There are several types of social work PhD programs, as well as other related programs that award different doctoral degrees. A common offering in universities with a doctoral degree in social work is the Doctorate of Social Work or DSW, which could lead to careers in research, academia, or clinical practice. Most of the PhD programs are focused on the first two areas, and may have slightly different emphases depending on the program and an individual school’s definition. Additionally, PhD degrees, aside from the DSW, are usually earned in social work, social service, and social policy, and all are related. Although these titles are roughly equivalent, they reflect the focus of each program.
Given that there are different types of social work PhD programs, students are advised to research carefully and take into account interest in this field. Most schools do request that students possess a master’s degree in social work or a related field, and they typically don’t admit candidates with only a bachelor’s degree. A few schools do have combined MSW/PHD or DSW programs, but it’s usually expected that students come to these studies with strong knowledge and a sense of their career goals. Since many applicants may have already worked in their chosen field, they should have a good sense of how to further direct a career and how to choose schools based on interests.
While many universities offer a straight social work PhD program, with general emphasis on participation in research, academics or as part of social policy making agencies, there are certain colleges that have more specific focus. A PhD in social service administration might be best earned by those students interested in administering or running social service agencies or helping to set policy by which such agencies are governed. A doctorate in social policy is a similar degree that might be useful for people who want to teach or those who want to actively contribute to research that shapes policy. Social work PhD programs in social service may prepare people to contribute to organizations with this emphasis or to teach or work in clinical practice, sometimes combining the two.
The DSW can sometimes be a highly academia-oriented endeavor, where people continue extensive studies that lead to policy, research, or academic jobs. Some DSW programs more focus on advanced studies in clinical practice. With any emphasis, these programs require strong scholarship. Most social work PhD programs and DSW studies take about three to seven years to complete and require examinations and a dissertation.
It isn’t necessary to earn a social work PhD or the DSW if students seek a license in clinical social work (LCSW). The main requirement for this work is a master’s in social work (MSW), followed by about 3000 hours of supervised practice and exams. In this sense, the work to become an LCSW is approximately as time consuming as earning the doctorate, and tends to take at least five to six years.
