DSW Frequently Asked Questions
I am thinking of applying to the D.S.W Program
I was accepted! What now?
I have finished my coursework. What now?
I am graduating!
I am thinking of applying to the D.S.W Program
Is there a dissertation required?
There is no dissertation. However, students have the option of conducting a capstone project.
What do the classes cover?
The classes provide instruction on the models of social service leadership and teaching and learning; training in analyzing and improving models o leadership and teaching and learning; knowledge and skills in implementing leadership knowledge; application of teaching skills and learning strategies; ethical leadership and teaching practices; and modalities of scientific inquiry in evaluating practices in leadership and teaching and learning.
How long does the degree take to finish?
The program is a 3-year program. Students take one course at a time continuously across fall, spring, and summer semesters.
Do I have to come to campus?
There is no residency. All classes and program events are online. You are welcome to join us for commencement activities if you elect to do so.
Can I still work while completing the program?
The program is designed with the practicing social worker in mind.
Students take one class at a time so they can focus on course content while remaining employed. Additionally, students will use observations and experiences from their workplace to complete coursework across the curriculum. Students will begin applying new knowledge in their work as they learn.
How competitive is the admissions process?
The admissions process is competitive. Students must demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills, critical thinking, a commitment to social work values, and a commitment to prioritizing the time needed to undertake doctoral studies.
How large are the cohorts?
There are 20 students in each cohort.
Is the program considered part-time or full-time?
The program is a part-time program because students only complete six credit hours each semester. Classes are a hybrid of synchronous and asynchronous meetings.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is February 1st each year for the cohort that begins the program in the fall semester of the given year. Interviews are conducted in February and March. Admission decisions are made in March.
What is the focus of the program?
The program provides a foundation in the belief and value of engaging in lifelong learning; a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, “learning organization” perspective; theories, methods, and principles of adult learning, and equity, fairness, and justice; and advanced skills in assessing, implementing, and evaluating social work practices to motivate, teach, instruct, train, and lead for the betterment of social work practitioners, employees, social work students, and clients who are ultimately served.
What are the practicum experiences?
There are two practicum experiences completed in year two of the program. First, students complete a leadership practicum at their place of employment. The practicum experience depends on the nature of the organization with tasks focused on activities conduction by upper administrators. Second, in the teaching practicum, students work with Kent School faculty to observe and conduct teaching activities. The leadership practicum occurs in the fall semester, and the teaching practicum occurs in the spring semester.
How is the D.S.W. degree different from the Ph.D. degree?
D.S.W. program prepares students to become scholar-practitioners in advanced social work practice, leaders in human service and educational institutions. Ph.D. Programs prepare students to become researchers who develop theoretical research and educational practices.
Is the DSW Program accredited through the Council on Social Work Education?
Currently, DSW and Ph.D. programs are not accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). In June of 2020, CSWE approved accreditation standards for the DSW degree which is currently being piloted. The Kent School of Social Work and Family Science DSW program has adopted CSWE’s Accreditation Standards for Professional Practice Doctoral Programs in Social Work. For information about the standards and the current pilot study, please visit the Council on Social Work Education Website.
Is the DSW degree eligible for licensure?
After completing a MSW/MSSW or DSW degree from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), graduates are eligible to apply for licensure as a Certified Social Worker (CSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Kentucky. The University has not determined whether the DSW program meets the educational requirements for certification or licensure outside the state of Kentucky. Applicants are highly encouraged to check with the professional licensing authority in the state where they plan to practice to determine if our DSW program meets the educational requirements for that state.
I was accepted! What now?
What type of resources is available to students to support them through the program?
Students are provided a complimentary subscription to Grammarly, access to Library Services for Distance Education and Online Courses, and the university’s Virtual Writing Center. Students are also assigned faculty mentors who provide support guidance through the program. And finally, there is student support for Blackboard, the learning Management system used for online courses, and assistance for technology issues. Monthly seminar sessions and student support meetings are held along with professional development activities through the university’s Graduate School and the DSW Program.
How much is tuition?
Tuition is $752 per credit hour. Individuals on active duty in the military, Coast Guard, and qualifying members of the Reserves and National Guard may be eligible for a tuition rate of $250 per credit hour.
Is there financial assistance?
There are currently no scholarship or assistant opportunities for D.S.W. students. Students work with the Financial Aid Office on applying for student loans or devise payment plans.
I have finished my coursework. What now?
What is the capstone project?
Students complete the capstone project in the final year of the program. Students work under the guidance of a capstone project committee. Students who elect to complete a capstone project develop and implement a project based on scholarly literature that addresses a substantive issue or concern in leadership or teaching.
What are some examples of capstones students are thinking about completing?
Students develop capstone projects around student interests and leadership opportunities offered in their workplaces.
I am graduating!
What are some types of employment opportunities for someone pursuing a D.S.W. degree?
Individuals with a D.S.W. degree are qualified for the following positions (non-exhaustive list): University faculty or administrator, Policy practitioner, Community advocate, Leader within social service organizations, Consultant, Trainer, etc.
Is the DSW degree eligible for licensure?
After completing a MSW/MSSW or DSW degree from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), graduates are eligible to apply for licensure as a Certified Social Worker (CSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Kentucky. The University has not determined whether the DSW program meets the educational requirements for certification or licensure outside the state of Kentucky. Applicants are highly encouraged to check with the professional licensing authority in the state where they plan to practice to determine if our DSW program meets the educational requirements for that state.