Online DSW Program Highlights
- Experience the advantage of earning your degree from an R1 research institution.
- Gain hands-on experience by completing a teaching practicum as well as a leadership practicum.
- Complete your DSW in as little as 3 years (or 8 semesters).
- Set yourself up for a successful career—according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Social worker employment is expected to grow 16% between 2016 and 2026.
- Take advantage of the flexibility and convenience of 100% online classes and 24/7 access to learning tools as well as synchronous and asynchronous courses.
- Learn from world-class, experienced Kent School faculty and build influential connections with your peers through small cohorts.
- Complete—and defend—an original capstone project created under the supervision of a faculty mentor and 3 other faculty members.
"This program transforms experienced professionals into scholars, teachers and organizational leaders positively impacting vulnerable and marginalized populations."
John W. Miller Jr., PhD
DEAN
RAYMOND A. KENT SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK AND FAMILY SCIENCE
The Raymond A. Kent School of Social Work and Family Science
Founded in 1936, the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science prepares students to work in a society with complex social problems and needs. Rapidly becoming one of the top research social work programs in the country, the Kent School is able to provide current research information in the preparation of its students for work with individuals, families and communities. Learn more about the Kent School here.
Online DSW Outcomes
What Can You do with a DSW?
The essential knowledge, skills and credentials earned from a DSW equips you to advance your career and succeed as a social work postsecondary educator and/or leader. In the community, DSW degrees prepare individuals for leadership roles in human service and non-profit organizations, policy and advocacy positions, and community activism. In practice roles, DSW degrees prepare individuals for advanced social work positions in private practice and consulting and training. In academia, a DSW degree can prepare you for roles as faculty members and administrators.
The 2019-2029 occupational outlook for postsecondary social work educators is expected to grow 9% nationwide, which is faster than the average national occupation growth rate and have a median annual salary of $80,790 (bls.gov).
Other career opportunities available to Doctor of Social Work graduates include:
- University faculty or administrator
- Policy practitioner
- Leader within social service organizations
- Consultant
What is the Difference Between a DSW and a PhD in Social Work?
The DSW is ideal for someone who wants to be an educator or take on a leadership position in a social service organization or within higher education. On the other hand, a PhD in social work will help students hone their research skills and prepare for conducting research while teaching at a college or university.
While you can become a faculty member with either degree, a DSW prepares you to become part of the education faculty with a central focus on teaching and service as opposed to research.
START YOUR APPLICATION
REQUEST INFORMATION
Online DSW Application Deadlines
Preferred Application Deadline |
Term |
Start Date |
February 1 |
Fall |
August |
How to Apply for the Online Doctor of Social Work
- Start your application for graduate admission
- Submit $65 non-refundable application fee
- Upload required materials* (See Application Checklist here)
- Request official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and
universities. Transcripts are only accepted directly from the institution(s) by
email: gradadm@louisville.edu (recommended) or mail: University of
Louisville, Graduate School, 2211 S. Brook St., Louisville, KY 40292.
- Create a financial plan
REQUEST INFORMATIONOnline Doctor of Social Work Admissions Requirements and Materials
To be considered for admission, applicants must have:
- a master's degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program or
international equivalent
- a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (note: applicants with a
master's GPA of below 3.0 showing potential for success as demonstrated in
their other submitted application materials and/or in the interview for
admission into the Doctor of Social Work program will be given consideration
for admission)
- three years of post-master's social work experience
- an interview after review of submitted application materials
*Required application packet materials are provided in the DSW Application Checklist to help you review requirements, keep track of the documentation you have and identify the documentation you still need to obtain.
*Your Application Portal:
Once you have started the graduate application, you can check the status and
review any additional checklist to-do items. Log in to your application using the
email address you used to apply for admission and your password. Your checklist
items may include additional materials or documentation that facilitate a smooth
admissions process. You will also have access to important contact information and
next steps after an admissions decision is made.
Online DSW Courses
The online DSW is a 44 credit hour program. Fall and Spring courses are eight weeks. Summer courses are six weeks. Students complete both a teaching practicum and leadership practicum as part of their coursework. All students must pass a qualifying assessment before proceeding to the capstone project (6 credit hours) that is completed in the third year of the program. Practicums occur across all semesters.
Term |
Course List |
Hours |
Fall |
DSW 700: Social Service Leadership and Teaching & Learning: History, Philosophy & Current Practice |
3 |
DSW 701: Ethics, Equity, and Social Justice: Theory and Practice |
3 |
Spring |
DSW 702: Implementation Science, Program Development, & Administration |
3 |
DSW 703: Continuous Quality Improvement, Data Driven Decision-Making and Evidence Based Practice & Manage |
3 |
Summer |
DSW 704: Research Methods |
3 |
DSW 705: Program Evaluation |
3 |
Fall |
DSW 706: Applied Social Service Leadership, Management & Practice |
4 |
DSW 707: Program Planning, Finance, & Budgets |
3 |
Spring |
DSW 708: Social Work Teaching & Learning: Theories, Methods & Assessment |
4 |
DSW 709: Teaching in Social Work: Course Design, Instruction & Evaluation |
3 |
Summer |
DSW 710: Policy Analysis & Advocacy: Contemporary Issues |
3 |
DSW 711: Integrative Seminar & Qualifying Assessment |
3 |
Fall |
DSW 712: Capstone Project I |
3 |
Spring |
DSW 713: Capstone Project II |
3 |
DOCT 600: Doctoral Candidacy |
0 |
|
Minimum Required Credit Hours |
44 |
Online DSW Practicum Experiences
Students complete two practicum experiences. In the fall semester of the second year, students complete a leadership practicum concurrently with Applied Social Service Leadership, Management & Practice. In the spring semester of the second year, students complete a teaching practicum concurrently with Social Work Teaching & Learning: Theories, Methods & Assessment.
Synchronous Learning in the Online DSW
Work in online learning is asynchronous or synchonrous. With asynchonrous coursework, the instructor as well as the students in the course, engage with the course content at different times. Synchronous learning, a modality often enjoyed by students, more closely resembles the traditional classroom and requires students and the instructor to be in the same place at the same time.
While work in all DSW classes is primarily asynchronous, each course meets twice during the semester. All synchronous class meetings are held on Wednesday evenings.
Online DSW Course Descriptions
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I am thinking of applying
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Is there a dissertation required?
There is no dissertation. However, students have the option of conducting a capstone project.
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What do the classes cover?
The classes provide 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.
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How long does the degree take to finish?
The DSW takes 3 years to complete. Students take one course at a time continuously across Fall, Spring and Summer semesters.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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How large are the cohorts?
There are 20 students in each cohort.
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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.
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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.
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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 conducted 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.
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How is the DSW degree different from the PhD degree?
DSW programs can prepares students to become scholar-practitioners in advanced social work practice and leaders in human service and educational institutions. PhD programs prepare students to become researchers who develop theoretical research and educational practices.
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Is the DSW Program accredited through the Council on Social Work Education?
Currently, DSW and PhD 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.
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I was accepted! What now?
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I have finished my coursework. What now?
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I am graduating!
Online DSW Success Team
Online DSW Featured Faculty