Online Doctoral Programs in Social Work

13 universities offer graduate PHD online program in Social Work

University of Pennsylvania logo
Ranked as:  #7 in Best National University
State:  Pennsylvania
Acceptance:  8.98%

The University of Pennsylvania presents an innovative Online Doctorate in Clinical Social Work (DSW), marking the first doctoral program in social work practice. Designed for working professionals, this entirely online program allows students to achieve an Ivy League doctoral degree in three years without interrupting their careers. It combines online coursework and dissertation work with occasional on-campus immersion experiences in Philadelphia, facilitating students in balancing their studies with professional commitments.

The DSW program is crafted to offer a seamless blend of robust academic training and hands-on professional development. It caters to social work professionals aiming to advance their careers while maintaining their current roles. With an emphasis on fostering relationships and interactive learning, the program leverages technology to facilitate connectivity and personal engagement. Through a combination of videoconferencing for courses and on-campus sessions, students benefit from enriched learning experiences.

Upon graduation, students emerge adept at crafting and implementing evidence-based social work interventions and conducting rigorous research on pressing societal matters. They become authorities in specialized social work domains, capable of assuming roles as educators and curriculum designers, enriching the field through teaching and scholarly pursuits. Leveraging Penn's esteemed reputation and resources, the DSW program delivers a blend of academic rigor and real-world applicability, establishing a benchmark for advanced professional training in social work.

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Online Doctorate in Clinical Social Work

  • Program Length:  -
  • Credit hours:  -
  • Cost per credit:  -
  • Program Cost:  $41,673
  • Scholarships Available:  No
  • GRE Required:  No
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Ranked as:  #25 in Best National University
State:  California
Acceptance:  16.11%

The professional Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) program at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work offers an advanced practice doctorate in social change and innovation for agency and community leaders and entrepreneurs.

The online Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program comprises 24 months of part-time study. Students complete 42 units of coursework focused on two primary content areas: innovation and leadership, and advanced management practice in complex systems.

Unlike other schools of social work that offer advanced practice doctorates in clinical practice or teaching, we prepare experienced professionals to develop practical, applied solutions to large-scale social challenges that directly impact vulnerable, marginalized or otherwise disadvantaged populations.

As a student in the online doctorate of social work program, students will develop characteristics of both practitioners and scholars. By adopting the disciplinary habits of scholars through rigorous inquiry and use of methodological tools associated with leading and managing innovation and change, they will become an effective social change leader.

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Online Doctorate of Social Work

  • Program Length:  24 Months
  • Credit hours:  42
  • Cost per credit:  $1,995
  • Program Cost:  $83,790
  • Scholarships Available:  Yes
  • GRE Required:  Yes
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Ranked as:  #44 in Best National University
State:  Louisiana
Acceptance:  11.11%

Now, select a top-tier, fully accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program specializing in integrated clinical and community-based practice to do work that matters to you.

Our program provides:.

This MSW program effectively prepares students in accordance with the standards set forth by various regulatory bodies.

You may also elect to add a focus area to your MSW degree with our Disaster and Collective Trauma or Mental Health, Addiction, and the Family options. On-campus students may also seek a dual degree in Law, Public Health, or Disaster Resilience Leadership.

The mission of the Master of Social Work Program is to educate and inspire future social work leaders to engage in integrated clinical and community practice that is culturally responsive and relationship-centered, to enhance the well-being and equitable treatment of individuals, families, and communities.

Helps future leaders to realize the value of human diversity and engage in inclusive, anti-oppressive practice in order to promote social and economic justice .

Promotes social mobility, system navigation, and increased access to resources by building upon the diverse, culturally rich, inspiring, and environment of New Orleans.

Upon completion of their MSW degrees, graduates will go on to work in a variety of social work settings such as social service agencies, hospitals, criminal justice systems, schools, and governments. They will be prepared to work as clinical social workers in the public or private sector, locally, nationally, or internationally.

