Doctorate in Social Work Programs 2023
Written by Janice Monti, SocialWorkLicensure.org Rankings Team
Last Updated: July 2023
Although a master’s degree in social work (MSN) has long been considered the terminal degree in the field, a doctorate in social work (DSW) can expand your career prospects and earning potential. A doctorate qualifies you for administrative roles and positions in education, research, and policy.
We have ranked the top doctorate in social work programs to help you find the best fit for your professional goals and personal interests. Explore this page for more about educational requirements and career prospects.
What to Expect from a Doctorate in Social Work Degree Program
An increasing number of social workers are choosing to earn a doctorate in social work. If you have a passion for scholarly research, you might consider a Ph.D. program. However, if you want to move into supervisory roles or positions as clinical social work educators, a doctor of social work practice (DSW) may be the better choice. According to the National Association of Social Workers, a doctorate can boost your salary by $20,000-25,000 over what master of social work (MSW)-holders earn.
A DSW, which takes 2-4 years to complete, includes coursework and a capstone based on applied research. A Ph.D. requires 4-6 years of coursework and independent research, culminating in a dissertation. Most doctorates in social work do not require field placements although you might participate in a supervised internship or on-site practicum related to your dissertation or capstone project.
Featured Online Social Work Programs
The Best Social Work Degree Programs
Our rankings of the best doctorates in social work make it easier to find the right fit for you. Before choosing a program, do your research. Factors, such as accreditation status, curriculum requirements, and tuition costs, impact the quality of the education you receive.
- Accreditation: The Council on Social Work Education, the only social work accreditation agency, does not accredit doctoral programs. Most students enter doctoral programs after earning an MSW from a CSWE-accredited school. All doctorate programs in this ranking have accredited bachelor of social work (BSW) and/or MSW programs and regional accreditation.
- Fieldwork Experience: Because a doctorate in social work does not lead to a specific license, programs typically do not require field placements. BSW and MSW graduates typically enter a doctoral program after completing field experience as part of their degree and licensure requirements.
- Tuition and Education Costs: The cost of your degree depends on several factors, including whether you choose a public or private school, attend full- or part-time, or enroll in an online or in-person degree.
We use a data-driven methodology to determine the best social work degree programs based on three influential factors, including affordability, academics, and reputation.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Students can pursue a Ph.D. in social work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The program is centered on the topic of social intervention, but doctoral students also choose a specialized area of study. This concentration narrows down the research scope.
The curriculum comprises 45 credits of coursework before students can advance to candidacy. After they complete the required courses — typically in three years — candidates work on their dissertation within their focussed area of study.
- Program(s): Ph.D. in social work
- Campus: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Council on Social Work Education; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $586 per credit for North Carolina residents; $1,602 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Accredited MSW; two years of work experience in human services; statement of purpose; three letters of recommendation; CV
- Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months, followed by any dissertation work
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
University of California – Los Angeles
The Ph.D. in social welfare at the University of California – Los Angeles is a highly selective program for social work professionals who wish to pursue a doctorate. The curriculum follows a four-year plan, starting with coursework in the first few years, a dissertation proposal in year three, and the final year is dedicated to completing the dissertation.
UCLA offers a few spots in its combined MSW/Ph.D. program for people wishing to pursue both at once. The school also allows students to apply for fellowships that cover full tuition costs and comes with a stipend.
- Program(s): Ph.D. in social welfare
- Campus: Los Angeles, California
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Council on Social Work Education; Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
- Tuition: $4,088 per quarter for both residents and nonresidents
- Admission Requirements: MSW or master’s degree in a related field; three recommendation letters; personal statement; statement of purpose; research essay; CV; writing sample
- Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
University of Washington – Seattle
At the University of Washington – Seattle, students dedicate at least five years to earning their Ph.D. in social work. Enrollees take general coursework for the first two years before choosing a specialty. Candidates work on their dissertation prospectus in year four and complete their dissertation in the final year.
The program offers a statistics track for those who wish to specialize in social science research. Learners also complete teacher training courses over the course of the curriculum. The university offers financial support to students during the first four years of the program.
