Online Social Work PhD & Doctorate in Social Work Programs

The core curriculum of doctoral social work degrees is centered around courses in the philosophy of science and practice of clinical social work, advanced research methodology, analysis of social policy, and practice trends and issues. These programs are grounded in direct practice and scholarly inquiry, where the programs prepare graduates for careers in social work education and leadership. DSW stands for "Doctorate in Social Work" and PhD stands for "Doctorate in Philosophy". Essentially the programs are the same but different programs prefer one term to another. Doctoral degrees in social work are essentially designed for experienced practitioners who wish to advance their careers by gaining training in policy analysis and research. Programs focus on cultural diversity and understanding, social justice, and economic justice.

Selected Social Work PhD and Human Services Programs

The following universities offer doctoral degrees in social work online programs and related programs of study like health and human services.

Capella University - Online

• DSW - General Social Work
• PhD - General Human Services
• PhD - Social and Community Services

Walden University

• Ph.D. in Human Services - Clinical Social Work
• Ph.D. in Health Services - Course-based - Community Health Education & Advocacy
• Ph.D. in Health Services - Self-Directed - Community Health Education & Advocacy
• Ph.D. in Human Services
• Ph.D. in Human Services - Counseling
• Ph.D. in Human Services - Disaster, Crisis, and Intervention
• Ph.D. in Human Services - Family Studies and Intervention Strategies
• Ph.D. in Human Services - Human Services Administration
• Ph.D. in Human Services - Self-Directed
• Ph.D. in Human Services - Social Policy Analysis and Planning

A.T. Still University

• Doctor of Health Education (D.H.Ed.)

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Social Work Education and Training

Social work PhD and social work doctoral degrees take an average of two to four years to complete beyond the masters of social work (MSW). Social work practitioners with doctoral degrees are usually experienced professionals wish to move into research and teaching.

Graduate students usually enter the PhD or DSW program from MSW degree programs and other related social science and professional fields like sociology, psychology, public health, public administration and public policy. Much of the course work in DSW and PhD programs is focused on qualitative and quantitative analysis methodology. As with other doctoral degrees, students are required to conduct original research and complete a dissertation.

Social Work Careers

For some graduates the goal is to move into academia where the focus is research, publication, and teaching. Others continue working in leadership roles in agency-based or government agencies. A PhD in Social Work of DSW is designed to train scholars and practitioners who contribute to society through teaching, research, policy development and analysis, and administration. Graduates become college professors, researchers, and policy-makers in governmental and non-profit organizations, and top administrators for human services organizations.

Estimated Income and Projected Career Growth

Supervisory, administrative, and staff training positions often usually require professionals to possess an advanced degree. College and university teaching positions and most research appointments normally require a doctorate in social work, either a DSW or PhD in social work. Employment of social workers is expected to increase by 16% between 2008 and 2018 according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The BLS reports that the median annual wages of child, family, and school social workers were $39,530 in 2008. The middle 50% earned between $31,040 and $52,080 while the lowest 10% earned under $25,870 and the 10% earned over $66,430. The median annual wages of medical and public health social workers were $46,650 in 2008. The middle 50% earned $35,550 to $57,690. The median annual wages of mental health and substance abuse social workers were $37,210 in 2008. The middle 50% earned $28,910 to $48,560. The lowest 10% earned below $21,770, and the top 10% earned over $61,430. With a social work PhD or social work doctorate degree, the level of income is generally higher and DSW holder can anticipate an annual income of over $40,000. A few experienced private practitioners and senior administrators up to $100,000.