Online Doctorate of Social Work Degree (DSW & Ph.D.)

Southern Connecticut State University's Doctor of Social Work (DSW) with a University teaching concentration delivers a pioneering online and hybrid program designed for master's-level social workers targeting academic leadership roles. Through a unique three-year, part-time format featuring a cohort model and five-day summer residency, students engage in rigorous coursework blending online learning with intensive in-person sessions. The program emphasizes ethical practice, research translation, and leadership development, incorporating a comprehensive 240-hour self-designed externship and multi-semester capstone project. Exclusively focused on preparing professionals for higher education environments, this military-friendly program distinguishes itself as the first DSW in New England.

• First DSW program in New England.
• Hybrid format: online with summer residency.
• Three-year, part-time study.
• 240-hour self-designed externship.
• Capstone project over four semesters.
• Focus on university teaching.
• Prepares for leadership in academia.
• Cohort model for online courses.
• In-person residency in June.
• Advising by full-time faculty.

Southern Connecticut State University's DSW program in University teaching offers an innovative hybrid learning experience targeting master's-level social workers aspiring to academic leadership. The three-year, part-time curriculum combines online coursework with an immersive five-day summer residency, enabling students to maintain professional commitments while advancing their educational trajectory. Centered on ethical practice and research translation, the program features a self-designed 240-hour externship and comprehensive capstone project. Designed with a cohort model and full-time faculty advisement, this military-friendly program prepares graduates to become compassionate, transformative leaders in higher education settings.

• First DSW in New England.
• Hybrid online and in-person.
• Three-year, part-time format.
• Focus on University teaching.
• 240-hour self-designed externship.
• Capstone project required.
• Cohort model online courses.
• Five-day summer residency.
• Prepares for academic leadership.
• Ethical practice emphasis.

Southern Connecticut State University's Doctor of Social Work with a Leadership and Management concentration provides a robust hybrid program for master's-level social workers seeking advanced organizational leadership skills. The three-year, part-time curriculum strategically blends online learning with an annual five-day summer residency, accommodating working professionals' schedules. Emphasizing ethical practice and research translation, the program includes a personalized 240-hour externship and tailored capstone project. Designed to cultivate compassionate change agents, this military-friendly DSW prepares students for impactful roles in academic and organizational contexts, with a strong focus on developing advanced leadership competencies.

• First DSW in New England.
• Hybrid online and in-person.
• Three-year, part-time format.
• Leadership and management focus.
• 240-hour self-designed externship.
• Capstone project enhances expertise.
• Cohort model for online courses.
• Five-day summer residency required.
• Prepares for academic or organizational leadership.
• Ethical practice and research translation focus.

Southern Connecticut State University's DSW in Leadership and Management offers a dynamic hybrid program empowering master's-level social workers to advance into strategic leadership roles. The three-year, part-time format integrates online coursework with an annual five-day summer residency, enabling professionals to pursue doctoral education without interrupting their careers. Featuring a self-designed 240-hour externship and comprehensive capstone project, the program prioritizes ethical practice and research translation into policy. With a cohort model and full-time faculty advisement, this military-friendly program prepares graduates to drive meaningful change in organizational and academic environments through advanced leadership development.

• First DSW program in New England
• Hybrid online and in-person format
• Three-year part-time schedule
• Leadership and Management concentration
• 240-hour self-designed externship
• Capstone project enhances expertise
• Cohort model for online courses
• Five-day summer residency required
• Prepares for organizational leadership
• Focus on ethical practice

California Baptist University's Doctor of Social Work (DSW) offers a transformative hybrid online program emphasizing community engagement and social innovation. Uniquely Christ-centered, the program prepares professionals for advanced leadership roles through a comprehensive curriculum integrating global perspectives. Students engage in two annual on-campus residencies, enabling dynamic learning experiences. With a flexible 48-unit structure completed in two years, the program costs $1,018 per unit, targeting working professionals seeking to drive meaningful social change. The curriculum prioritizes biblical values, advanced practice skills, and leadership development, preparing graduates for influential positions in social work, academia, and community organizations.

