What to Look For in Doctor of Social Work Programs
Explore and compare a list of accredited schools to enroll in your next program.
Earning a doctorate in social work (DSW) can open up many career options. A doctorate lets you pursue leadership and administrative roles in education, research, and policy. Earning a doctorate also pays off. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers with a doctorate have the least unemployment and earn the highest salaries.
This guide explains what to look for in a DSW program, lists the best doctorates in social work, and gives you the information you need to find a program and apply.
Popular Online Social Work Doctoral Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What to Expect in a Doctor of Social Work Program
An increasing number of social workers are choosing to earn a doctorate in social work. If you have a passion for scholarly research, you might consider a Ph.D. program. However, if you want to move into supervisory roles or positions as clinical social work educators, a DSW may be the better choice. According to the National Association of Social Workers, social workers with a doctoral degree earned $20,000-$25,000 more than those with a master of social work (MSW) degree.
A DSW takes 2-4 years to complete and includes coursework and a capstone. During the capstone, students conduct research and/or complete a project that addresses contemporary social work problems and interventions
A Ph.D. requires 4-6 years of coursework and independent research, culminating in a dissertation. Most doctorates in social work do not require field placements although you might participate in a supervised internship or on-site practicum related to your dissertation or capstone project. The practicum provides an opportunity to apply theoretical learning to real-world social work settings.
Doctor of Social Work Programs: Key Things to Consider
Accreditation
Accreditation ensures a social work school has completed a rigorous peer-review process. You must graduate from a social work school with Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation to be eligible for a social work license. However, the CSWE does not currently accredit doctoral programs in social work.
Cost
Students should consider the total cost of fees and tuition, along with how financial aid can lower the overall cost of school. Factors affecting cost include the school’s public vs. private status, eligibility for in-state tuition and fees, and whether you can work while studying.
Financial Aid
Students should research financial aid such as grants, scholarships, and loans. This funding may come directly from your school or external sources like the government and independent organizations. Graduate scholarships may include teaching assistantships that require the recipient to assist faculty with research or teaching. University fellowships, meanwhile, are scholarships that cover tuition costs and provide a yearly stipend for housing and living expenses. You may qualify for government loan forgiveness if you work as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in an underserved area after graduation.
Admission Requirements
Finally, consider the admission requirements when evaluating doctorate in social work programs. Many programs require a minimum 3.0 GPA and 2-3 years of social work practice experience after graduating with an MSW. The school’s admissions website outlines the application process and may provide invaluable information such as doctorate of social work program outcomes, tuition costs, and contact information.
Doctor of Social Work Degree Programs
Florida International University
Miami, FL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,168
- Out-of-state$18,566
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate59%
- Students Enrolled54,085
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
Florida State University
- Tallahassee, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,616
- Out-of-state$18,746
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate25%
- Students Enrolled43,234
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment60%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Texas at Austin
- Austin, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,678
- Out-of-state$41,070
- Retention Rate96%
- Acceptance Rate29%
- Students Enrolled53,082
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
University of California-Berkeley
- Berkeley, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$12,522
- Out-of-state$45,096
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate12%
- Students Enrolled46,128
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment21%
- AccreditationYes
University of California-Los Angeles
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$12,522
- Out-of-state$45,096
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate9%
- Students Enrolled48,046
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment12%
- AccreditationYes
University of Chicago
- Chicago, IL
- 4 year
- Campus
- In-State$61,179
- Out-of-state$61,179
- Retention Rate99%
- Acceptance Rate5%
- Students Enrolled15,763
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment0%
- AccreditationYes
University of Georgia
- Athens, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,790
- Out-of-state$28,830
- Retention Rate95%
- Acceptance Rate37%
- Students Enrolled41,615
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment20%
- AccreditationYes
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Chapel Hill, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,020
- Out-of-state$37,360
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate19%
- Students Enrolled32,496
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment25%
- AccreditationYes
University of South Florida
- Tampa, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,647
- Out-of-state$11,963
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate41%
- Students Enrolled48,566
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
University of Washington-Seattle Campus
- Seattle, WA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,189
- Out-of-state$39,687
- Retention Rate95%
- Acceptance Rate43%
- Students Enrolled55,230
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment19%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
At SocialWorkGuide.org, we use a student-oriented methodology to evaluate and rank social work programs. Using datasets from sources including the U.S. Department of Education, our objective approach focuses on academic quality, affordability, school reputation, and program appeal.
As part of our process, we focus on important and relevant information for social work students searching for their ideal programs. This ranking is from 2023. To learn more, read about our rankings methodology.
Doctor of Social Work Degree Programs: The Nuts and Bolts
Coursework
A doctoral degree in social work prepares you for leadership roles as a clinical practitioner, researcher, or professor. Some programs have specialties such as advanced practice, clinical social work, or social policy and administration, while others offer a more general approach. Courses generally cover research methods, theory and practice of social change, program and agency administration, and behavioral science.
Program Length
Most doctorates in social work cover approximately 40-60 credits in about 3-5 years of full-time study. Some online DSW programs use a cohort model and require a three-year commitment.
Field Placement
You may need to complete a field placement depending on the program. Some programs do not include formal placements but may require dissertation projects based on original field research.
What Can You Do With a Doctorate in Social Work?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for social workers at all degree levels was $58,380 in 2023. But the link between education level and earnings is clear: higher education tends to equal higher pay.
National Association of Social Workers (NASW) data shows that social workers with a doctoral degree earned $20,000-$25,000 more per year than those who hold an MSW. Factors such as your professional role, employer, and location will impact how much you earn.
Some examples of careers that can be a good fit for DSW-trained social workers include:
Research Director
These directors research various social work interventions and the likely effects of proposed policies. They may work for research institutions, nonprofits, or government agencies. This role requires expertise in data modeling, statistics, and other analysis tools.
Average Salary (July 2024):$114,609
Professor of Social Work
These educators teach in colleges and universities. Typically, they conduct research and publish their findings, with most employers expecting a strong research background and publication record.
Average Salary (September 2024):$93,162
Program Developer
A program development expert with a doctorate in clinical social work or social work administration can design and implement programs that address specific social issues within communities.
Average Salary (September 2023):$79,145
Social Work Supervisor
These supervisors lead social workers, staff, and social work programs within organizations. They delegate responsibilities, assign cases to the team, approve treatment, and may take on some of the most complex cases.
Average Salary (July 2024):$66,927
Learn more about social worker careers in our comprehensive career guide.
Frequently Asked Questions about Doctor of Social Work Degree Program
What are the benefits of a doctorate in social work?
A doctorate in social work is a terminal degree that prepares you for social work roles such as advanced practitioner, administrator, researcher, and professor. A DSW-holder’s original research contributes to the field’s body of knowledge. As leaders they can make system-wide changes and oversee community and governmental agencies.
What is the difference between a Ph.D. in social work and a doctor of social work degree?
A Ph.D. in social work generally focuses on research and analysis, while a DSW applies evidence-based practice in real-world contexts. Both degrees provide graduates with a full grounding in research methods.
Does a Ph.D. pay more than a master’s?
According to the NASW, workers with doctorates in social work make approximately $20,000-$25,000 more than individuals with MSWs. However, geographic location may play a role since the organizations that hire doctorates tend to be in areas with higher cost of living.
What do people do with a Ph.D. in social work?
People with doctorates in social work often lead departments of social workers, become professors, or perform research for government agencies or nonprofit organizations. Individuals with Ph.D. degrees are more likely to work in higher education or nonprofit think tanks.