- Program(s): Ph.D. in social welfare
- Campus: Seattle, Washington
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Council on Social Work Education; Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Tuition: $17,436 per year for Washington residents; $31,128 per year for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: MSW or master’s degree in a related field; scholarly and professional statement; scholarly writing sample; letters of recommendation; statistics preparation prerequisite; CV
- Minimum Time Commitment: 60 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
Florida State University
Florida State University offers a four-year Ph.D. program in social work that emphasizes research and teaching
The curriculum comprises four types of courses: core methods and theory, social work research methods, statistics and cognates, or courses related to students’ research interests. In their third year, students undergo a preliminary examination defense, and in their final year, they carry out and defend their thesis.
Students can apply for several fellowships and other forms of financial assistance, including a tuition waiver and stipend.
- Program(s): Ph.D. in social work
- Campus: Tallahassee, Florida
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Council on Social Work Education; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $479 per credit for Florida residents; $1,111 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Accredited MSW with a minimum 3.0 GPA; GRE scores; statement of purpose; writing sample; three letters of recommendation; potential interview; CV
- Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
University of South Florida
At the Tampa-based University of South Florida, the school of social work administers a Ph.D. for students who want to become experts in the field.
The program integrates a strategic emphasis on five areas: societal change and innovation, global issues, health, behavioral health, and leadership and business.
The Ph.D. program comprises 72 credits in total. Students can also apply at least 30 credit hours from their master’s degree, so they only take 42 at the doctoral level. Generally, students defend their dissertation in the spring semester of their fourth year.
- Program(s): Ph.D. in social work
- Campus: Tampa, Florida
- Type: Public
- Accreditation(s): Council on Social Work Education; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $435 per credit for Florida residents; $880 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: MSW or master’s degree in a related field; minimum 3.5 GPA in previous graduate coursework; two letters of recommendation; personal statement; professional writing sample; potential interview; CV
- Minimum Time Commitment: 48 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
Paying for a Social Work Degree Program
Paying for a graduate degree can be challenging. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), private universities charged an average annual tuition rate of $26,621 compared to $12,394 at public schools. A doctorate in social work can range from less than $14,000 per year at a state school to over $50,000 annually at a prestigious private institution. Online programs may charge less than traditional campus-based degrees.
In addition to tuition, students must pay for books, housing, and other expenses. Doctoral students in social work may qualify for financial aid opportunities, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Many doctoral programs provide significant financial support through stipends and fellowships.
Careers and Salary with a Social Work Degree
A social worker with a doctorate can qualify for an array of fulfilling careers with broader responsibilities and higher salaries than an MSW-holder in licensed clinical practice. They work as advanced practice clinical social workers, social work agency managers, public policy analysts, and nonprofit managing directors. Those with Ph.D. degrees typically find positions as university professors and researchers in government and private organizations.
While social workers with doctoral degrees earn the highest social work salaries in the field, several factors impact compensation levels, including location, practice specialties, and employment settings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for social workers at all degree levels was $50,390 in 2021. Social workers with a doctorate may work as medical and health service managers, earning an average annual salary of $127,980. Those in postsecondary social work education make an average salary of $75,330.
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Work Degrees
What is the purpose of a doctorate in social work?
A doctorate in social work enables a licensed social worker to expand their knowledge and skills in areas of advanced clinical practice, management, and leadership. The doctoral curriculum prepares students in social work theory, practice, and research on a more advanced level than an MSW program.
What is the difference between a Ph.D. in social work and a doctorate in social work practice?
A DSW is a doctorate in social work practice that focuses on supervision, policy analysis, and applied research. A Ph.D. in social work emphasizes theoretical perspectives, advanced research methods, and scholarship.
What is the difference between a DSW and a Psy.D.?
A DSW prepares you for positions in advanced clinical practice, applied research, and supervisory and management roles. A Psy.D., or doctor of psychology, prepares you to practice in clinical settings as a therapist or counselor, working directly with patients.
Is a doctorate in social work worth it?
The value of a doctorate depends on your personal and career goals. If you are seeking career advancement and a higher salary, a doctorate in social work gives you a competitive edge.