• Hybrid program format
• Focus on community engagement
• Christ-centered justice emphasis
• Global leadership training
• Flexible online modality
• Two on-campus residencies yearly
• 48-unit program
• 2-year completion time
• $1018 per unit cost
• Designed for working professionals

Designed for ambitious social work professionals, California Baptist University's DSW program blends online learning with strategic on-campus residencies. The program's innovative approach focuses on Christ-centered justice and global leadership, creating a unique educational experience. Students benefit from a cohort-based model that emphasizes personalized learning and advanced research methodologies. With a cost of $1,018 per unit, the program enables working professionals to develop sophisticated leadership skills while maintaining their current careers. The curriculum integrates biblical perspectives with cutting-edge social work practices, preparing graduates to transform communities through innovative, compassionate leadership.

• Hybrid online and on-campus learning.
• Focus on community engagement.
• Christ-centered justice emphasis.
• Global leadership training.
• Cohort model for engagement.
• $1018 per unit cost.
• Designed for working professionals.
• Prepares for leadership roles.
• Biblical values integrated.
• Advanced practice and research.

California Baptist University's DSW program with a Christ-centered justice concentration offers a dynamic hybrid learning environment for social work professionals. This specialized track emphasizes social innovation, community engagement, and global leadership from a biblical perspective. The 48-unit program, completed in two years at $1,018 per unit, prepares students for advanced roles in social policy advocacy, academia, and leadership. Designed for working professionals, the curriculum integrates rigorous academic training with practical skills, enabling graduates to address complex social challenges through a comprehensive, faith-informed approach to social work practice.

• Hybrid online and on-campus format.
• Christ-centered justice concentration.
• 48-unit program.
• 2 years to complete.
• $1018 per unit plus fees.
• Designed for working professionals.
• Emphasizes community engagement.
• Focus on social innovation.
• Global leadership perspective.
• Biblical values integration.

California Baptist University's DSW program with a global leadership concentration provides an exceptional pathway for social work professionals seeking advanced expertise. This hybrid program combines online flexibility with two annual on-campus residencies, enabling students to develop sophisticated leadership skills in community and faith-based organizations. Focusing on social innovation and Christ-centered principles, the 48-unit curriculum prepares graduates for executive, academic, and research roles. Priced at $1,018 per unit, the program emphasizes advanced practice skills, research methodologies, and transformative leadership development in the social work landscape.

• Hybrid program format
• Global leadership concentration
• 48 units total
• $1018 per unit
• Two years to complete
• Two annual residencies
• Cohort learning model
• Christ-centered approach
• Flexible for professionals
• Focus on social innovation

The University at Buffalo's online Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program offers an innovative pathway for experienced social workers seeking advanced practice knowledge. With a comprehensive 39-credit curriculum delivered part-time, this program uniquely emphasizes implementation science, trauma-informed approaches, and digital technology integration. Distinguished as the first DSW program in the SUNY system, it provides flexible synchronous and asynchronous learning modalities. Students complete a transformative Capstone Project, applying advanced principles to real-world social work challenges. The program targets professionals committed to advancing equity and practice through cutting-edge educational strategies. Tuition varies by residency, with New York residents paying $800 per credit and out-of-state students paying $1,092 per credit. A virtual reality headset is required, enhancing the program's technological engagement.

• Part-time online program.
• 39 credit hours.
• 3 years to complete.
• Focus on implementation science.
• Trauma-informed human rights perspective.
• Capstone Project required.
• Synchronous and asynchronous learning.
• $800 per credit for NY residents.
• $1,092 per credit for others.
• Virtual reality headset needed.

The University of Louisville's fully online Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program is strategically designed for experienced social work professionals seeking advanced leadership and teaching roles. Delivered through the Raymond A. Kent School of Social Work and Family Science, this innovative program emphasizes ethics, equity, and social justice through flexible asynchronous and synchronous learning modalities. Students benefit from specialized teaching and leadership practicums, comprehensive professional development activities, and a robust academic framework that prepares graduates for faculty positions, program directorships, and organizational leadership. Requiring a CSWE-accredited master's degree, minimum 3.0 graduate GPA, and three years post-master's experience, the program offers competitive tuition rates, military-friendly options, and a streamlined 3-year completion pathway without a traditional dissertation requirement.

