admission and enrollment in a fully-online program can NOT lead to the issuance of a J-1 or F-1 student visa.
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