What is the difference between a DSW and a PhD in Social Work?
If you’re someone who is interested in social work and considering an advanced degree, you may be considering programs like a DSW or PhD in social work. In this post, I’ll explain what both degrees are, similarities and differences, common admission requirements, and potential career paths for each degree.
What is a DSW?
So, what is a DSW? A Doctor of Social Work, or DSW, is an advanced-level graduate degree specifically in the field of social work. These programs are professional doctorates, meaning they emphasize advanced-level practice and are less research-based. Similar to how someone might complete a Pharm.D. in pharmacy or a J.D. in law to advance their practical knowledge in their field, a DSW program places emphasis on applying research in areas like advanced practice or leadership.
Completing a DSW will often be more course-based and include completion of a capstone project. Some DSW programs offer flexible delivery options to cater to students who are working professionals in the field.
What is a PhD in social work?
Similar to a DSW, a Doctor of Philosophy, or PhD in social work, is also an advanced degree. However, PhD programs in social work place emphasis on conducting original research in the field. These programs have a more academic focus, as opposed to the more practical focus in DSW programs.
Social work PhD programs will generally involve a small amount of coursework, as well as research design and data analysis. Additionally, PhD students will complete a doctoral dissertation towards the end of their degree, which will highlight the research they have conducted throughout their degree. PhD programs in social work tend to be full-time, in-person programs, given their heavy research focus.
Admission Requirements for DSW vs Social Work PhD
Although admission requirements for both programs vary between schools, there are a few common requirements for each program.
For admission to a DSW, applicants will generally require an MSW from an accredited social work program. Additionally, it is typically required for applicants to have practice experience post-MSW (often 2+ years is required). Applicants are also often required to be registered or licensed as a social worker in the state or country where they live. Lastly, there is often a GPA requirement which varies from school to school.
PhD programs in social work have similar requirements, although there are a few differences. Social work PhD programs typically also require a master’s-level degree, although it doesn’t necessarily have to be an MSW (depending on the school). Given that the emphasis for these programs is on research rather than practice, there typically isn’t a requirement to have completed a certain amount of professional experience post-MSW; instead, there is often a stronger emphasis on research experience for these applications.
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Main Focus of DSW vs PhD in Social Work
As highlighted above, the main thing that differentiates a DSW from a PhD in psychology is the main focus of each degree. With a DSW, the focus is on preparing students for advanced-level practice or leadership in the field. With this, the learning goals tend to be based around leadership and practice, such as providing clinical supervision or organizational leadership.
On the other hand, PhD programs focus on research skills and experience, with the goal of preparing students to continue conducting research in the field post-degree. This means that students are prepared for careers that are research-focused, such as being a professor at a university.
Career Paths for DSW vs Social Work PhD
Both a DSW or a PhD in social work can help students advance their careers in the field of social work; however, each program prepares students to achieve a different goal.
With a DSW, social workers will be prepared to continue their careers in similar settings as those with an MSW, although they will typically be doing so at a more advanced level of practice. For example, someone with a DSW may work in a community organization, or with the government in areas such as child welfare or policy development. Additionally, those with a DSW may engage in clinical supervision for others engaging in social work practice.
Conversely, social work PhD careers are more streamlined towards a career in academia, where you will continue conducting research and may also teach social work to university students, depending on your goals. Someone with a PhD in social work may also go on to support research projects with community organizations or the government.
FAQs
Below, I will answer some frequently asked questions related to DSWs and PhDs in social work!
Q: Where can you complete a DSW?
A: There are many DSW programs offered in the United States, including options available both in-person and online. At the time of writing, there are currently no DSW degrees offered in Canada, although you may be able to attend a US-based DSW as an international student!
Q: Where can you complete a PhD in social work?
A: PhDs in social work are widely available throughout both Canada and the USA. These programs tend to be in-person and full-time, so this is something to consider when choosing programs to apply to!
Q: How long does it take to complete a DSW vs PhD in social work?
A: A DSW can typically be completed in anywhere from 2-5 years, depending on whether you take a part-time or full-time program. PhD programs typically take longer, and can vary from anywhere between 4 and 6 years of full-time study.
Q: How much do DSW and social work PhD programs cost?
A: Both DSW and PhD programs can vary greatly in cost depending on the school, whether they are completed on a part-time or full-time basis, and if there are scholarships available. Since DSW programs are primarily course-based, there tend to be fewer scholarship opportunities. The cost for these programs can range from anywhere between $40,000 to $60,000+, depending on the school. PhD programs tend to be more expensive as they take longer to complete, although there are many more scholarship opportunities available to students as these programs are research-based. For the most accurate information on program cost, I’d recommend looking into tuition costs at the school(s) you are interested in attending!
Q: Do you need a PhD in social work to be a professor?
A: This depends on the school, but the answer is yes and no. In social work, it is relatively common for program instructors in BSW and MSW programs to hold an MSW, as opposed to a DSW or PhD. However, to become a professor at a university (for instance, in a tenure-track position), this will typically require a PhD in the field.
Conclusion
So, you may be wondering which is better: a DSW or a PhD in social work? The answer is that it depends on your goals and experience. If your career goals are more focused on clinical practice or leadership in the field, a DSW may be a better fit for you. On the other hand, if your goal is to conduct original research and pursue a career in academia, a social work PhD might be the right fit!
Still wondering about your career path as a future social worker? We offer 45-minute 1:1 consultations to discuss your career goals and social work applications to help clarify your goals and next steps in your social work career!