• 100% online classes
• 44 credit hours
• Smaller cohorts
• Teaching and leadership practicums
• R1 research institution
• Flexible learning
• Experienced faculty
• Capstone project
• No dissertation required
• 3 years to complete

The University of St. Thomas' online Doctor of Social Work (DSW) delivers a comprehensive doctoral program specifically designed for seasoned social work professionals targeting higher education leadership. Targeting educators and practitioners, this innovative program emphasizes transformative teaching methodologies, curriculum development, and scholarly publication skills. With a robust three-year curriculum spanning 45 credit hours, students benefit from a supportive cohort model and a unique banded dissertation approach. The program includes a strategic four-day orientation in St. Paul, Minnesota, providing valuable networking opportunities. Admission requires an MSW degree, ensuring participants possess substantial social work foundational knowledge. Graduates are prepared for university-level teaching positions, advanced leadership roles, and scholarly research in social work education.

• Online delivery format
• Four-day in-person orientation
• 45 credit hours
• Three-year completion
• Cohort model
• Banded dissertation
• Focus on teaching pedagogy
• Curriculum development emphasis
• Scholarship preparation
• Transformative teaching skills

University of St. Thomas offers a cutting-edge online Doctor of Social Work (DSW) that empowers experienced social work professionals to advance their academic and leadership capabilities. Structured as a flexible three-year program, this doctoral pathway focuses intensively on transformative teaching techniques, social justice advocacy, and scholarly writing. The curriculum integrates a comprehensive 45-credit hour framework with a distinctive cohort model, ensuring personalized learning experiences. Participants engage in a rigorous banded dissertation project while preparing for university-level teaching and research positions. With a brief four-day in-person orientation and primarily online coursework, the program accommodates working professionals nationwide. An MSW degree is mandatory for admission, reflecting the program's commitment to advanced social work education and leadership development.

• Online delivery format.
• 45 credit hours required.
• Three-year completion time.
• Cohort model for support.
• Banded dissertation project.
• Focus on teaching pedagogy.
• Leadership and social justice emphasis.
• Four-day in-person orientation.
• Designed for working professionals.
• MSW degree required for admission.

Angelo State University's Doctor of Social Work (D.S.W.) in Clinical Social Work is a groundbreaking online program designed for advanced practitioners seeking specialized training. Uniquely positioned as the first D.S.W. in Texas, the program provides comprehensive preparation in individual, couple, family, and group therapy techniques. Students benefit from a dynamic curriculum featuring a mandatory capstone project and internship, ensuring practical skill development. The program strategically prepares graduates for advanced clinical practice, leadership roles, and potential higher education careers. Military-friendly and offering robust financial support through scholarships, the program attracts professionals committed to transformative social work practice. No specific entrance exam is prominently mentioned in the program requirements.

• First D.S.W. in Texas.
• Online and in-person options.
• Capstone project included.
• Internship opportunities available.
• Prepares for clinical practice.
• Scholarships and financial aid.
• Small class sizes.
• Licensed clinical faculty.
• Teaching practicum offered.
• Focus on individual, couple, family therapy.

Angelo State University's Doctor of Social Work emphasizes clinical social work through an innovative online and in-person format. This program distinguishes itself by focusing intensively on mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of behavioral disorders. Students engage in comprehensive learning experiences including capstone projects, internships, and teaching practicums. Designed for ambitious professionals targeting leadership positions or academic careers, the program offers personalized educational pathways. With licensed clinical faculty and small class sizes, students receive individualized attention. The program welcomes candidates with strong academic backgrounds and provides financial aid opportunities. No specific standardized entrance examination is prominently highlighted in admission criteria.

• First D.S.W. in Texas
• Online and in-person options
• Focus on clinical practice
• Capstone project included
• Internship opportunities available
• Teaching practicum component
• Prepares for leadership roles
• Scholarships available
• Licensed clinical faculty
• Small class sizes

The University of Alabama's online Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program offers specializations in Advanced Clinical Practice and Organizational Leadership. This 3-year, 45-credit-hour program is designed for working professionals with at least three years of post-MSW experience. Delivered primarily online, the DSW requires a 3.0 GPA from a CSWE-accredited MSW program, a statement of purpose, and attendance at mandatory summer residencies in Tuscaloosa. The program costs $480 per credit hour. An entrance exam is not required, but TOEFL/IELTS scores are needed for non-native English speakers. Students should secure access to a practice location and have reliable high-speed internet.

