Doctor of Social Work Program

 We are proud to introduce the new Doctor of Social Work program.

CSWE's Board of Accreditation (CSWE-BOA) is currently piloting the accreditation of professional practice doctoral programs. In June 2025, CSWE-BOA approved and adopted the  Accreditation Standards for Professional Practice Doctoral Programs in Social Work.  The University of Memphis Doctor of Social Work program has adopted the Accreditation Standards Practice Doctoral Programs in Social Work and is prepared to undergo accreditation once it becomes available.  For more information about professional practice doctoral program accreditation and the current pilot, please visit the Council on Social Work Education website.

PROGRAM MISSION

To prepare practitioner-scholars who can generate new social work knowledge and respond to increasingly complex practice environments.

The DSW program learning outcomes are to:
1) Evaluate social work services and practice environments using twenty-first century skills in data-driven analysis and informatics.
2) Demonstrate social work leadership and management skills to respond to complex practice environments locally, nationally, and globally.
3) Educate the next generation of social workers through supervision and training to be leaders
in a changing practice environment.
4) Demonstrate leadership skills in interdisciplinary environments in collaboration with diverse clients and communities.
5) Contribute to social work knowledge through research and practice.

View  DSW Student Handbook here for more information DSW Student Handbook

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

3 years, 48 credit hours online (30 hours of required courses, 12 hours of electives, & 6 hours of capstone project)
Coursework in: statistics, research, evaluation, management, and supervision.
Electives may be used to pursue additional coursework or certificates in: teaching, qualitative methods, quantitative methods, or clinical methods

Admissions Eligibility

An MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program
A minimum of two years post-MSW work experiences

How to Apply for the Doctor of Social Work

A completed application to the Graduate School
Non-refundable fee ($35 domestic, $60 international)
Official transcripts from ALL universities you have attended (MSW degree required)
Three professional references on the online application
Completed professional goal statement (submitted as part of the online application)
A writing sample 
We are currently only accepting applications for the Fall semester

Find the DSW application under College/School: "College of Arts and Sciences, School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy".

DSW Information 

Information about the DSW Program can be found in the PowerPoint below

Doctor of Social Work Program

Tuition and Fees

For the most current information regarding tuition, visit the University & Student Business Services.

 Financial Aid and Scholarships can be found here.

Current DSW Students

Contact Information

The Social Work main office is located in 208 McCord Hall. The general contact information for administrators of the program is as follows: