Best Online Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) Programs

Meg Embry
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Updated on May 29, 2024
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Pursuing a doctorate in social work (DSW) can help you develop a specialization, hone your skills, and advance your career. Explore the best online DSW programs.

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 program 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.

Featured Online Doctorate in Social Work Programs

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What Are the Best Online Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) Programs?

Best Online Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) Programs

Baylor University

  • Location-markerWaco, TX
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$44,544
  • Out-of-state$44,544
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$33,408
  • Out-of-state$33,408
  • Retention Rate91%
  • Acceptance Rate68%
  • Students Enrolled19,297
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment92%
  • AccreditationYes
Best Online Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) Programs

Simmons University

  • Location-markerBoston, MA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$40,850
  • Out-of-state$40,850
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$21,528
  • Out-of-state$21,528
  • Retention Rate84%
  • Acceptance Rate83%
  • Students Enrolled6,263
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment100%
  • AccreditationYes
Best Online Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) Programs

Spalding University

  • Location-markerLouisville, KY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$25,800
  • Out-of-state$25,800
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$12,186
  • Out-of-state$12,186
  • Retention Rate66%
  • Acceptance Rate93%
  • Students Enrolled1,596
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment78%
  • AccreditationYes
Best Online Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) Programs

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

  • Location-markerKnoxville, TN
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$11,332
  • Out-of-state$28,522
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,468
  • Out-of-state$29,656
  • Retention Rate89%
  • Acceptance Rate78%
  • Students Enrolled30,559
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment41%
  • AccreditationYes
Best Online Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) Programs

Tulane University of Louisiana

  • Location-markerNew Orleans, LA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$54,766
  • Out-of-state$54,766
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$59,090
  • Out-of-state$59,090
  • Retention Rate92%
  • Acceptance Rate11%
  • Students Enrolled13,927
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment63%
  • AccreditationYes
Best Online Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) Programs

University of Pennsylvania

  • Location-markerPhiladelphia, PA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$53,166
  • Out-of-state$53,166
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$37,678
  • Out-of-state$37,678
  • Retention Rate95%
  • Acceptance Rate9%
  • Students Enrolled26,552
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment85%
  • AccreditationYes
Best Online Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) Programs

University of Southern California

  • Location-markerLos Angeles, CA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$59,260
  • Out-of-state$59,260
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$47,880
  • Out-of-state$47,880
  • Retention Rate91%
  • Acceptance Rate16%
  • Students Enrolled46,287
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment89%
  • AccreditationYes

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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.

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.

DSW vs. Ph.D. in Social Work
AspectDSWPh.D. in Social Work
Program Emphasis
  • Clinical practice
  • Leadership and management
  • Applied research
  • Practice-related social work theory
  • Management and policy analysis
  • Academic theory
  • Scholarly research
  • Policy development
  • Social work theory
  • Statistics and research methods
Program OutcomesPrepares students to become leaders and administrators.Prepares students for positions in academia and scholarly research.
Career Paths
  • Clinical practice
  • Private practice
  • Leadership
  • Administration
  • Policy
  • Advocacy
  • Academic positions
  • Research positions
  • Think-tank contributors
  • Specialized policy roles

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.

How Much Does an Online Doctorate in Social Work Degree Cost?

Average Cost of Tuition for a Ph.D. Program Per Year

$20,600

Average Cost of Non-Tuition Related Expenses Per Year

$20,300

Average Total Cost of a Ph.D. Per Year

$40,900

Total Cost of a Ph.D. (4-8 Years)

$163,000-$327,000

Source: BestColleges, 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?

In addition to expanding job opportunities and responsibilities, earning a doctorate often helps graduates qualify for higher salaries. Top earners in the social work field take home more than $100,000 annually.

Median annual wage for the top 10% of earners in the social work field

$104,580+

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023

Median annual wage for all social work occupations

$63,770

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023

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:

  1. It ensures that you receive a high-quality education that meets national standards for social work.
  2. It will make it easier for you to become licensed and practice in your state.
  3. 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

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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:

  1. Master’s degree in social work from an accredited program
  2. Two to three years of experience in the field
  3. Letters of recommendation
  4. Statement of purpose or personal essay
  5. Academic transcripts from previous higher education institutions
  6. 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 $130,480 in May 2023.

In addition, Payscale reports that clinical directors earned an average salary of $85,510 per year as of April 2024.

Can you complete 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.

Still looking for the right fit? You might also like:

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed April 24, 2024.

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