• Primarily online format.
• 45 credit hours required.
• $480 tuition per hour.
• Advanced Clinical Practice track.
• Organizational Leadership track.
• 3 years to complete.
• Mandatory summer residencies.
• 3.0 GPA requirement.
• CSWE-accredited MSW needed.
• 3 years post-MSW experience.

USC's innovative Doctor of Social Work program offers a cutting-edge hybrid learning experience targeting seasoned professionals seeking transformative leadership roles. Strategically designed to address complex social challenges, the program uniquely integrates scholarly research with practical applications. Students engage in rigorous capstone projects that explore systemic social issues while developing executive-level skills. The curriculum emphasizes social justice, preparing graduates to drive meaningful change across diverse community settings. While designed for experienced practitioners, the program requires a master's degree and demonstrates a strong commitment to leadership development. Military-friendly and hospital-affiliated, USC provides a comprehensive educational environment for advanced social work practitioners aiming to elevate their professional impact.

• Hybrid program format.
• Focus on social change.
• Executive leadership preparation.
• Capstone projects required.
• For experienced professionals.
• Blends research and practice.
• Master's degree required.
• Leadership potential emphasized.
• Commitment to social justice.

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's online Doctor of Social Work program provides a cutting-edge advanced clinical social work curriculum tailored for seasoned professionals seeking transformative leadership development. Fully accredited by CSWE, this three-year doctoral journey integrates rigorous evidence-based practice methodologies with comprehensive clinical leadership training. Students benefit from a 100% online format that accommodates working professionals, enabling seamless integration of academic learning and professional responsibilities. The program's distinctive approach emphasizes applied research, advanced clinical interventions, and strategic leadership skills, positioning graduates for high-impact roles in complex clinical social work environments. Military-friendly features and flexible scheduling enhance the program's accessibility and appeal.

• CSWE-accredited program.
• Advanced Clinical Social Work focus.
• 100% online format.
• Three-year completion time.
• Designed for working professionals.
• Emphasizes evidence-based practice.
• Includes clinical leadership training.
• Focus on applied research.
• Flexible for professionals.
• Prepares for advanced roles.

Florida Atlantic University's pioneering Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program revolutionizes professional development through a strategic hybrid learning model. Uniquely positioned as Florida's inaugural DSW offering, the program masterfully integrates online flexibility with targeted in-person experiences. Designed for ambitious social work professionals seeking transformative leadership opportunities, the curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice and scholarly clinical training. Fall cohort admissions provide structured pathways for practitioners advancing into academic, administrative, and clinical leadership roles. The program distinguishes itself by preparing graduates to implement innovative interventions across diverse social service environments, making it an exceptional choice for practitioners committed to high-impact social work transformation.

• Hybrid online and in-person format.
• Florida's first DSW program.
• Cohorts admitted every Fall.
• Focuses on evidence-based practice.
• Prepares for leadership in clinical practice.
• Ideal for academia and administration roles.
• Scholarly clinician training.

Florida Atlantic University's groundbreaking Doctor of Social Work program offers a comprehensive hybrid learning experience tailored for social work professionals seeking advanced career trajectories. With a dynamic approach blending online coursework and strategic in-person interactions, the program cultivates practice-oriented leadership skills. Emphasizing evidence-based methodologies and community engagement, this DSW prepares graduates for nuanced roles in clinical practice, academia, and administrative settings. Fall cohort admissions ensure structured progression, while the curriculum focuses on developing scholarly clinicians capable of implementing sophisticated interventions. The program's commitment to accessibility and professional development makes it an outstanding choice for social work practitioners aiming to elevate their professional impact.

• Hybrid online and in-person format.
• First DSW program in Florida.
• Cohorts admitted every Fall.
• Focus on evidence-based practice.
• Prepares for leadership roles.
• Scholarly clinician training.
• Flexible for working professionals.
• Emphasizes community engagement.