Best PhD in Social Work Programs

There are two different doctoral degrees available to those interested in studying social work. The PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) program focuses on theoretical and educational practices. This requires more research and analysis in an academic and scholarly setting, so it would be best suited for those who desire teaching the next generation of social workers or contributing to the academic research of social work. The DSW (Doctor of Social Work) program focuses on practice, supervision, and applied research. This means that this degree is more hands-on, so this is for the student who wishes to remain practicing in the clinical setting of social work. No matter what doctoral degree is chosen, it is often possible to obtain any social work job with either degree path because most social work jobs require aspects of both scholarly work and clinical work.

Whether pursuing a campus doctorate degree or online doctorate degrees in social work, applicants for social work doctoral programs must have completed a bachelor's degree and master's degree in a related program from an accredited university. While requirements vary from school to school, it is generally accepted that the GPA for each degree must be a 3.0 or higher. In addition to academic transcripts, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, a personal statement of academic intent, a writing sample, and an interview are also usually required application materials in order to be considered. Finally, about a year or more of professional work experience is also required for admission into a social work doctoral program.

Before entering a social work doctorate program, students must fulfill a number of prerequisites within their education and professional career. First, a bachelor's degree from an accredited university must be obtained. This can be in psychology, social work, or a similar field. Next, the student must acquire a master's degree from an accredited university. It is not necessary that this degree is specifically in social work, but it is recommended that the coursework is aligned with the requirements of social work. Finally, a student must have a year or more of professional experience. This can be an internship from a previous degree program.

While doctoral programs for social work are not specifically accredited, the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the prominent accreditor for BSW and MSW degrees. It is important to receive these prerequisite degrees from CSWE accredited universities because there is a general understanding that these accredited degrees uphold a certain standard of education. The CSWE looks for universities with educators that hold doctoral degrees in social work (either a DSW or PhD) among other criteria; therefore, the student can be sure that their doctoral program upholds the same set of standards if there is a requirement for undergraduate/graduate degrees that are accredited.

In order to obtain a doctorate in social work, the student must commit to about 2.5-5 years of education. This depends on the student's schedule and which program is applied for. For example, there may be options for an "accelerated track" vs. a "standard track". The accelerated track would be completed in a shorter amount of time than the standard track. There may also be options for part-time student status vs. full-time student status. In total, the number of credit hours are about 36-54.

There are a number of basic courses that are common in the social work doctoral programs. Some of these programs may include:

• Social Work Research Methods
• Introduction to Social Work Statistics
• Theories of Human Behavior in the Contexts of Social Environments

Social Work Research Methods discusses different methods of research within the social work field and is useful because research and analysis of different systems is a significant part of the social work career. Introduction to Social Work Statistics discusses how to analyze different statistical data, which teaches students to execute various data collection and statistical analysis methods throughout their career. Theories of Human Behavior in the Contexts of Social Environments consists of studying human behavior within different social and cultural environments. This is important because social workers may have clients/patients of all backgrounds, and they will need to understand how different people interact in different environments.

Preparing Your Social Work Dissertation

In addition to the required coursework for the social work doctoral programs, a social work dissertation or other capstone project is also required in order to complete the degree. This is an independent research project that demonstrates the student's ability to engage in scholarly work. The student will choose a topic to research throughout their academic career, submit a proposal for review, conduct the necessary research, analyze the data and write about their conclusions, and submit the dissertation for approval. There is often a defense process in which the student defends their dissertation against any questions that may arise from the dissertation committee during review. Many programs offer courses that will allow the student to work on their dissertation or capstone project under faculty supervision.

In addition to the PhD and DSW degrees in the doctoral programs of social work, there are also other degree types available to students. There is an associate degree (ASW), bachelor's degree (BSW), and master's degree (MSW), as well as different graduate certificate programs. Each program offers a different level of experience within the academic community, and therefore, offers different career outcomes.

Social Work Associate Degrees

The associate degree in social work allows students with the necessary credentials to either begin a career in social work or to utilize it as a stepping stone to further education and career opportunities. The coursework for this degree is basic social work courses about human behavior and how people interact with their environments, such as gender studies. One career opportunity is as a residential/rehabilitation counselor. This is someone who assists within group homes with daily medical and other needs. However, an ASW degree does not provide the proper credentials in order to obtain a state license to practice social work; therefore, the student can also choose to continue their education by pursuing their bachelor's degree.

Social Work Bachelor's Degrees

The bachelor's degree in social work offers the student with the necessary credentials to further their career in social work, or it can be used as a stepping stone to continue their education, such as receiving a master's degree and various licenses. This coursework goes into a deeper explanation of becoming a social worker. One career opportunity to someone with a BSW is as a Social and Community Service Manager. This is someone who coordinates and supervises community programs that promote public well-being. Most organizations work with a particular demographic, such as serving children, people who are homeless, veterans, or those who struggle with substance abuse or mental health issues. However, many organizations and healthcare facilities require the pursuit of a master's degree in order to maintain their career.

