Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

Gain advanced clinical skills in assessment and intervention for individuals, families, and communities.

Explore the latest findings and practices in social work and learn how to change lives for the better by creating sustainable and relevant social welfare programs.

Our DSW program, one of the few offered online, will allow you to:

  • Participate in face-to-face residencies that allow you to network with expert faculty members and peers.
  • Hone your research, writing, and critical-thinking skills.
  • Put your knowledge and skills to work to address real-world problems in your own agency or community.

Fast Facts

Next Start Date: May 29, 2023

Transfer Credits: Up to 20 credits

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Specializations

A DSW degree specialization in Impact Leadership in Social Work Administration prepares social work professionals to lead practical solutions to pressing social challenges.
A DSW degree specialization in Advanced Clinical Practice and Supervision prepares experienced social work clinicians for high-level supervisory roles.
A Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) with a Social Work Education specialization prepares students to effect positive change in the profession as a social work professor or instructor.

Curriculum

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be prepared to:

  • Utilize current research, best practices, and theory to promote prevention and intervention strategies that address social problems and needs of social groups
  • Employ various research and statistical tools to find data used to address the etiology and dynamics of social problems and social needs
  • Evaluate the role of research and evaluation in social work in improving social interventions and advancing theory development
  • Apply ethical decision making and practices in social work

Doctoral Degree Coach

A Personalized Guide to Completing Your Doctorate

Earning your online Doctor of Social Work (DSW) and Administration requires commitment, perseverance, and hard work. You can do it, and Walden is here to help—with our Doctoral Degree Coach™.

  • Man at Crossroads

    Map and Track Milestones

    Break your research down into manageable, sequential steps. See where you are, what’s ahead, and what you’ve already accomplished—all in one place.

  •  

    Meet Weekly Targets

    No more guesswork. Set prompts based on your to-do list and receive reminders and updates directly to your inbox.

  • Shaking Hands

    Connect With Faculty

    Stay on the same page and keep your progress on track. With shared access to your dashboard, your chair can easily guide you through your checklists, goals, and timelines.

  • Three Books Lined Up

    Access Helpful Resources

    Quickly find support from the right person at the right time. Our comprehensive resource guide points you in the right direction—no more frustrating searches.

More about our DSW program

A DSW can prepare you to pursue various roles at the forefront of the social work profession, such as:*

  • Leader in agencies and organizations
  • Program director
  • Evaluator of social work practice and agencies
  • Supervisor in social work organizations

*Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.

An MSW is required for entrance into the DSW program. You will also be required to submit a completed online application, employment history, and official transcripts.

Your enrollment specialist will help you gather all of the required materials starting with your application all the way through your first day of classes.

 
Walden’s Enrollment Specialists are committed to helping you identify and leverage opportunities to save money on your education. Get in touch with an Enrollment Specialist today at 888-968-5331 to learn more.
Our Enrollment Specialists are ready to answer any questions you may have regarding this program. Fill out the form on this page to be contacted or call 855-203-5779.

Why earn your DSW at Walden?

learn-with-leaders-small

Learn with Leaders

Walden is the university of choice for 130+ state teachers of the year.

exceptional-student-services

Face-to-face Residencies

Practice applying what you learn on-site and network with expert faculty members.

relevant-curriculum

Exceptional Student Support

Benefit from our 24/7 tech support, Writing Center, Career Services Center, and more.

learn-with-leaders-small

Learn with Leaders

Walden is the university of choice for 130+ state teachers of the year.

exceptional-student-services

Face-to-face Residencies

Practice applying what you learn on-site and network with expert faculty members.

relevant-curriculum

Exceptional Student Support

Benefit from our 24/7 tech support, Writing Center, Career Services Center, and more.

Enrollment Restrictions by State

Walden currently cannot enroll residents of the following states/districts into the Doctor of Social Work program: Wisconsin.

ONGOING MILITARY OFFER:

A 15% tuition reduction for servicemembers, veterans of the U.S. armed forces, employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and their spouses.*

*A 15% tuition reduction is available to new students who are servicemembers, veterans of the U.S. armed forces, or employees of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This tuition reduction is also available if you are a spouse of a servicemember, veteran, or employee of the VA. This tuition reduction cannot be retroactively applied. Tuition reductions are applicable to tuition only and do not apply toward books, materials, and other supplies or fees needed for a course.

Walden may change the tuition reduction offered hereunder at any time, but such change will not affect the tuition reduction for students who are currently enrolled at Walden and using the existing tuition reduction. All tuition reductions, grants, or scholarships are subject to specific eligibility requirements. Contact a Walden University Enrollment Specialist for details.

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, https://www.hlcommission.org/.