Program Overview
The Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program at the University of Kansas is a doctorate in social work designed for experienced social work professionals who are interested in advancing their leadership, administration, and teaching skills.
The fully online Doctor of Social Work program at KU is designed to produce expert practitioner-scholars who go on to teach, supervise and mentor. DSW students learn to understand best practices from social work research and create real-world solutions to improve programs and outcomes in social services agencies. Coursework emphasizes advanced practice skills, leadership development, and applied research methods that directly inform professional decision-making and systems improvement.
Many KU DSW courses are devoted to the theory and practice of teaching. These courses prepare graduates to conduct their own college-level classes, contribute to developing social work curriculum, and serve as skilled mentors and advisors to students.
The emphasis of KU’s social work doctoral program is on demonstrating leadership in the implementation of knowledge for the betterment of clients, organizations, and communities. Students in the DSW program complete a practice-focused capstone project that addresses a pressing issue within their organization, agency, or community. This capstone approach allows students to design, implement, and evaluate solutions that create measurable impact while contributing knowledge back to the profession.
The DSW online degree is intentionally structured for working professionals. The KU Doctor of Social Work is a completely online program. DSW classes meet live online every other Saturday, with additional online coursework outside of class time. This structure makes KU one of the most accessible online DSW programs available for experienced practitioners seeking advanced leadership preparation.
Throughout the program, students work closely with interdisciplinary faculty who bring expertise in clinical practice, policy analysis, organizational leadership, and research translation. The doctorate in social work experience builds advanced competencies in ethical leadership, evidence-informed decision-making, program evaluation, and professional communication. Graduates are prepared to assume senior roles in social service agencies, healthcare systems, nonprofit organizations, higher education, and policy environments.
By integrating applied research, leadership development, and professional practice, KU’s social work doctorate prepares graduates to influence systems, mentor future professionals, and advance equity-driven change at local, national, and global levels.
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For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
Social Work, DSWKU School of Social Welfare
The Doctor of Social Work is part of the School of Social Welfare, where we educate, train and support qualified, compassionate social workers.Doctor of Social Work Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the doctorate in social work program will be able to:
- Integrate research, theory, and practice to address complex social problems
- Lead ethically and effectively in diverse organizational and community settings
- Design and implement applied research and evaluation strategies to inform practice and policy
- Develop and disseminate practice-relevant, research-informed knowledge through a variety of channels, such as teaching, publications, professional presentations, mentoring, and administration
- Educate, mentor, and supervise social work professionals and students
What Careers are Possible with a Doctor of Social Work?
Graduates of KU’s social work doctoral programs are prepared for advanced leadership roles that influence practice, policy, and education. According to Lightcast labor market data, professionals with advanced social work training are competitive for senior-level positions across sectors.
- DSW jobs include roles such as clinical director, behavioral health administrator, nonprofit executive, social work educator, and policy advocate
- Employment settings include healthcare systems, nonprofit organizations, universities, government agencies, and community-based service providers
- Demand continues to grow for leaders trained in trauma-informed care, systems reform, and organizational leadership
Graduates pursuing DSW careers outcomes often benefit from expanded leadership scope, increased responsibility, and broader influence across organizations and communities.
Tuition and Financial Aid
KU offers affordable tuition rates and a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, fellowships, and employer tuition reimbursement. Learn more at the KU Financial Aid & Scholarships Office.Admission Requirements
To apply to the doctorate in social work program at KU, applicants must:
- Required qualifications/requirements:
- A master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program or a Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE) accredited Master of Social Work Program, including official transcripts
- Minimum of three (3) years of clinical or macro practice experience beyond the master’s degree in social work
- International candidates would need to provide evidence of English language proficiency through the TOEFL exam or the Applied English Center.
- Resume/CV
- Statement of purpose
- Writing sample
- Two professional references
- Preferred qualifications:
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or above on a 4.0 scale
- Master of Social Work GPA of 3.5 or above on a 4.0 scale
- Social work licensure
- Strong oral and written communication skills, leadership potential, and an interest in expanding knowledge or leadership, pedagogy, and the implementation of evidence-based approaches in practice settings
Student Life and Learning Experience
The DSW learning experience is designed to foster professional growth, collaboration, and applied learning. Students engage in coursework that connects theory directly to their professional roles while benefiting from a structured cohort model that promotes peer support and networking.
Key features of the learning experience include:
- Capstone Project: DSW students complete a practice-based capstone project aligned with professional interests and organizational goals. Students complete the Capstone Project during three required seminar courses.
- Collaboration: The DSW program is completely online, offering students opportunities to collaborate with peers across diverse practice settings, career experiences, and geographic regions.
- Student Support: KU DSW students have access to academic, writing, and research support services, including a professional writing consultant, a student support coordinator, and dedicated academic advising.
- Faculty Mentorship: Students receive mentorship and guidance from the DSW program director, capstone coordinator, graduate faculty, and a Capstone Project committee.
DSW courses meet live online every other Saturday. Students in the program also spend substantial time completing coursework outside of synchronous class meeting times. There is no requirement for DSW students to travel to campus for any part of the program.
Designed for working professionals, the DSW program allows students to continue working while earning their social work doctoral degree full-time.
Doctor of Social Work Sample Courses
The KU Doctor of Social Work degree focuses on leadership, teaching, and implementation science. Students in the social work doctorate program follow a set, 42-credit-hour degree plan and build close connections with their full-time or part-time DSW cohort. Sample courses include:
- Evidence Informed Leadership and Management
- Human Service Program Development and Design
- Integrative and Critical Approaches within Educational Theory and Pedagogy
- Assessing and Using Evidence to Design and Improve Multi-level Interventions in Social Work
- Advising, Mentoring, and Supervision
With the Doctor of Social Work capstone project, KU DSW students develop real-world solutions, translating social work research into agency and community impact. The DSW curriculum includes three capstone seminars. For more information, please visit the KU Catalog.
Doctor of Social Work Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
The admissions application for the KU Doctor of Social Work program typically opens in October and closes in February. Check the DSW application page for upcoming application dates and deadlines.
What kind of jobs can I get with a DSW degree?
DSW graduates are prepared for jobs including leadership roles in social services agencies and teaching positions at colleges or universities.
How long will the DSW program take?
The program takes 2 years full time or 3–4 years part-time.
What is the difference between a Ph.D. in social work and a Doctor of Social Work degree?
The social work Ph.D. prepares students to conduct independent research. Ph.D. graduates go on to advanced-level research careers or tenure-track professor positions. The Ph.D. program takes 4-5 years to complete, includes a dissertation, and meets in person on the KU Lawrence campus.
The DSW program is a practice doctorate in social work, designed for experienced social workers to complete while they continue working. Doctor of Social Work students develop leadership and administrative skills. DSW jobs include leadership roles in social work practice settings. The DSW program takes 2-4 years to complete, includes a final Capstone Project, and meets online.