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Designed for experienced social workers, conveniently online

Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

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Advance your career in social work

The St. Thomas Doctor of Social Work focuses on preparing seasoned social workers specifically for university-level teaching and leadership in higher education as well as transformational leadership in the community and public-private sectors. Gain the skills and credentials to teach and lead in the social work profession.

Why choose St. Thomas for your DSW?

Students from across the country choose St. Thomas for our unique DSW experience, which includes:

  • Two specializations: one in university-level teaching and education and the other in transformational leadership in the community and public-private sectors
  • The convenience of learning online and the personal and professional relationships of a small cohort
  • Synchronous and asynchronous online instruction
  • 2.5-day in-person orientation in August on our St. Paul, Minnesota campus to get to know your cohort and instructors
  • “Banded” dissertation, comprised of three critical works of scholarship linked by issues, theme, pedagogy, or population

The application opens on September 2, and the priority deadline to apply is March 1, with an extended deadline of April 1*. The final deadline is July 31.

*Applications completed after April 1 will be reviewed on a space-available basis.

What will you do with your DSW?

The St. Thomas DSW program is nationally recognized for its excellence in training social work faculty. Through this program you'll be prepared to:

  • Engage in transformative teaching
  • Develop an identity as a scholar practitioner and engaged leader
  • Pursue social justice through service and leadership
  • Write for publication

Am I eligible for this DSW program?

Students must meet the following minimum requirements to be eligible for the St. Thomas DSW program. Previous teaching experience in higher education (adjunct or full-time) is strongly preferred.

Education

Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a program accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE)

Experience

Minimum of two years post-MSW social work practice experience

GPA

Minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for previous graduate work

Application Requirements

MSW Degree

Applicants must have an MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program and at least two years' post-MSW social work practice experience.

Application Requirements

Submission Materials

Application requirements will include a review of the applicant's academic record, prior experience, two letters of recommendation and a personal statement.

What makes our DSW unique

On-Campus Orientation

DSW students pose for a photo

Get to Know Your Cohort

The DSW program kicks-off with an orientation for incoming students. This is the perfect opportunity to get to know your cohort of DSW colleagues and to be introduced to the philosophy, structure, and technology of the program. During the two and a half day on-campus summer orientation, you'll build connections with your professors and your peers from across the country.

The on-campus orientation takes place at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. Students stay on-campus, with residence hall housing.