Admissions and Scholarships

Once complete, DSW applications will be reviewed and admissions decisions will be sent on a rolling basis.

The DSW application opens on September 2 with a priority deadline of March 1, and an extended deadline of *April 1 (pending space availability). The final admission deadline for the current academic year is July 31.

*To be considered for scholarships, students must apply by April 1.

Applicants admitted any time after April 1 may be admitted to a waitlist if the cohort is filled. Waitlisted applicants will be admitted to the program if space becomes available. If no space is available once July 31 arrives, the admitted applicants will be offered to defer their application to the following academic year, in which they would be considered a priority applicant.

• MSW degree from a program accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE)
  • Transcript evaluation and acceptable test scores for proof of English proficiency, as detailed on the International Admissions Graduate Application Checklist, as appropriate for international applicants
• Minimum of two years post-MSW social work practice experience
• Minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for previous graduate work
• Two letters of recommendation attesting to capacity of student to do doctoral level work
• A personal statement that convincingly addresses the questions provided
• Commitment to teach and lead in the social work profession as evident in letters of reference and personal statement

Academic history of each undergraduate and graduate institution attended is required. Please add all institutions from which you received credit, even if you did not receive a degree and even if the credit appears on your degree-granting institution's transcript.

• Note: If you do not list an institution and it appears on another transcript, the graduate admissions office will add this institution to your application checklist as a required transcript. Your file will not be considered complete until ALL transcripts have been received.
• Exception: Transcripts for advanced placement courses and study abroad transfer credits are not required.

The application will ask for your current or most recent employer. You can only enter one employer, but your entire employment history will be reviewed using your resume or CV.

Upload a current resume or curriculum vita (CV) that documents education, professional licenses (include state), teaching experience (indicate full-time or part-time), professional experience (indicate full-time or part-time), professional publications and presentations, and service/volunteer experience. Your resume should clearly detail your 2+ years post-MSW social work practice experience. You will be asked to upload this as a PDF (preferred) or Word document.

You will email your recommenders directly through the online application. Please note, the DSW recommendation process has two parts:

1. Recommenders will be asked to prepare a written statement of recommendation to upload into the application portal as a PDF (preferred) or Word file. This recommendation letter should address the applicant's potential for success in an online doctoral program. Areas to consider:
   • the applicant's commitment, capability, and suitability for teaching or leadership in social work, including ethical standards and commitment to social justice
   • ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and abilities
   • work performance and workload management abilities
   • capacity for contributing to social work knowledge through writing and scholarship
2. Recommenders will be asked to assess the applicant on a number of criteria and to provide their contact information.

After you enter each recommender's name and email address into the online application, click the "Save & Send Email to Recommender" box to send the recommendation request.

Prepare a written response that addresses each of the following (no longer than six double-spaced pages):

• At this point in your career, what circumstances and experiences motivate you to seek a Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) in either education as practice, scholar practitioner roles or transformational leadership?
• Describe your vision of leadership in either social work education or in the social work profession and how you see yourself implementing your vision.
• Identify and reflect on your strengths and limitations relative to successfully completing an online and doctoral program; include dimensions such as your ability to be a self-directed learner, writing experience and ability, and things you have done to develop your academic skills.

One $10,000 Scholarship

The Dr. Barbara W. Shank Endowed Scholarship is intended for DSW students who have experience living or working with North American Indigenous populations and other historically underrepresented communities.

The Alumni Scholarship is equivalent to a 15% tuition discount over the course of the program.

This scholarship is intended for alumni who have received either an undergraduate or graduate degree, from any discipline, from the University of St. Thomas. In order to be considered for this scholarship you must have graduated from St. Thomas prior to your desired start term in the program.

The Graduate Access Grant is a university-funded grant available to assist with tuition expenses for students who bring distinctive personal characteristics to St. Thomas and/or who have overcome significant obstacles or hardships.

If you receive the Post-9/11 GI Bill at the maximum Chapter 33 benefit rate (100%), you won't have to pay tuition and fees to attend the University of St. Thomas.