Online Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) Programs 2025
An online DSW program can help you land a leadership or teaching position without sacrificing your career.
At BestColleges.com, we believe in providing accurate and actionable information for students. Our writers, editors, and reporters are constantly asking themselves the question, "What information is vital to students right now?" Answering this question is what drives us. Our mission is to inform students through straightforward, factual content informed by the latest data and trends.
The freelance Integrity Network at BestColleges is comprised of seasoned professionals who bring their expertise to almost every subject relevant to college students, including admissions, college majors, financial aid, and student mental health. Network members review and author content, pulling from their first-hand industry experience and ensuring content is as accurate and up-to-date as possible.
If you're interested in joining our Integrity Network, contact us at media@bestcolleges.com. Integrity Network members typically have a graduate or terminal degree and several years of relevant professional experience.
Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.
3,700+ Nonprofit, accredited colleges analyzed
6,000+ Users connected with programs every month
300+ College and university partners
40+ Expert reviewers
Learn more about our Editorial Policy and Standards and Advertising Disclosure.
2025At a Glance: BestColleges’ Top Online DSW Programs
- #1: The University of Alabama — UA’s online doctorate of social work (DSW) program lets students turn their social work jobs into learning labs, giving what they learn in class real-world applications.
- #2: University at Buffalo — Online students in UB’s DSW program use virtual reality to build a social work network and collaborate globally.
- #3: University of Kentucky — UK Online’s DSW includes five concentrations, allowing you to tailor your studies to the specific social services field you plan to pursue.
If you’ve got years of social work experience under your belt and want to become a leader in the field, a doctor of social work (DSW) degree might be right for you.
DSW programs are picking up steam nationally. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) concluded its accreditation pilot of DSW programs in 2025, accrediting three doctoral programs, and more could soon be evaluated for their quality and value for students.
A DSW requires both time and money, and it isn’t required to for a successful career in social work. But if you want to pursue a terminal degree focused on applied research and leadership, a DSW can help you take that leap.
Top Online DSW Programs
We use trusted sources like Peterson’s Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
The University of Alabama
$11,100
Grad Tuition,
In-State
$31,460
Grad Tuition,
Out-of-State
$11,100
Undergrad Tuition,
In-State
$32,400
Undergrad Tuition,
Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate: 45%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Online Enrollment: 42%
- Institution Type: Public
Why UA Online Made Our List
UA’s DSW program combines a strong core of theory and research with concentration tracks in organizational leadership and advanced clinical practice. We like the program’s practical focus: Most courses require students to apply academic content in real-world settings. As such, applicants must secure paid or volunteer social work employment for the duration of the program.
Why Attend UA Online
- Two Specializations: You can choose between organizational leadership and advanced clinical practice concentrations to tailor your program to your career goals.
- Policy Training in D.C.: Online social work students can attend a two-day policy education training with experts from the National Association of Social Workers, the Council on Social Work Education, and many others in Washington, D.C.
- Tuition per Credit Hour: UA’s DSW has a flat $480-per-credit-hour rate for in-state and out-of-state students.
Know Before You Go
- In-Person Class Times: You’ll be required to be on campus 4-5 days every summer for residencies and capstone presentations. You’ll also need to work or volunteer in a professional setting for required hours.
- In-Person Orientation: You’ll be required to attend a one-day, on-campus orientation.
- MSW and Experience Requirements: You’re required to have a master of social work (MSW) degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). You also must have at least three years of post-MSW experience to enter the program.
University at Buffalo
$11,310
Grad Tuition,
In-State
$23,100
Grad Tuition,
Out-of-State
$7,070
Undergrad Tuition,
In-State
$26,860
Undergrad Tuition,
Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate: 32%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Online Enrollment: 44%
- Institution Type: Public
Why UB Made Our List
UB’s online DSW degree focuses specifically on social welfare by integrating perspectives from the trauma-informed human rights (TI-HR) context. The TI-HR viewpoint examines how personal and societal traumas can result in human rights violations and other injustices. You’ll also use virtual reality to meet others and use it for socially isolated older adults in the community.