Regardless of the settings, Tulane MSW Graduates will be involved in providing social services to individuals, families, and communities, developing programs and policy, evaluating programs, establishing non-profit organizations, or providing services and resources in order to enhance the well-being and equitable treatment of individuals, families, and communities. The MSW provides a strong academic foundation in order to pass licensure, pursue a doctoral degree, or make a difference in society.

The Master of Social Work program requires 60 credit hours and 900 hours of field education. Those granted Advanced Standing status can complete the degree requirements with 48 credit hours and 900 hours of field education.

MSW candidates may choose how they wish to complete the required course and field curriculum:.

Full-time 16-month on-campus program over 4 semesters, starting in the fall and continuing through the spring, summer, and following fall field education of 24 hours per week starts in spring semester and continues through the subsequent semesters.

Full-time 16-month online program over 4 semesters with start dates each semester field education of 24 hours per week starts in second semester and continues through the subsequent semesters.

Advanced Standing 12-month on-campus program over 3 semesters, starting in the spring and continuing through the summer, and following fall field education of 24 hours per week starts in spring semester and continues through the subsequent semesters.

Advanced Standing 12-month online program over 3 semesters with start dates each semester field education of 24 hours per week starts in first semester and continues through the subsequent semesters.

Part-time 32-month online program over 8 semesters with start dates each semester field education of 12 hours per week starts in second semester and continues through the subsequent semesters.

Advanced Standing part-time 24-month online program over 7 semesters with start dates each semester field education of 12 hours per week starts in first semester and continues through the subsequent semesters.

Dual degree on-campus programs with the Law School Public Health and Tropical Medicine, or our Disaster Resilience Leadership Academy.

This applies to full-time on-campus and full-time online programs.

Our field education program exposes you to real-world social work practice as well as diverse populations and social issues. We place on-campus students with one of over 100 agencies in New Orleans and surrounding parishes. Online learners perform their field education in their communities, and we can facilitate placements around the country.

Our online MSW program employs innovative technology to ensure all students receive the full benefits of a Tulane education. If you elect this program, you will be part of monthly live sessions via synchronous classes.

Required MSW coursework in human behavior, direct and community practice, social justice, data analysis, and program evaluation teach tangible skills to leverage strengths and apply interventions that empower individuals, families, and communities. You will develop your capacity via team projects and teaching, problem-based learning, creative simulation, field work, and electronic learning exchanges.

Before the course number.

Social work is an excellent career with tremendous growth projections, especially in areas of mental health and health care. The social work field is a strong community of enthused, passionate, and hardworking individuals dedicated to serving others.

The MSW degree is an extremely versatile degree where graduates put social justice and advocacy into practice for any number of jobs. Graduates can work in numerous industries at all levels with individuals and families, to communities and agencies, to local, state, and national policy levels. Some agencies provide social workers as primary services (private practice, city positions, non-profits, etc.) while others use social workers in secondary and tertiary capacities (hospitals, jails, schools, etc.). These jobs can range from micro-work with interpersonal client care case management to macro work such as risk mitigation and policy creation and implementation.

Every state has different state laws, but most states require a MSW to be a licensed social worker.

The accelerated MSW program at Tulane School of Social Work is 16 months long and the part-time program is 32 months.

Maybe they are answered in our Master of Social Work . If not, we are happy to help!

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Master of Social Work On-Campus - Tulane School of Social Work

  • Program Length:  48 Months
  • Credit hours:  60
  • Cost per credit:  -
  • Program Cost:  -
  • Scholarships Available:  Yes
  • GRE Required:  Yes
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130 universities offer the Master's program in Social Work.

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Florida State University logo
Ranked as:  #55 in Best National University
State:  Florida
Acceptance:  32.45%

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Clinically focused to qualify students for social work licensure.

You have baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution.

If you have completed a baccalaureate degree in social work, please visit the Advanced Standing Program page.

