Discover the Best Online DSW Programs
DSW programs online give social work professionals the chance to earn a terminal degree in a flexible and affordable setting. Review today’s best online DSW programs and find the one for you.
Earning an online doctor of social work (DSW) signals to employers that you’re at the top of the field. It also opens up many career opportunities in high-level roles. Because so much hinges on earning this degree, it’s important that you find the best one for your interests and needs. Whether you’re looking for a program offering the best tuition rates, the most flexibility, or top-tier accreditation, you can rest assured knowing the schools featured in this guide provide all of these important qualities. You can also find detailed information on admission requirements, common classes, licensure requirements, and available jobs. Launch your search by delving into our list of top programs.
Simmons University
Boston, Massachusetts
Private
University of Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky
Public
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Public
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California
Private
Barry University
Miami, Florida
Private
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennessee
Public
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Private
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, Louisiana
Private
FAQs About Online DSW Programs
If you’re going to spend several years working towards a doctor of social work, it’s worth it to do your research on the frontend to ensure you pick the best option for you. The next few sections break down the individual components of these programs to help you make an informed decision.
What will I learn in an online DSW program?
Because every online doctor of social work program is different, learning outcomes will differ at each school. This is especially true if you pick a program that offers several specializations. That being said, many should share core tenets, courses, and topics. Some of these include clinical practice, research methods, leadership, and counseling. A few of the key skills you can expect to gain by the time you graduate are highlighted in this section.
- Possess a thoughtful and advanced understanding of the history of social work, with emphasis on how the field has evolved and changed over the years.
- An awareness of current issues and trends within social work, including additional efforts to effectively reach and serve minority populations and to champion a more diverse social work working population.
- The ability to harness the many social work frameworks and methodologies to successfully deliver clinical services across the lifespan.
- An appreciation for emerging scholarship and a dedication to lifelong learning that can continually update and inform how you practice.
- The ability to harness leadership and managerial skills to oversee social workers and other staff and ensure all legal and ethical guidelines are followed.
Courses in Doctorate-Level Social Work
Specializing when earning your doctorate in social work online
It’s no secret that social work is a large, expansive field. Because of this, many colleges and universities offer specializations to help students focus their studies and build knowledge in a particular area of the discipline. The following list isn’t comprehensive by any means but can help you start to figure out which specialization is right for you.
How long does it take to finish an online DSW?
The length of time needed to graduate from an online DSW varies by student and institution. Many degree seekers graduate within three years if enrolled on a full-time basis. If taking a part-time approach, you may need up to five years to finish all requirements. Some schools now offer accelerated paths that can be done in as few as 1.5 – 2 years. Outside of scheduling, other factors affecting the timeline include how long it takes you to complete residency requirements and turn in a capstone project and/or dissertation.
Can I get into an online DSW program?
Admission mandates for online DSW programs are set by individual schools, making it important for you to review the specific requirements of each school under consideration. Some common components of the application process include:
Can I get into an online DSW program?
Admission mandates for online DSW programs are set by individual schools, making it important for you to review the specific requirements of each school under consideration. Some common components of the application process include:
- Master’s degree in social work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and/or a regionally accredited institution
- Minimum GPA (usually between 2.5-3.0)
- Statement of purpose
- Curriculum vitae
- Academic and professional letters of reference
- Work experience
- GRE/GMAT scores
- Application fee
Some programs may also require applicants to hold an active and unencumbered social work license to start a program. Applicants who come from an unrelated academic background may need to complete several prerequisites.
How much does an online doctorate in social work cost?
The cost of an online doctorate in social work can differ substantially based on factors such as the type of school attended (public vs. private), how long you remain enrolled, whether you previously completed credits, and whether you secured any funding. The list of schools below can provide you with an idea of what to expect, but you should look at the expected tuition and available funding options for each school you consider.
Paying for Your Online DSW Program
Doctor of social work online programs can cost nearly six figures without funding, making it very important for students to apply for scholarships, grants, and other types of financial aid before and during the program. If you’re not sure about all the funding sources available, we’ve got you covered.
Learn how to get financial aid for your Doctor of Social Work degree.
Accreditation for the DSW
The online DSW you choose should hold both institutional and programmatic accredited. Institutional accreditation comes in both national and regional forms, with the latter seen as the more desirable due to the rigorous process schools must go through.
When looking at programmatic accreditation, you should find a degree accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. By ensuring any program you pick has both, you can rest assured knowing the school adequately supports and prepares learners while the degree meets specific industry standards. Failing to attend an accredited program can lead to issues transferring credits, receiving licensure, and competing for jobs against candidates from accredited degrees.
What’s After Your DSW Online?
After putting in years of work to earn your doctor of social work online, it’s important to consider next steps and make a plan based on your professional opportunities. Requirements around licensure and/or certification vary based on the type of job you wish to pursue, as does salary. Read on to learn more.
Do I need licensure if I have an online DSW?
All social workers hoping to practice on the clinical side of the field must hold licensure, regardless of where they live. Some states also require nonclinical social workers to seek certification before starting their work. The exception to this rule is social workers functioning in academic and/or research positions.
License requirements vary by state, making it important that you check with the Association of Social Work Boards to learn about the steps specific to your area. While not always required, seeking out specialized social work certification can also help you demonstrate mastery of a niche or advanced social work topic, stand out from job competition, and ask for higher wages.
What can I do with a doctorate in social work?
Graduates of online doctor of social work programs can choose from several different career paths. Some may want to use their advanced knowledge to continue working in the field in a leadership position, either in a clinical or administrative capacity. Some may decide to use their advanced understanding of the field to conduct research and move the discipline forward. Still others may decide they want to help educate the next generation of social workers. These professionals can find meaningful work in colleges and universities across the country. Jobs for social workers are expected to grow in the coming years, making it a great time to enter the field.
How much can I make with an online DSW?
While few people enter the field of social work determined to make large salaries, earning a doctor of social work online can help you earn more than your peers. As the table below demonstrates, jobs can be found in a variety of professional settings depending on your unique interests and career goals.
| Career | Median National Annual Salary (2019) | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Worker | $50,470 | $31,790 | $82,540 |
| Postsecondary Teacher | $79,540 | $40,480 | $174,960 |
| Marriage and Family Therapist | $49,610 | $32,070 | $87,700 |
Going Beyond the DSW
After reading so much about the ins and outs of an online doctor of social work program, your feelings about the degree have likely either been confirmed or you are questioning if a related program may better serve your needs. If the latter is true, know that many similar yet subtly different paths exist that can help you get closer to your goal.
Related Degrees
While DSW online programs typically lead graduates to work in professional, administrative, and/or clinical roles, an online PhD in social work is best suited to students who want to work in research and/or academic positions. These programs usually take five to seven years to complete.
Online PsyD in Counseling Psychology
DSW and PsyD in counseling psychology share much in common and both help students build the skills and knowledge needed to offer therapeutic services to their clients. If you’re interested in learning more about the psychological side of things, this could be a great fit. Most online PsyD programs take three years to complete.
An online PhD in counseling makes it possible for graduates to work in professional, academic, or research-based roles. Courses emphasized include counseling assessment and testing, counseling psychology research methods, and group counseling theories. Most programs require between five to seven years of study.