Why Attend UB Online
- Virtual Reality Collaboration: In this program, you’ll use virtual reality to communicate and collaborate with others globally.
- Four-Semester Capstone Project: You’ll independently identify and pursue a problem within the population of clients, practitioners, or even volunteers.
- Part-Time Program: The program is part time and fully online so you can learn from home.
Know Before You Go
- Synchronous and Asynchronous Classes: The program’s classes have a mix of live video sessions you must attend at a specific time and asynchronous lessons and coursework you can complete any time within a deadline.
- MSW Requirement: You’ll need an MSW degree to apply for this program.
- Higher Tuition per Credit Hour: New York residents will pay $800 per credit hour and out-of-state/international students will pay $1,092 excluding fees. You’ll also need to pay for a virtual reality headset, which is around $300-$400.
University of Kentucky
$12,583
Grad Tuition,
In-State
$32,896
Grad Tuition,
Out-of-State
$11,496
Undergrad Tuition,
In-State
$30,913
Undergrad Tuition,
Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Online Enrollment: 43%
- Institution Type: Public
Why UK Online Made Our List
UK Online’s DSW program prepares students for advanced-practice social work careers involving specialized and vulnerable population groups. Learners can pursue concentrations in social work education, military behavioral health, clinical social work, and administrative leadership. The program provides balanced coverage of policy analysis, research methods, and specialized social work practices.
Why Attend UK Online
- Five Concentrations: Choose from administrative leadership, clinical, military behavioral health, social work education, and sports social work.
- No Test Scores Required: You won’t be required to submit any standardized test scores.
- Flat-Rate Tuition and Tuition Cap: You won’t need to pay extra tuition if you’re out of state. Also, even if you take over nine credit hours, you only pay for nine credit hours.
Know Before You Go
- MSW and Experience Requirements: You’re required to have an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program and have at least two years of post-MSW experience to enter the program.
- Online Synchronous Residency Week: You will be required to have one residency week during the summer where classes will be taught synchronously.
University of Louisville
$13,944
Grad Tuition,
In-State
$28,906
Grad Tuition,
Out-of-State
$12,336
Undergrad Tuition,
In-State
$28,680
Undergrad Tuition,
Out-of-State
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Online Enrollment: 55%
- Institution Type: Public
Why Louisville Online Made Our List
The University of Louisville’s online DSW program covers program quality control and evaluation techniques, research methods, policy analysis, and evidence-based professional practice. Students can build culturally sensitive, equity-focused leadership and administration skills in both the virtual classroom and applied settings.
Why Attend Louisville Online
- R1 Research Institution: Louisville is an R1 institution, meaning it has the highest classification of research activity at a university.
- Two Focus Areas: The DSW program has two focus areas — teaching and leadership — to prepare students for roles as faculty and administrators in social work programs and organizational leaders in social services organizations.
- Active-Duty Tuition Rate: If you’re an active-duty student, you’ll pay $250 per credit hour. Otherwise, it’s $830.
Know Before You Go
- MSW and Experience Requirements: You’re required to have an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program and have at least three years of post-MSW experience to enter the program.
- Mix of Synchronous and Asynchronous Sessions: You’ll have both live and asynchronous courses, so you’ll be required to log on at specific times.
Why You Should Get a Doctorate in Social Work
- Learn leadership skills: DSW programs focus on leading in the field of social work and often include instruction in management.
- Conduct research in the field: A DSW emphasizes applying research and theories to the field.
- Break into teaching and administration: A terminal degree can prepare you to become a professor or lead an organization.
- Network with fellow students: DSW programs tend to be cohort-based, meaning you’ll have a chance to work with other students.
Benefits of Getting a Doctorate in Social Work Online
- Out of more than 100 online psychology, education, and social sciences students and graduates we surveyed for the BestColleges Annual Online Trends Report, 100% say they would recommend online education to others.
- 85% of those students said an online learning environment was equal to or better than learning on campus.