Ranked the No. 1 online Master of Social Work program in the state of Florida (2017), and No. 38 in the nation for Best Graduate Schools by U.S. News World Report (2019).

Ranked in the Top 25 Best Values in Public Colleges by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance.

We rigorously adhere to the accreditation standards established by the Council on Social Work Education.

Whether you just have a simple question or need advice to determine if this Master of Social Work program is right for you, our friendly MSW advisors are here to guide you. They can chat with you on your schedule and guide you through the entire admissions process so you can feel confident in moving forward with an Online MSW program.

Work in a Wide Array of Social Work Fields Specializations.

Pursue a License in Social Work with In-Field Placements.

As an online MSW student, you’ll participate in social work field placements that will qualify you to pursue a license in clinical social work upon graduation. Both our Advanced Standing and Traditional online Master of Social Work programs are clinically-focused so you’ll get the real-world experience you need to be career-ready. Our social work programs are part-time to accommodate busy working professionals.

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Social Work Online Master Degree

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Indiana University-Bloomington logo
Ranked as:  #72 in Best National University
State:  Indiana
Acceptance:  80.38%

Across our nation and around the world, social workers make life-changing impact. Gain the knowledge and skills at IU to make a difference for individuals, families, organizations and communities.

BSW Program Details MSW Program Details PhD Program Details Labor Program Details Apply Request Info.

Social workers are the #1 providers of Mental Health Care in the U.S.

IU Social Work is an impact maker.

Regardless of where you want to study, the admissions process for our social work programs is the same.

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Indiana University School of Social Work

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University of Utah logo
Ranked as:  #105 in Best National University
State:  Utah
Acceptance:  79.4%

The College of Social Work at the University of Utah will open admissions for Fall 2025 for itsdistance-delivered doctoral program in August 2024. This program will be offered as a distance-delivered, synchronous cohort model PhD program that will require distance students to be on campus for the first week of each semester in the first two years of the program. Research opportunities and will be equally available to admitted on-campus and distance doctoral students.

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Distance Delivered Doctorate

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Ranked as:  #115 in Best National University
State:  Tennessee
Acceptance:  78.15%

Cost per credit hour is an estimate based on maintenance and university fees. Some programs may have additional course fees.

BECOME A SCHOLAR-PRACTITIONER IN SOCIAL WORK A LEADER IN YOUR COMMUNITY.

The post-MSW MSSW Doctor of Social Work (DSW) in clinical practice program is for experienced mental health practice social workers interested in advancing their clinical knowledge and becoming scholar-practitioners. Scholar-practitioners are research-literate, innovative translators of research into practice and serve as strategic social service leaders in their communities.

1) The program will train students to understand and critically apply knowledge from neurobehavioral science and research informed advanced clinical practice to address the socio-emotional and physical health of the community, with particular focus on including under-resourced groups.

2) The program will mentor students to demonstrate the evidence-based practice process through designing and executing a research project, with particular consideration of conducting anti-oppressive research.

3) The program will instill in students the ability to translate research evidence into anti-oppressive advanced clinical and leadership practice settings.

The curriculum is focused on advanced clinical practice, clinical research, and advanced practice leadership. The DSW Program also has some pedagogical components that support practitioners interested in academic careers, but it is not intended to prepare students for academic careers as researchers. Geared toward working professionals, the DSW is an intensive accelerated program that enables students to satisfy all degree requirements in three years without career disruption.

Here are just a few of the courses you will take during the Doctor of Social Work program:.

Reviews theoretical underpinnings of CBT (behavioral, social learning, cognitive, acceptance based mindfulness), development of case conceptualizations, and technique development.

The UT Social Work hosts an in-person ceremony for 2022 graduates of the Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program with a concentration in Clinical Practice and Leadership.

See all online degrees and certificates available online at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Check out the services and resources all online students receive at UT.

Take a look at policies related to being an online student at UT.

