Program Summary
Summer 2023
Credits and Cost
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Program Summary
Summer 2023
Credits and Cost
Benefits of the DSW
The DSW will provide an educational foundation to prepare practitioners who seek social work positions that require an advanced practice doctorate. Social workers with DSW degrees are often leaders in the profession in areas of practice, policy, and scholarship and are well-qualified to serve in higher-level administrative positions. Many also assume academic positions and make substantive contributions to the knowledge base of the profession.
Our DSW program utilizes an innovative Core Plus model that offers students a flexible, affordable, and efficient way to earn their degree. Courses are taught online through asynchronous models with the exception of residency week during the summer which is taught synchronously. The Core Plus approach offers flexibility, allowing learners to progress through the program at their own pace, while the cohort model and residency week foster support via concentrated time with classmates and faculty. Beyond the core curriculum, students will select one of four concentrations:
(1) Administrative Leadership, (2) Clinical Social Work, (3) Military Behavioral Health or (4) Social Work Education.
The DSW creates more economic opportunities for social workers as it typically increases earnings by more than $20,000 (National Association of Social Workers, 2019) and increases job readiness for advanced practice positions.
Request more information or speak with one of our Admissions Counselors at (833) 358-1721.
Application Requirements
- Unofficial transcripts from degree-granting institutions and all graduate work
- Employment history (resume or vita)
- Personal Statement
- Two reference letters with cover letter attached for each reference. Please exclude personal, pastoral and relative references. If you graduated within the past 5 years, you must provide at least one academic reference.
See more at the following links:
DSW Admission Application DSW Curriculum OverviewContact
College of Social Work
University of Kentucky College of Social Work
643 Patterson Office Tower
Lexington KY 40506-0027
Students Residing Outside of Kentucky
If you will live outside of Kentucky while completing your program, please check the Out of State Student page to confirm that the program can be offered in your state, and if relevant, that it meets professional licensure requirements in your state.