- Online DSW programs focus on flexibility for working professionals.
- Some programs include asynchronous formats, allowing you to work toward your degree around your schedule.
How to Choose the Best DSW Program for You
A DSW degree is a major commitment in terms of time and money. Make sure you select a reputable program that’s right for you.
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) does not currently accredit DSW programs, but a pilot accreditation program will conclude this year.
How Much Does an Online Doctorate in Social Work Cost?
Online Doctoral Degrees, 2019-2020
Avg. Tuition & Fees
$12,491
Avg. Net Price
$11,373
Source: NCES PowerStats
The average tuition and fees for a social work doctoral degree was $15,738 per year as of 2019-2020, according to the NCES. On average, a DSW takes three years to complete, which means a typical program might cost upwards of $47,000 total.
Make sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which can help you land federal loans during your terminal degree program.
Find Financial Aid for Your Social Work Degree
How Long Does It Take to Get a Doctorate in Social Work?
Typical # of Credits
42 Credits
Typical Program Length
3 Years
A doctor of social work (DSW) program typically comprises three years, or around 40 credits, but that figure can vary significantly based on program format. Self-paced programs might allow you to work toward your degree faster, but might also take longer depending on your work and personal schedule.
Some online DSW programs also come in an accelerated format. Simmons University, for instance, offers a DSW that can be completed in less than two years.
Social Work Degree Application Requirements
Undergraduate and graduate transcripts- Letters of recommendation or professional references
- Resume
- Personal statement or essay
- Some programs require proof of social work licensure
Accreditation for Social Work Programs
Attending a DSW program from an accredited university is a way to ensure you’re being taught relevant skills. The CSWE, the main programmatic accreditor for social work programs, doesn’t currently accredit DSW programs, but that might be changing soon. The CSWE is currently wrapping up an accreditation pilot program for DSW programs.
The CSWE notes that “it will be quite some time before accreditation of these programs is the norm.”
What Can You Do With a Doctorate in Social Work?
Adding a DSW on top of your work experience can open up doors outside of traditional social work.
You could land a leadership role as a social or community services manager, an occupation that the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says will grow faster than average over the next decade. You could also opt to take a teaching route and become a college professor, another career path set to grow rapidly.
If you’re still weighing how to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), keep in mind that you don’t need a DSW to work in the field. A master of social work (MSW) is usually built to help you get clinical hours required for licensure.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mental Health Counselor | $59,190 | Works with people in areas like mental health and substance use |
| Marriage and Family Therapist | $63,780 | Diagnoses and treats mental and emotional disorders and helps couples and families address them |
| Postsecondary Teacher | $83,980 | Teaches in a college setting, including as an adjunct or faculty member |
| Social and Community Service Manager | $78,240 | Leads organizations that provide public support programs |
Source: BLS
Is a Doctorate in Social Work Worth It?
If you want to become a college professor, researcher, or administrator within the social work field, a DSW can help boost your resume and set you on that path.
It’s important to note that you don’t need a DSW to become a social worker. A master of social work is usually enough to help you earn licensure and kick off your career in the field, whether you work in a clinical setting or elsewhere.
Most DSW programs are geared toward professionals with at least a few years of experience in social work. If you’re new to social work, it’s probably better to get some experience in the field and pursue a doctorate when you’re ready.
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Work
Yes, clinical social workers can act as therapists. Licensed clinical social workers, or LCSWs, are trained to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders.
Explore More College Resources
Expert Q&A: Getting to Know a Social Worker
What does a licensed clinical social worker actually do? Learn what the field of social work entails in this candid interview with a private-practice LCSW.
Updated September 7, 2023
Can You Live Comfortably as a Social Worker?
Social work has a reputation for being low paying. But in most states, a career in the field pays enough to get by.
Updated August 11, 2023
Becoming a Mental Health Social Worker
Learn how to become a mental health social worker. Our guide covers their responsibilities, salaries and job opportunities.
Updated June 20, 2024
Other Social Work Resources
Social Work
programs
careers