Online Learning Academic Programs2441 Dunford Hall915 Volunteer Blvd., Knoxville, TN 37996.

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Social Work

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Ranked as:  #136 in Best National University
State:  Massachusetts
Acceptance:  82.55%

With social justice values and a multicultural perspective at its core, our innovative online Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) curriculum will prepare you to advance your career as a visionary and inclusive social work leader.With social justice values and a multicultural perspective at its core, our innovative online Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) curriculum will prepare you to advance your career as a visionary and inclusive social work leader.With social justice values and a multicultural perspective at its core, our innovative online Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) curriculum will prepare you to advance your career as a visionary and inclusive social work leader.

Answer a few quick questions to determine if our online DSW program is a good fit for you.

Choose the full or part time program option that works best for your schedule and goals.

As the first school of clinical social work in the nation, we empower students to advance the field through inclusive leadership, advanced clinical practice, and evidence-based education.

The online Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) program provides the highest level of clinical training to professionals who aspire to be the next generation of leaders in social work thought, education, and practice.

Start Your Social Work Doctorate in Our Next Cohort.

Applicants to the Doctorate of Social Work online program must hold an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program. Three years of relevant post-MSW work experience is required.

Cohorts begin in September, January, and May, and applications are accepted throughout the year.

Simmons offers a unique approach to doctoral clinical social work education by providing the ability for students to pursue their degrees at their own pace and the preparation needed for advanced work in a range of areas and organizations.

Many DSW degrees are paced for students to complete in three years. Students can complete the program full time in less than two years or part time in less than three years.

The Simmons DSW degree prepares students to pursue various social work career paths that include and extend beyond academia. they will have the clinical perspective and advanced practice methods needed for success.

Continuing into the 21st century with social justice values and a multicultural perspective, the School of Social Work began delivering high quality online graduate programs in 2014.

Our program curriculum is built by doctorally prepared clinical social workers, for clinical social workers. Informed by their expertise, the DSW curriculum explores a range of advanced social work competencies while keeping clinical practice at the forefront.

Core values front of mind within its curriculum and community. Our doctoral students also demonstrate these core values in all areas of their work, whether leading practice or healing individuals in their communities. We pride ourselves on this passionate commitment that permeates our community.

Students will gain an advanced understanding of leadership theory and practical tools for promoting inclusivity at all levels of an organization. By learning to train and mentor others, develop and evaluate programming, and improve client systems through collaboration, students will emerge as visionary leaders prepared to build and sustain organizations that live up to the core values of social work and the values of the communities they serve.

Commitment to clinical social work enables DSW students to apply advanced, doctoral-level knowledge to hands-on practice in the field. Students will learn emerging practices that aim to support diverse clients and graduate prepared to implement novel approaches in social work agencies or their own private practice.

Our online DSW program also prepares students for a career path in social work education. With advanced knowledge in learning theory, evidence-based pedagogy, responsive teaching and classroom practices, and knowledge dissemination, students will be able to translate new teaching skills to both traditional academic and other diverse educational contexts.

Comparative approaches to social learning theories and teaching strategies, including online pedagogy.

Expand Your Social Work Leadership, Clinical Practice, and Teaching Skills.

Request information the online DSW program today.

Our sophisticated online platform is also built to support socializing and collaboration outside of class sessions, featuring intuitive tools for group work, providing and receiving feedback, and gaining support. This experience enables students to form meaningful connections and develop a strong professional network.

Students will also complete coursework in the online platform through interactive and multimedia tools. Courses topics in the program include:.

The DSW curriculum culminates with the capstone project. The capstone provides the opportunity for students to explore a real-world topic or problem in the field, further establish their identities as advanced social work professionals, and assert their expertise within a specific area of interest.

The Simmons DSW capstone project allows students to explore unlimited topics within the field and truly push the bounds of their knowledge. The capstone can apply to any or all of the three curricular focus areas and will challenge students to synthesize what they have learned throughout the program.

