If you've got years of social work experience under your belt and want to become a leader in the field, a doctor of social work (DSW) degree might be right for you.
DSW programs are picking up steam nationally. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) concluded its accreditation pilot of DSW programs in 2025, accrediting four doctoral programs, and more could soon be evaluated for their quality and value for students.
A DSW requires both time and money, and it isn't required to for a successful career in social work. But if you want to pursue a terminal degree focused on applied research and leadership, a DSW can help you take that leap.
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Top Online DSW Programs
How We Highlight What Schools Do Best
We analyzed each school's program to identify qualities that set it apart from others on this list, prioritizing factors like concentration options, affordability, and accreditation. Based on these strengths, we assigned each school a superlative category.
Since many programs share similar offerings and outcomes, our goal is to simplify your college decision-making by highlighting the features most relevant to your needs.
We verified these schools' facts in November 2025.
Why You Should Get a Doctorate in Social Work
Learn leadership skills: DSW programs focus on leading in the field of social work and often include instruction in management.
Conduct research in the field: A DSW emphasizes applying research and theories to the field.
Break into teaching and administration: A terminal degree can prepare you to become a professor or lead an organization.
Network with fellow students: DSW programs tend to be cohort-based, meaning you'll have a chance to work with other students.
Benefits of Getting a Doctorate in Social Work Online
Out of more than 100 online psychology, education, and social sciences students and graduates we surveyed for the BestColleges Annual Online Trends Report, 100% say they would recommend online education to others.
85% of those students said an online learning environment was equal to or better than learning on campus.
Online DSW programs focus on flexibility for working professionals.
Some programs include asynchronous formats, allowing you to work toward your degree around your schedule.
How to Choose the Best DSW Program for You
A DSW degree is a major commitment in terms of time and money. Make sure you select a reputable program that's right for you.
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) concluded a pilot accreditation program for doctoral degrees, and currently accredits just four programs across the country.
How Much Does an Online Doctorate in Social Work Cost?
Online Doctoral Degrees, 2019-2020
Avg. Tuition & Fees
$12,491
Avg. Net Price
$11,373
Source: NCES PowerStats
The average tuition and fees for a social work doctoral degree was $15,738 per year as of 2019-2020, according to the NCES. On average, a DSW takes three years to complete, which means a typical program might cost upwards of $47,000 total.
Make sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which can help you land federal loans during your terminal degree program.
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How Long Does It Take to Get a Doctorate in Social Work?
Typical # of Credits
42 Credits
Typical Program Length
3 Years
A doctor of social work (DSW) program typically comprises three years, or around 40 credits, but that figure can vary significantly based on program format. Self-paced programs might allow you to work toward your degree faster, but might also take longer depending on your work and personal schedule.
Some online DSW programs also come in an accelerated format. Simmons University, for instance, offers a DSW that can be completed in less than two years.
Social Work Degree Application Requirements
Undergraduate and graduate transcripts
Letters of recommendation or professional references
Resume
Personal statement or essay
Some programs require proof of social work licensure
Accreditation for Social Work Programs
Attending a DSW program from an accredited university is a way to ensure you're being taught relevant skills. The CSWE, the main programmatic accreditor for social work programs, wrapped up an accreditation pilot program for DSW programs in 2025.
With just four accredited programs so far, the CSWE notes that "it will be quite some time before accreditation of these programs is the norm."
What Can You Do With a Doctorate in Social Work?
Adding a DSW on top of your work experience can open up doors outside of traditional social work.
You could land a leadership role as a social or community services manager, an occupation that the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says will grow faster than average over the next decade. You could also opt to take a teaching route and become a college professor, another career path set to grow rapidly.
If you're still weighing how to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), keep in mind that you don't need a DSW to work in the field. A master of social work (MSW) is usually built to help you get clinical hours required for licensure.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mental Health Counselor | $59,190 | Works with people in areas like mental health and substance use |
| Marriage and Family Therapist | $63,780 | Diagnoses and treats mental and emotional disorders and helps couples and families address them |
| Postsecondary Teacher | $83,980 | Teaches in a college setting, including as an adjunct or faculty member |
| Social and Community Service Manager | $78,240 | Leads organizations that provide public support programs |
Learn More About Social Work Jobs
Is a Doctorate in Social Work Worth It?
If you want to become a college professor, researcher, or administrator within the social work field, a DSW can help boost your resume and set you on that path.
It's important to note that you don't need a DSW to become a social worker. A master of social work is usually enough to help you earn licensure and kick off your career in the field, whether you work in a clinical setting or elsewhere.
Most DSW programs are geared toward professionals with at least a few years of experience in social work. If you're new to social work, it's probably better to get some experience in the field and pursue a doctorate when you're ready.
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Work
Yes, clinical social workers can act as therapists. Licensed clinical social workers, or LCSWs, are trained to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders.
