DSW coursework is designed to prepare candidates for leadership roles through training on innovation and management in areas of social work like social work administration, clinical social work and child, family and school social work. Most online DSW programs require a form of residency or dissertation that helps form skills toward advancing a candidate’s professional career.

Information below was last updated in February 2022. Be sure to check the university’s website for the latest information.

Requirements for DSW Programs | DSW Program Details | Common Career Paths With a DSW Degree | What Is the Difference Between a MSW and a DSW? | Doctorate of Social Work vs. PhD in Social Work | FAQ

The application requirements for DSW programs online are similar to those of traditional, in-person doctoral programs. However, most programs require some professional experience with social work after an applicant completes their master’s program.

The educational requirements for a DSW differ by institution. Eligible applicants for a DSW are typically required to have a master’s degree in social work (MSW), but in some cases, a master’s degree or doctorate in a related field such as nursing or public health may be sufficient.

DSW candidates are generally expected to have at least two years of post-MSW practice, though some programs may grant exceptions.

GRE and GPA requirements for DSW applicants vary by institution. Additionally, requirements may depend on whether or not the applicant has earned a MSW. In some cases, students who have earned their MSW are not required to take the GRE. However, many institutions require proficient scores in the exams.

DSW applicants should have a strong academic record with a GPA that reflects their work. Though institutions generally may require a GPA of at least 3.0 on the 4.0 scale, some programs can require a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Specific application requirements vary by institution, but typically include:

Teaching institutions related to social work are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation. The CSWE accredits BSW and MSW programs, recognizing the MSW as the terminal degree within the field of study.  Regional accreditors may require MSW faculty to earn a DSW or PhD in social work, and many DSW and PhD programs require a MSW from a CSWE-accredited institution.

As of September 2023, accreditation of doctoral programs is under pilot by the CSWE’s Commission on Accreditation.

Many DSW students have established professional careers and hold full-time positions. Most of the programs offer online, hybrid and on-campus options for students. Weigh the pros and cons of the different experiences when considering which one is best for you. Consider the environment and context in which you’d like to practice social work to determine whether the DSW curriculum best serves you and aligns with your career goals.

Since most applicants for DSW programs require the ability to continue working full time, these programs generally offer flexible schedules—even for those students who prefer the hands-on approach of in-person learning. DSW courses tend to have an executive-style structure with night classes two to three times per week.

Another way online DSW programs offer students flexibility is by letting them complete their coursework on their own time or while they’re on the go. While online DSW degree programs offer convenience, they typically do require that students attend residencies and sometimes present capstone projects in person.

Tuition varies depending on the program. Many institutions offer financial aid and scholarships, which often can be found on the institution’s website with detailed information about eligibility. Additionally, you can learn more about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The DSW curriculum is typically condensed into eight semesters over three years. Usually, the first year of the program is expected to establish a strong foundation in social work that combines research, statistics and clinical theory. The second-year curriculum generally introduces students to applied, specialized studies that prepare them for teaching. The second year of the program is often the last year of actual coursework for DSW students. Through the third and final year of the program, students can be expected to complete and defend their dissertation.

Check the university’s website to see examples of courses that DSW students might be required to take, as well as some related electives.

The start dates for on-campus or online DSW programs vary by institution. Some schools offer start dates during fall, spring and summer. Some institutions will start DSW courses twice a year, and some only once. If you have an institution in mind, check their website to find out more about their DSW start dates.

A DSW can demonstrate that you have a greater understanding of how to solve real-world problems, such as bullying, child welfare and poverty. DSW programs are designed for working professionals who wish to have a greater impact in their practice. A DSW degree takes a MSW one step further, helping social workers to excel in their current area of practice, expand their range of career opportunities in social work and become more aware of policies that can directly impact their practice.

Social work administration includes roles at the macro level of social work. Rather than focusing on one client, social work administrators focus on the future and success of the practice as a whole. Common social work administration jobs include those with family or social service agencies, child welfare departments, schools, hospitals, home healthcare agencies and probation agencies. Useful skills for this line of work include active listening, organization, emotional intelligence, empathy and critical thinking.

Clinical social work involves using methods of treatment and prevention to address mental illness. Clinical social workers require a clinical social work license. Make sure to check your state requirements and whether the program you’re looking at has a clinical track. Clinical social workers pursue careers in a variety of settings to provide services and treatments to individuals, groups and families. They apply their knowledge on analysis, diagnosis and treatment of mental health. This social work career is known for its variety of roles and professional paths. Clinical social workers can work in child and family services, school social work, substance abuse counseling and medical social work. Useful skills for this line of work include social perceptiveness, organization, cooperation and active listening.

A DSW can be the next step in social work education after the MSW. The primary difference between the two degrees is the career options they may offer. A DSW program online builds upon the knowledge acquired through a MSW program, enhancing a student’s opportunities in the field. For example, they may consider teaching roles in social work.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), social worker jobs are expected to grow at a faster pace than average.

MSW programs ensure students have the tools to become successful social workers in various work environments. A DSW is a much more research-focused program that advances students’ capabilities by providing them with the knowledge necessary to take on leadership roles in the industry. This can position graduates to affect social change on a greater scale.

2022 Salary information retrieved from O*Net Summary Report for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers and Social Work Teachers: Postsecondary

Learn more with our social worker salary guide and explore our resource on the highest-paying social work jobs.

The highest level of licensing within social work requires a MSW—there is no specific licensure at the doctoral level.

Some social workers opt for acquiring real-world experience and obtain their MSW licensure before exploring social work doctoral programs. Students can, however, earn their DSW following the successful completion of their MSW program if their chosen DSW program does not require substantial professional experience or any experience at all.

Learn more about the differences between the two licensure paths: LMSW vs. LCSW.

A PhD in social work is primarily a research-based degree while a DSW offers advanced training in a specific area of social work with more hands-on experience. A DSW degree aims to ensure that the candidate will expand their knowledge around problem-solving to help create and advocate for a better society. Social work PhD candidates may conduct an extensive amount of research that provides advancement in social work.

A student who has earned a DSW is well-equipped to deal with problems as both a social worker and researcher. A doctoral degree in social work builds on previous studies and research to prepare social workers to make a positive impact across macro-level social work.

The main difference between DSW and PhD programs is the emphasis on clinical practice vs. research, respectively. The PhD program is more traditional, preparing students for an academic environment within social work. DSW program candidates work toward defending a dissertation.

Students who earn their PhD in social work may pursue a much more research-driven career. Online DSW program students, on the other hand, typically complete a capstone project or residency program to gain direct or closely related experience to their future role. Their careers will likely affect more day-to-day social work, making a difference at the individual and family level.

A master’s degree is required to pursue a DSW. Some programs require a MSW while others require a master’s degree in related areas, such as public administration (MPA), public health (MPH), nursing (MSN), public policy (MPP), business administration (MBA) or marriage and family therapy (MFT).

Learn more about CSWE-accredited online MSW programs or check out our guide to online social work degrees.

The length of a DSW program varies by institution. Some schools offer an accelerated 24-month program that includes completing a residency and capstone project. Others may offer similar part-time options or full-time enrollment tracks. Most DSW programs can take two to five years to complete.

Most programs typically require a certain amount of professional experience for admission but there might be exceptions. Check program websites for more information.

Full-time and part-time options are offered, depending on the university. Most programs are designed for professionals who work full time and plan to participate in the program simultaneously.

DSW programs are not yet accredited by the CSWE, but the Commission on Accreditation (COA) has piloted accreditation for practice doctoral programs as of 2023.

This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.

Last updated September 2023.