Both a Doctorate of Social Work and a PhD in social work are terminal degrees that prepare professionals in the field with advanced knowledge and research opportunities. However, there are a number of distinctions between the two. While both are challenging degrees, asking students to rise to the most advanced levels of knowledge within their field, their rigorous curricula typically have different outcomes.

A DSW prepares students to apply what they learn and research to their practice in the field. A DSW student may take a new approach they learn in class one day and apply it to their work with a client the next day. DSW program will emerge as scholar-practitioners who seamlessly apply doctoral-level knowledge and practices to their work in the field.

Alternatively, a PhD student studies a rigorous curriculum based heavily around the research process. These students focus on epistemological theory as well as grand theoretical models within social work contexts. PhD candidates may complete their degree without ever working directly with clients or in the field. Rather, they are focused on the research and theoretical components of the social work field of study.

Simmons offers an on-campus PhD in social work that incorporates some of the hands-on aspects of the DSW into a research-centric curriculum.

Career aspirations. With a clinical focus yet breadth of curricular topics, the program enables graduates to apply the skills they learn to various career paths, such as:.

Advising as a social work subject matter expert.

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Online Doctorate in Social Work

  • Program Length:  Register to view the details
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  • Scholarships Available:  Register to view the details
  • GRE Required:  Register to view the details
The University of Alabama logo
Ranked as:  #137 in Best National University
State:  Alabama
Acceptance:  80.39%

The highly selective DSW program is cohort based and allows students the benefit of enhanced collaboration and networking with peers. The program also offers a clinical track and an organizational leadership track so students can tailor their coursework to their professional goals.

In addition to completing online coursework, students are required to participate in residency programs on the UA campus, which last four to five days each summer. Students will also need to have a work or volunteer practice location where they can apply the concepts they are learning in a social work setting.

The DSW program can be completed in three years and consists of 45 credit hours of coursework. Students will choose a track in clinical or organizational leadership. The clinical track includes coursework in advanced practice theory and techniques, research methods and clinical supervision and practice. The organizational leadership track curriculum hones students leadership and management skills for organizational and community settings. Both tracks include courses on teaching social work.

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Doctor of Social Work

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University of St Thomas logo
Ranked as:  #137 in Best National University
State:  Minnesota
Acceptance:  87.4%

The St. Thomas DSW, housed at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, is designed to fill a gap in social work doctoral education as the first online DSW program to focus on preparing social work faculty specifically for university-level teaching and leadership in teaching-intensive colleges and universities. Strong social work educators and practitioners with an MSW degree will gain the skills and credentials to teach and lead in the social work profession and become stewards of the discipline. The online delivery format makes this program accessible to working professionals from throughout the country.

The University of St. Thomas Doctorate in Social Work is wholly committed to student development through teaching excellence, community engagement, and mentoring relationships. The faculty are recognized scholars, researchers and practitioners.

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Doctorate in Social Work Online

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  • Scholarships Available:  Register to view the details
  • GRE Required:  Register to view the details

What kind of scholarships are available for Graduate Programs in Social Work?

We have 9 scholarships awarding up to $65,129 for Masters program in for Social Work, targeting diverse candidates and not restricted to state or school-based programs.

Scholarship nameAmountCredibility
QS WM Social Responsibility Scholarship$10,000High
Lincoln Institute 75 Fellowship for Ethics and Equity in Public Administration$5,000High
Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago Academic Scholarship$4,000Medium
James M. & Erma T. Freemont Foundation Scholarship Program$1,875Medium
Lex Hester Endowed Fellowship for Public Administration$1,500High

Find scholarships and financial aid for Social Work graduate programs

$500 $20000

How can I compare the Social Work Graduate Programs?

Compare the GRE score requirements, admission details, credit requirements and tuition for the Master's Program, from 130 universities offering Graduate Online PHD/Doctoral Programs in Social Work. Compare Graduate Online PHD/Doctoral Programs in Social Work

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