Doctorate in Social Work
DSW Degree
Leadership and Education
Pursue your passion for social justice through enhanced leadership, and the transformative opportunity to explore and develop yourself as a scholar and practitioner.
The Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program prepares academicians who are able to lead, and leaders who are able to teach. One of a few Doctor of Social Work (DSW) programs in the country, the KU DSW program is one of the few that emphasizes leadership and education.
The DSW program is designed with the working professional in mind with a focus on preparing leaders and educators for career advancement in agencies, government, and higher education. Social Work practitioners with a DSW will be prepared to take on the growing challenges confronting practitioners and in preparing future experts in the field.
Whether you live in Pennsylvania or anywhere beyond, residency accommodations are available as you learn with the best in your profession and prepare to continue to make a difference. Educating both bachelor and master's degree recipients, with expert faculty who bring global research and expertise to the classroom, the Kutztown University DSW program is the best choice to advance your social work career.
Program Construct:
- Part-time, eight-session program - two courses per session for fall, spring, and summer terms (48 credit program, designed to be completed within three years.)
- Cohort model
- Online instruction and coursework
- Face-to-face learning component (one weekend) per session
Sample Career Options
- Human Services Administrator
- Non-Profit Director
- College or University Faculty
- Leadership Positions in Health Care
- Management Careers in Human Services
- Researcher
REQUEST MORE INFORMATION
For information on the admissions process, contact the Graduate Admissions Office 610-683-4190 or graduate@kutztown.edu.
For specific program information, contact Dr. Juliana Svistova at svistova@kutztown.edu.
Nicole Ukaegbu:
“The DSW program at Kutztown University was phenomenal. [It] provides learning opportunities within the coursework that prepares doctoral students to teach in the classroom... outlines theoretical approaches in leadership that professionals can utilize in practice.... [and] provides supportive faculty that cares about your career development.”
-
Admissions Requirements and Deadlines
- Application
- Official transcripts from all previous colleges or universities
- Resume/CV
- Five page statement addressing current state of knowledge in social work regarding a social phenomenon of interest
- Three page personal statement addressing why DSW, why now, why KU's program
- Three letters of recommendation
- Minimum of two years of post-MSW clinical experience
Deadlines
Fall semester: May 1st
Student Learning Outcomes
-
Social Work Doctorate (DSW)
- Students will engage in systemic inquiry that adheres to scholarly conventions.
- Students will use and critically evaluate advanced level evidence-based practice.
- Students will develop and disseminate practice-relevant knowledge through a variety of channels, including but not limited to: teaching, scholarship, professional presentations, mentoring, and administration.
- Students will demonstrate leadership in social work practice and education.
- Students will develop and maintain substantive expertise in one or more areas of social work practice.