Social Work
Doctor of Social Work
Advance Your Career with a Doctorate in Social Work
OFFERED AS:
Doctorate
CREDITS REQUIRED:
48
FORMAT:
Online with In-Person Residencies
The Doctor of Social Work (DSW) at Kutztown University prepares experienced social work professionals to lead, teach, and innovate across contemporary practice and higher education. This practice-focused doctorate strengthens advanced leadership and research expertise while cultivating culturally competent, forward-thinking professionals. Through a collaborative cohort model and rigorous dissertation process, graduates advance their careers with a doctorate in social work while driving meaningful, multi-systemic change.
DSW Open Houses Fall 2026
Meet with faculty, students, and graduates to learn more about earning your DSW at Kutztown University. All sessions take place virtually. Click on the date to register.
Why Choose a Doctor of Social Work at Kutztown University
Kutztown University’s Doctorate in Social Work is designed for working professionals who want to elevate their expertise to the highest level of practice. The program is built around a supportive, cohort-based model that fosters connection and collaboration. With dedicated mentorship and a strong scholarly foundation, students gain the structure and guidance needed to expand their influence and advance their professional goals beyond a traditional DSW degree pathway.
Students who choose Kutztown to become a Doctor of Social Work experience:
- Flexibility to earn their DSW online
- A strong regional reputation
- Competitive, affordable tuition
- In-person weekend residencies at the beginning of each term to build relationships
- An expansive professional and alumni network
- Dedicated faculty mentorship
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.
Nicole UkaegbuDoctor of Social Work Highlights
The Doctorate in Social Work delivers a doctoral experience that is both rigorous and realistic. While earning your degree online, coursework is structured to build scholarly confidence while staying grounded in real-world application. Through integrated learning and applied experiences, our DSW program strengthens your ability to advance evidence-based practice and create meaningful change.
Program Highlights:
- Develop as scholars and advanced-level practitioners
- Experience an anti-racist, diversity, equity, and inclusion framework in all the operations of the program and practice
- Conduct applied research culminating in a dissertation
- Analyze and apply leadership and management theories within organizations
- Develop college-level teaching skills through pedagogy coursework and demonstrations
- Complete Praxis I & II experiential leadership or teaching projects
- Present at professional conferences and engage in scholarly dissemination
- Participate in cross-cohort mentorship and collaborative peer feedback
- Attend career enhancement workshops during on-campus residencies
Student Learning Outcomes
-
Social Work Doctorate (DSW)
Practice doctorate programs, inclusive of all area(s) of focus, prepare practitioner-scholars to:
- Students will advance practice through innovative approaches;
- Students will use and critically evaluate research and knowledge;
- Students will engage in scientific inquiry that reflects doctoral-level scholarship;
- Students will develop and disseminate practice-relevant, research-informed knowledge through a variety of channels, such as teaching, scholarship, professional presentations, mentoring, and administration;
- Students will provide leadership in social work practice and/or education; and
- Students will develop and maintain substantive expertise in one or more areas of social work practice.
How Much Does Kutztown's Doctor of Social Work Cost?
We know affordability is important. When you choose Kutztown, you know you're getting a high-quality education at an affordable cost for working professionals.
-
Pennsylvania Residents
Per-Credit Tuition and Fees for Doctoral Programs, Pennsylvania Residents
26/27 Academic Year
Tuition - per credit
$728.00
Tuition Technology Fee - per credit
$40.00
Total - per credit cost
$768.00
First-Semester Student Fee - if applicable*
Academic Records Fee
$50.00
Doctoral students may elect to add on the following items at the per credit rate times their total semester enrollment.
- Health Center usage will be billed at the rate of $22.08 per credit enrolled
- Will be billed to MyKU and due in 2 weeks, if services utilized or requested
- Recreation Center usage will be billed at the rate of $14 per credit enrolled
- Must pay first and provide receipt to the Rec Center to be admitted
* Academic Records Fee applies to new students in their first semester at KU or to those returning after a separation of 4 years or more.
- Health Center usage will be billed at the rate of $22.08 per credit enrolled
-
Non-Pennsylvania Residents
Per-Credit Tuition and Fees for Doctoral Programs, Non-Pennsylvania Residents
26/27 Academic Year
Tuition - per credit
$1,092.00
Tuition Technology Fee - per credit
$53.00
Total - per credit cost
$1,145.00
First-Semester Student Fee - if applicable
Academic Records Fee
$50.00
Doctoral students may elect to add on the following items at the per credit rate times their total semester enrollment.
- Health Center usage will be billed at the rate of $22.08 per credit enrolled
- Will be billed to MyKU and due in 2 weeks, if services utilized or requested
- Recreation Center usage will be billed at the rate of $14 per credit enrolled
- Must pay first and provide receipt to the Rec Center to be admitted
* Academic Records Fee applies to new students in their first semester at KU or to those returning after a separation of 4 years or more.
- Health Center usage will be billed at the rate of $22.08 per credit enrolled
Doctor of Social Work graduates are empowered to:
- Lead organizational change and drive innovation in social services
- Teach the next generation of social workers
- Shape policy at local, state, and national levels
- Advance into executive leadership and C-suite positions
- Design and implement evidence-based programs that create lasting change
Doctor of Social Work Frequently Asked Questions
-
What can I do with a Doctorate in Social Work?
Top Doctor of Social Work programs prepare you for advanced leadership, teaching, research, and policy roles across social service systems. A doctorate positions you for broad impact and long-term career growth. Kutztown Doctor of Social Work graduates enjoy rewarding careers in the following fields:
- Higher education as social work faculty
- Criminal justice and government
- Healthcare
- Nonprofit and human services leadership
- School social work
- Policy, advocacy, and research
-
What are the admission requirements for the Doctor of Social Work program?
To apply to the Doctor of Social Work program at Kutztown University, applicants must demonstrate both academic preparation and professional experience in the social work field. Admission Requirements include:
- The Kutztown University Graduate Application
- Official transcripts from previous colleges and universities
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- A Master of Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program
- 2+ years of professional practice experience with an MSW
- Two professional or academic references, including email and phone number
- A five-page scholarly essay analyzing a social work–related social phenomenon using current APA style
- A 2-3 page personal statement outlining your career goals and why the Kutztown University DSW program is the right fit for this stage of your career
- An interview with the DSW admissions committee
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Once the current year's cohort is filled, successful applicants may be admitted into the following year's cohort.
-
Can I work while earning a Doctorate in Social Work?
Yes. The Doctor of Social Work program is designed for working professionals, with all coursework completed online. Many students continue working full-time while completing their degree. Coursework is structured to provide flexibility, and the cohort-based format allows students to balance professional responsibilities with doctoral study. This structure enables you to apply what you learn in the program directly to your current social work practice and leadership roles.