Social Work, D.S.W. (Online)

For further information: SocialWork@southernct.edu

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Applications to the Doctor of Social Work program must be completed and submitted by December 15 for admission the following summer.

DOCTOR OF SOCIAL WORK (DSW)

The Doctor of Social Work (DSW) is a professional doctorate that prepares master’s-level social workers for leadership in organization or academic settings. It is offered in a three-year, part-time format, which allows students to maintain their employment while studying.

The program prepares them to practice ethically, translate research into policy, and assume leadership in the implementation of advanced social work practice. The self-designed externship (240 hours) and capstone project allow students to enhance their expertise in one of the following areas of focus:
  •  Advanced clinical practice
  •  University teaching
  •  Leadership and management
Graduates of the DSW program are, therefore, competent and compassionate agents of change.

ADMISSIONS

Successful applicants to the DSW program must meet the following minimal requirements:
  •  MSW from a CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) program.
  •  A minimum of 3.00 undergraduate and graduate grade point average*
  •  At least 3 years of post-MSW social work practice experience.
  •  A 4-5-page, double-spaced essay addressing the following:
        1. Social work practice experience, including supervision, leadership, and/or teaching.
        2. Most significant aspects of social work professional mission and values for one’s practice.
        3. Reasons for pursuing doctoral study, including influence of prior experience.
        4. Professional goals and the desired impact of doctoral study on career trajectory.
  •  Essay must also demonstrate proficiency in professional writing.
  •  Demonstrated capacity for doctoral coursework and independent
  •  Applications to the Doctor of Social Work program must be submitted and complete by December 15th
     for admission the following summer (Application material will be available in August each year).

*Applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement may be eligible for conditional admission.

APPLICATIONS

Applicants for the DSW program are required to complete all admissions materials required by both the School of Graduate and Professional Studies and the Social Work department. Applications must be completed and submitted by December 15th for admission the following summer.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
  •  Transcripts from all degree programs attended.
  •  Curriculum Vitae.
  •  Two (2) letters of recommendation from employers, teachers, or community, civic, or         
      clinical/management leaders attesting to potential as a Doctoral Candidate.
  •  Essay describing the student’s professional life to date, including a vision for how this doctorate would
      add to personal and professional growth and development.
  •  Completion of application form.

PLAN OF STUDY

The DSW program is offered in a three-year, part-time format that allows students to pursue a doctorate while maintaining their employment. The plan of study consists of two courses per semester (summer, fall, and spring) over three calendar years. Summer courses are hybrid courses; each course meets on ground during a five-day residency, and the remaining coursework occurs online. The residency week is always the last full week of June.

PROGRAM SEQUENCE (48 credits)

It is highly recommended that students meet with their program advisor to review their plan of study and their progress toward completing requirements for graduation. Students who have a particular interest that is not included in the program plan can request approval from the DSW Coordinator to substitute one (1) graduate level course for one (1) of the required courses. The DSW Coordinator will work with the student to obtain permission for the substitute course to be taken from another SCSU graduate program. If the student wants to substitute a course offered outside of the university, the student is responsible for obtaining written approval and communicating that to the DSW Coordinator. The student is also responsible for requesting a transcript to verify that the course was completed.

Summer (Year 1)
SWK 800 – Evidence Informed Practice - 3 credits
SWK 803 - Historical and Contemporary Analysis of Social Policy - 3 credits

Fall (Year 1)
SWK 805 - Paradigms, Epistemology, and Heuristics in Social Work - 3 credits
SWK 820 - Emergent Models and Clinical Issues in Clinical Social Work Practice - 3 credits

Spring (Year 1)
SWK 823 – Neuroscience and its Application for Social Work Practice with Couples and Families - 3 credits
SWK 821 - Therapeutic Relationships: Advanced Clinical Practice - 3 credits

Summer (Year 2)
SWK 822 - Mental Health and Substance Abuse: Advanced Clinical Practice - 3 credits
SWK 831 – Leadership and Management in Social Work - 3 credits

Fall (Year 2)
SWK 806 - Education for Social Work - 3 credits
SWK 804 - Clinical Social Work Supervision - 3 credits

Spring (Year 2)
SWK 802 - Program Evaluation - 3 credits 
SWK 809 - Capstone I: Capstone Proposal - Translational Project or Peer-Reviewed Manuscript - 1.5 credits

Summer (Year 3)
SWK 833 – Technical Skills in Social Work Administration - 3 credits 
SWK 809 - Capstone I: Capstone Proposal - Translational Project or Peer-Reviewed Manuscript - 1.5 credits

Fall (Year 3)
SWK 807- Externship I - 2 credits
SWK 810 - Capstone II: Capstone Final Project - 2.5 credits

Spring (Year 3)
SWK 808 – Externship II - 2 credits 
SWK 810 - Capstone II: Capstone Final Project - 2.5 credits