Compare online doctorate in social work (DSW) degree programs

Admissions requirements for DSW degree programs

Online DSW programs typically require you to have earned a master of social work from an accredited college or university as well as maintained a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. It is important to note, however, that full admissions requirements vary by school. This can include standardized test scores such as the GRE, which can be waived depending on the institution.

In addition, letters of recommendation, a résumé, work experience, and official transcripts are typically required as part of the application process. Learn about the specific requirements for any online DSW programs in which you are interested by requesting information from the universities, or visit their admissions pages to learn more.

Doctor of social work curriculum

Doctor of social work curricula vary depending on the program, university, and specialization or concentrations that are offered. Generally speaking, DSW curricula cover a range of social work subjects that include clinical practice and theory, social justice, ethics, and social work research.

Depending on the program, doctor of social work curricula could also include some form of dissertation, residency, or capstone projects. This involves learners getting hands-on experience applying their studies to social work projects and subjects that matter to them. Online DSW programs may cover subjects like:

• Clinical practice

• Data-based social work analysis

• Ethics of social work

• Executive leadership and social work

• Inclusive learning environments

• Innovation in social work

• Research and practice

• Social justice and diversity

• Social work policy

What can you do with a doctorate in social work?

With a doctorate in social work, you can pursue a wide range of opportunities across fields in healthcare, mental health, education, hospice and elderly care, child development, consulting, and addiction treatment. Licensed social work professionals typically earn their doctorate in social work in order to advance into leadership positions in social work agencies, or to stay up to date on the latest trends and methodologies in the field.

Careers in social work can include:

• Social work educator

• Social work manager or executive

• Social work policy professional

• Social work researcher

Doctor of social work salary

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2021 annual median pay for social workers was $50,390.^{Footnote 1} It is important to note that doctorate in social work graduates also have the opportunity to pursue leadership positions within the field which could provide higher salaries more typical of management positions — with the highest 10 percent of social work professionals earning more than $82,840 in 2021.^{Footnote 1}

What’s the difference between a doctorate in social work and a PhD in social work?

While both degrees require significant time commitment, academic challenge, and prepare learners for a wide range of professions in the social work field, there are a variety of differences between a doctorate in social work and a PhD in social work.

An online DSW program is designed so that learners can directly apply what they cover in class to their everyday roles working with clients. They could be applying these new skills in private or public clinical settings, consulting and training fields, or conflict resolution roles. This means that graduates with a doctorate in social work are typically involved in more hands-on social work settings in comparison to PhD-holding social work professionals.

In comparison to a doctorate in social work, a PhD program emphasizes the research and analysis aspect of social work. That means that PhD candidates focus primarily on the more theoretical components and broader-scope issues of the social work field — and may even complete their degree without ever directly applying those theories or skills in a social work setting.