Doctor of Social Work – DSW
Make an Impact. Earn Your DSW.
Transform the spaces where you work and live with a doctorate in social work from Spalding University.
At Spalding University, we’ve created a 50-credit hour accelerated program using innovative means of instruction to foster a diverse community of learners. Students can satisfy all degree requirements in two years, typically without career disruption. The cohort model, collaborative and experiential learning are core aspects of social work education at Spalding University.
The Doctor of Social Work Program prepares you to take a leading role in addressing contemporary challenges within the field of social work. With a curriculum centered on social justice, our program is tailored to address the ever-evolving landscape of social issues. It empowers students with the necessary knowledge, skills and values to effectively serve as catalysts for change and become exemplary social work leaders.
The DSW Program is a distance education doctoral program. All courses are taught with online synchronous and asynchronous instruction. Online synchronous instruction will be provided using Zoom on Saturdays.
Learn more about the program by attending our Information Sessions
Convenient and Accessible
Our DSW program is a convenient, accessible and affordable doctoral degree for social work practitioners and educators.
If you are a master’s level social worker who wants to advance your practice skills this program will help you meet your career goals. All our classes take place virtually on Saturdays where you’ll join your cohort to engage in experiential workshops and discussion.
In addition to an affordable tuition rate, we also offer a 10% tuition discount to alumni of Spalding University.
Benefits of Having a DSW
- Improve your knowledge base of current social work practices and initiatives
- Opportunities for publication
- Opportunities to research social issues you are passionate about
- Advanced expertise
- Career advancement
Career Paths for DSWs
- Executive Leader
- Post-secondary Educator
- Administrative Leader
- Community Advocate
Meet the Needs of the Times
As a graduate of our program, you’ll be a vibrant voice in your community. The DSW program seeks to meet the needs of the time by preparing scholar-practitioners who promote social work ethics, peace, social change and spirituality, as well as advance anti-oppressive social work practice at all system levels. In the program you will work alongside diverse, qualified colleagues and faculty as you create a capstone project customized to your professional interests and goals.
The DSW Program Prepares Students to
- Understand and apply anti-oppressive, anti-racist and social justice-focused practices at all systems levels (micro, mezzo and macro)
- Use and evaluate systematic inquiry at an advanced level
- Apply research-informed knowledge, values, ethics and skills through practice, leadership and teaching
- Demonstrate leadership skills in support of and in collaboration with communities or those most impacted
- Advance social work practice knowledge through a capstone project
We Want You Here
Our long-standing, reputable School of Social Work is committed to being inclusive, accessible and accountable. We respect and value diversity and difference, including but not limited to age, caste, class, color, culture, disability and ability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, generational status, immigration status, legal status, marital status, political ideology, race, nationality, religion and spirituality, sex, sexual orientation and tribal sovereign status.
How to Apply
You’ll apply to our Doctor of Social Work program by filling out an online application to our School of Social Work.
- The application deadline for an early decision to the DSW Fall 2025 cohort is April 28
- The application deadline for a late decision to the DSW Fall 2025 cohort is May 31
Please review our DSW admission requirements before you begin the application process.
Quick Facts
- Online Classes
- 50 credit hours in only two (2) years
- Small cohorts
- Graduate Assistantships are available
- Student-directed capstone
- Research and publication opportunities
Learn more about the DSW program of study.
CSWE’s Board of Accreditation (CSWE-BOA) is currently piloting the accreditation of professional practice doctoral programs. Although there are currently no CSWE-BOA accredited professional practice doctoral programs, in June 2020, CSWE-BOA approved and adopted the Accreditation Standards for Professional Practice Doctoral Programs in Social Work. The Doctor of Social Work Program at Spalding University has adopted the Accreditation Standards for Professional Practice Doctoral Programs in Social Work and is prepared to undergo accreditation once it becomes available. For information about professional practice doctoral program accreditation and the current pilot, please visit the Council on Social Work Education website.
Upcoming Events
- January 30, 2025 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Info Session: DSW
- March 12, 2025 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Info Session: DSW