Social Work Master's Degrees

After receiving a bachelor's in social work or a similar field, students may choose to obtain their master's degree in social work. This offers more career opportunities or the opportunity to further their education with a doctoral degree. This degree offers the necessary coursework to be able to apply for the LCSW license. The most common career option is as a practicing social worker. Social workers assist people in vulnerable communities and situations and help them cope with their daily lives.

Social Work Graduate Certificates

There are also options for social work graduate certificates that can supplement other degrees, such as doctorate degrees in anthropology, doctorate degrees in communications, or online doctorate degrees in public administration. This may be important because social work coursework improves how students communicate with communities with vulnerable demographics and different cultures. Additionally, graduate certificates may be used to enhance a student's knowledge during particularly difficult cases, or to provide leadership development skills. These certificates are for people who already hold a social work degree and would like to refresh their skills. For example, a student could obtain a graduate certificate in Social Work & Social Welfare to prepare for assisting in community welfare programs. There are also certificate programs in Spirituality and Social Work, and Palliative and End-of-Life Care to further specialize in caring for people struggling with loss. Certificates offer many options to further specialize one's career.

Have you ever wondered what can you do with a PhD in social work? There are many career options for those with doctoral degrees in social work. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs in social work have a projected job growth of about 13-14% from 2019-2029. This is significantly higher than the job growth rate for all jobs, which is 4%.

Become a Social Work Educator

A social work educator teaches the next generation of social workers at the postsecondary level. According to the BLS, postsecondary teachers have a median pay of about $80,790 annually. This is significantly higher than the median pay for all jobs, which is $41,950 annually. Postsecondary teachers have a job growth rate of about 9% from 2019-2029, which is higher than average.

Become a Military Case Manager

In addition to civilian jobs, there are many social work jobs in the military. Military case managers serve the military community as social service managers. They coordinate programs that contribute to public well-being. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for government social service managers is about $87,720. This is higher than the median wage for all jobs.

Become a Social Worker

The social worker education overview, is that a minimum of a bachelor's degree is required, but often higher education will eventually be required in order to maintain status as a social worker. According to BLS, the annual median wage for social workers is $51,760. In addition to receiving a degree in social work, it is also possible to receive doctorate degrees in clinical psychology and become licensed as a social worker.

The most common license for social work graduates is the LCSW, or Licensed Clinical Social Worker. The LCSW may be obtained after pursuing at least a master's degree from an accredited university. Next, an LCSW examination must be passed. Finally, the graduate may apply for LCSW state licensure. Each state has different specific requirements for becoming an LCSW, so it is important to check with each individual state licensing organization. Another common license is the MFT, or Marriage and Family Therapist license. This is helpful for those wanting to work with couples and families throughout their career as a social worker. A common certification for social work is applying for the Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW). A master's degree is required, in addition to two years of professional experience. Once a social worker is certified with the ACSW, they are considered highly qualified to practice social services.

The largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world is the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). NASW works hard to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, create and maintain professional standards for social workers, and advance sound social policies. Membership benefits include advancing your career, protecting your practice, connecting with peers, and being an advocate. Annual fees are between about $60-$236, depending on the type of membership chosen. Another common professional organization is the Clinical Social Work Association (CSWA). The CSWA is dedicated to providing necessary services, products, and professional assistance to social workers throughout the country. Membership benefits include advocacy in legislation, providing up to date materials for your clinical practice, and free consultations for legal and ethical questions. Membership fees are about $25-$150 annually depending on the membership chosen.

A doctorate in social work costs about between $1,110 and $1,995 per credit hour. At about 36-54 credit hours for the entire program, the degree could cost anywhere between $39,960 and $107,730 depending on the school chosen and the number of credits required to complete the program. This means that depending on the student's financial situation there could be a program that fits all of their needs. However, there are also many options for scholarships and financial aid.

The most prominent funding opportunity in the U.S. is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is a need-based and merit-based opportunity for federal loans and grants. The application deadline is usually the June prior to the fall of enrollment.

Offered by NASW, the Social Work HEALS Doctoral Fellowship funds doctoral students in social work who plan to pursue careers in health social work. Applicants must be NASW and CSWE members. This scholarship offers up to $17,900 to their chosen candidates. The NASW also offers the Jane. B Aron Doctoral Fellowship for $17,900 to the chosen candidate. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to the field of health social work and should be engaged in dissertation research related to healthcare social work education, policy, or practice.