Best Online Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) Programs
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- Social workers who want to advance their careers or contribute to research can benefit from a doctoral degree.
- The average social worker's salary with a doctorate is about $76K a year.
- The high cost of graduate school may not justify earning a Ph.D. for many prospective students — but getting your degree online can lower costs.
If you're a seasoned social worker, you've already devoted your career to helping others. But you may have also wondered how you could do even more — and whether a doctorate in social work would help.
We'll be honest — a doctorate in social work is a lot of … work. But for folks who don't mind some heavy academic lifting and who want a shot at the most advanced clinical practice and research positions, an online DSW may be a good choice.
Here's how to make sure it's a good choice for you:
- Explore this page to determine whether this path is the right choice for you.
- Check out the top-ranked online doctorate in social work programs, as well as our sponsored programs.
- Request more information from schools you're interested in to find the best fit for you.
What Can You Do With a Doctoral Degree in Social Work?
With a doctorate in social work, you can pursue several in-demand healthcare careers. If you're looking to specialize, most programs offer tracks in specific areas, such as social work education, advanced clinical practice, or social work leadership.
Similarly, you may concentrate in areas such as child and school social work or mental health. DSW programs also tend to feature more advanced clinical internships than Ph.D. programs.
Featured Online Doctorate in Social Work Programs
What Is the Difference Between a DSW and Ph.D. in Social Work?
Both degrees are doctoral-level programs. Both options can help you advance your career, deepen your knowledge, and widen your impact in the field.
But these degrees do differ somewhat when it comes to program focus, curriculum, and future career paths.
| Aspect | DSW | Ph.D. in Social Work |
|---|---|---|
| Program Emphasis |
|
|
| Program Outcomes | Prepares students to become leaders and administrators. | Prepares students for positions in academia and scholarly research. |
| Career Paths |
|
|
Which Degree Is Best After an MSW?
The answer really depends on your professional goals. If you're devoted to furthering the social work field through teaching and research, then a Ph.D. in social work would be a good choice.
But if you want to become an expert clinician who can handle the most complex cases or step into impactful leadership positions, a DSW would make the most sense.
What Are the Best Online Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) Programs?
How We Selected These Schools
To create our directory list of doctorate in audiology programs, the BestColleges Rankings Team sourced the most recent data available from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Navigator, both of which are hosted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). We identified seven schools that qualify for our alphabetical list based on the following criteria:
- Each school must be an accredited public or private nonprofit institution.
- Each school must offer a doctoral degree program in the given subject.
- Each school must submit an annual report to NCES.
Review our Editorial Policy and Standards to learn more about the standards we uphold.
These rankings were compiled by our
BestColleges Ranking Team
and include
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Baylor University
Waco, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online + One summer week | Scheduled classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $2,285
Out of State | $2,285
Credits to Graduate
10 semesters
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission
Baylor's social work Ph.D. program focuses on integrating religion into the social work profession. Because this is a Ph.D. program, it focuses more heavily on research than some doctor of social work programs.
When admitted, you will receive full funding for up to five years. You must be on campus for five days during your first summer semester and teach during one of your fall terms.
To apply, you must take a statistics exam and earn a B or better within two tries. You must also submit a scholarly writing sample, resume, letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and a $50 application fee. You do not need a master's degree to apply to this program.
Simmons University
Boston, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% online | Scheduled classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,170
Out of State | $1,170
Credits to Graduate
48
Program Information
Program Accreditation | New England Commission on Higher Education
Simmons' doctorate of social work allows graduates to pursue various social work degree paths in and out of academia. The program specializes in three areas of focus: inclusive leadership, advanced clinical practice, and teaching and education. You can complete this program in as little as two years.
Applicants must hold an MSW and have completed three years of post-MSW work experience. The program accepts applications throughout the year, and cohorts begin in September, January, and May.
Spalding University
Louisville, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Hybrid | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $990
Out of State | $990
Credits to Graduate
48
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission
SU's doctor of social work is a hybrid, low-residency program that offers two tracks of study: advanced clinical practice and leadership and administration.
Most classes are held online during the week, but the program does require periodical attendance at Spalding’s Louisville campus on Saturdays. There are no classes during the summer, but you can pursue summer research or publication.
To be considered for admittance, you must have a master of social work degree from an accredited school, a GPA of 3.3 or higher, and a minimum of two post-MSW years of practice experience.
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, TN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Online + One in-person week per summer | Scheduled
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $700
Out of State | $775
Credits to Graduate
48
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission
The doctor of social work program at UT Knoxville focuses on clinical practice and leadership over academia and teaching. This program is a great choice if you want to stay on the professional side of social work. The program requires you to attend one week of on-campus learning each summer for three years.
To apply, you must have a master’s in social work and three years of post-master’s experience. This program is intended for working professionals and has no part-time option.
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, LA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Online classes + one immersion weekend | Scheduled classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,195
Out of State | $1,195
Credits to Graduate
54
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission
Tulane’s doctor of social work online degree program prepares students to become leaders of social change. Classes such as approaches to social welfare and applied social statistics instill the critical thinking skills and knowledge necessary to take on executive-level positions in social work.
Aside from one immersion weekend at Tulane’s New Orleans campus, the program is fully online. To apply, you must have an MSW, a minimum GPA of 3.3 and three or more years of post-master’s social work experience.
