Doctor of Social Work
About This Program
The Doctor of Social Work (DSW) online practice-doctorate degree program will consist of 45 semester credit hours to be completed in 3 years (6 hours per long semester and 3 hours per summer semesters). The DSW focus is on teaching and educational leadership, emphasizing the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical experience. The DSW program includes courses such as advanced practice courses, leadership, and andragogy classes. Some unique aspects of the DSW program curriculum include a paid teaching practicum and coursework on social work entrepreneurship and leading burnout-prevention efforts.
Competencies
- Upon completion, students will be able to advance practice through innovative approaches.
- Upon completion, students will be able to use and critically evaluate research and knowledge.
- Upon completion, students will be able to engage in scientific inquiry that reflects doctoral level scholarship.
- Upon completion, students will be able to develop and disseminate practice-relevant research-informed knowledge through a variety of channels, such as teaching, scholarship, professional presentations, mentoring, and administration,
- Upon completion, students will be able to provide leadership in social work practice and education.
- Upon completion, students will be able to develop and maintain substantive expertise in one or more areas of social work practice
Admissions Criteria
To be considered for admission applicants must present:
- A completed application form
- All official transcripts of undergraduate and graduate work indicating:
- An undergraduate GPA of 3.0+ in the last approximately 60 hours of university level credits
- A master’s GPA of 3.4+
- An earned Master of Social Work (MSW) from a Council for Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited university.
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Curriculum Vitae or Resume demonstrating a minimum 3 years post-MSW social work practice experience
- An admissions essay including:
- Summary of length, depth, and breadth of social work practice experience, including any teaching experience
- Rationale for your decision to pursue a DSW
- Reason for choosing UTA
- What research question or topic you would like to develop expertise in through your coursework and capstone project
- Career goals
- Aptitude for online learning and plans to ensure academic success.
International students from non-native English-speaking countries must meet the University's proficiency in English requirement as described in the University Catalog.
Curriculum
| SOCW 6301 | INTRODUCTION TO DOCTORAL STUDIES | 3 |
| SOCW 6302 | STRATEGIES OF INQUIRY | 3 |
| SOCW 6305 | SOCIAL JUSTICE | 3 |
| SOCW 6304 | APPLIED RESEARCH FOR EVIDENCE-BASED SOCIAL WORK | 3 |
| SOCW 6308 | ADVANCED GRANT WRITING & BUDGETING | 3 |
| SOCW 6322 | THE SCHOLARSHIP OF TEACHING AND LEARNING | 3 |
| SOCW 6309 | ADVANCED PROGRAM EVALUATION | 3 |
| SOCW 6306 | POLICY & ADVOCACY IN HIGHER EDUCATION | 3 |
| SOCW 6307 | ADVANCED SOCIAL WORK LEADERSHIP & SUPERVISION | 3 |
| SOCW 6310 | EDUCATION I: INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK ANDRAGOGY & CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT | 3 |
| SOCW 6311 | CAPSTONE PROPOSAL | 3 |
| SOCW 6312 | EDUCATION II: IMPLEMENTING EFFECTIVE TEACHING PRACTICES | 3 |
| SOCW 6314 | CAPSTONE I: EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS | 3 |
| SOCW 6315 | APPLIED TEACHING PRACTICUM | 3 |
| SOCW 6316 | CAPSTONE II: APPLIED PROJECT | 3 |
| Total Hours | 45 | |
Program Completion
In addition to required course work students must maintain:
- A GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Good standing with the Student Success Review Committee.
Advising Resources
Please read all student emails carefully and review the frequently asked questions. These resources are intended to provide help when you need it. If you want to meet with your advisor, please sign up for an appointment as early in the semester as possible.
Location:
SWSH 131, 501 W. Mitchell St., Arlington, TX 76019
Email:
ssw-oass@uta.edu
Phone:
817-272-3687