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Hybrid (Online classes + campus immersion experiences) | Scheduled classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $6,728 per course unit
Out of State | $6,728 per course unit
Credits to Graduate
12 course units
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Penn’s doctorate in clinical social work specializes in preparing students for teaching. This hybrid program combines two weekly evening courses with periodic campus immersion experiences.
You can complete the program in as little as three years, which can help reduce career disruption. During the last year of the program, you work solely on a dissertation, allowing you the opportunity to become an expert on your subject matter of choice.
To apply, you must hold a master’s degree in social work from an accredited program and have three years of post-MSW practice experience.
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online + Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State |$2,045
Out of State | $2,045
Credits to Graduate
42
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
USC’s online doctorate of social work program focuses on providing practical solutions to large-scale social challenges that primarily impact disadvantaged people, such as the health gap and homelessness. Graduates of the program should be well-suited for management or professional leadership positions. The program offers both a standard and accelerated track.
To apply, you must hold a master’s degree, but it does not necessarily need to be in social work. Having five years of post-master’s professional employment is strongly preferred. USC’s program offers start dates throughout the year.
How Much Does an Online Doctorate in Social Work Degree Cost?
Average Cost of Tuition for a Ph.D. Program Per Year
$16,526
Average Cost of Non-Tuition Related Expenses Per Year
$16,320
Average Total Cost of a Ph.D. Per Year
$32,846
Total Cost of a Ph.D. (4-8 Years)
$131,000-$263,000
How Much Does a Ph.D. Cost?
Look, $130K-$263K for a Ph.D. is a really big financial lift — especially for someone in a career that isn't exactly known for high pay.
This is why we recommend that you consider earning your doctorate online to save time, money, and opportunity costs. You should also apply for every grant, scholarship, or fellowship you can find.
You know what they say: Friends don't let friends pay for doctoral degrees. Many doctoral programs offer multi-year funding packages that cover tuition and provide a stipend, and sometimes even offer healthcare.
But if you're considering picking up the whole tab yourself, you should think really hard about whether the payoff will be worth it.
Is a DSW Worth It?
A doctorate in social work can be worth it for social workers who want to get into advanced clinical practice or an academic career.
You don't need a DSW to become a licensed clinical social worker, but it can help you specialize in practice areas you're most passionate about.
How Much Money Can I Make With a Doctorate in Social Work?
Median annual wage for the top 10% of earners in the social work field
$82,840
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021
Median annual wage for all social work occupations
$50,390
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021
What Jobs Can You Get With a Doctorate in Social Work?
A doctorate in social work is a distinction that can open the door to advanced practice, leadership, and research positions in the field. See options for social work careers below:
Social Work Career Paths
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (may require additional education or certification)
- Postsecondary Teacher
- Community Service Manager
- Public Relations and Fundraising Manager
- Political Scientist
- Professor/Researcher
- Clinical Director
- Policy Analyst
DSW Program Concentrations
At the doctoral level, you'll get to hone in on the area of specialization that you care about the most. Some common specializations include:
- Clinical Practice and Supervision: Develop clinical skills and learn to apply evidence-based practice to complex cases.
- Leadership and Administration: Learn to develop social programs, manage staff, and do high-level advocacy work.
- Education: Prepare for a career as a teacher or researcher.
- Social Justice: Learn to leverage critical approaches to social work practice to address systemic issues.
- Disaster, Crisis, and Intervention: Develop the skills to work in settings like emergency management, community outreach, and mental health counseling.
- Mental Health and Substance Misuse: Prepare to work with individuals and families living with mental health and substance misuse disorders.
CSWE Program Accreditation
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the primary accreditation organization for social work programs in the United States.
It's crucial that you get your DSW from a CSWE-accredited program for a few reasons:
- It ensures that you receive a high-quality education that meets national standards for social work.
- It will make it easier for you to become licensed and practice in your state.
- It signals to employers that you are qualified to work in the field.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Doctorate Degree in Social Work?
It takes between 2-5 years to complete a doctoral degree in social work, depending on your course load, school, and program.
Many DSW programs require you to complete an original research dissertation or capstone project in addition to your coursework.
Required Course Credits
45-60
Field Study Requirements
Yes*
*Depending on your program and specialization
Featured Online Doctorate in Social Work Programs
Everything Else You Need to Know About a Doctorate in Social Work Degree
What courses will I take in a doctorate in social work program?
Coursework varies by program, but most DSW programs will include some version of the following:
- Cultural competence and ethics
- Advanced social work practice
- Advanced research methods in social work
- Human development and behavior
- Trauma-informed care
- Social policy and social justice
- Clinical supervision and leadership
What are the admission requirements for a DSW program?
These requirements may vary, but many doctoral social work programs typically require applications to have the following:
- Master's degree in social work from an accredited program
- Two to three years of experience in the field
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose or personal essay
- Academic transcripts from previous higher education institutions
- Test scores, such as GRE scores
What are the highest-paying jobs with a doctorate in social work?
A doctorate gives you access to various well-paying careers in social work. One of the highest-paying social work careers is a public relations and fundraising manager.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these workers earned a median annual salary of $119,860 in May 2021. In addition, Payscale reports that clinical directors earned an average salary of $82,400 per year as of March 2023.
Can you do a DSW part time?
Of course! Most online DSW programs provide the flexibility to get your degree part time, or on whatever schedule works best for you. This gives you the added freedom to continue working and gaining professional experience while going to school.
