The difference between a PhD in social work and Doctor of Social Work

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

The field of social work focuses on improving the quality of life for individuals and communities. Professionals in the field advocate on behalf of those in need and offer resources to help bridge gaps in healthcare and education.

If you have a master’s degree in social work and are interested in building your leadership skills to help promote sustainable change in social work practices, you might consider a doctoral degree. But between a PhD in social work and a doctor of social work (DSW) degree, which is the right fit for your goals?

Although Capella University doesn’t offer a PhD in Social Work, we do have an online DSW program.

 

What’s the difference between a PhD in Social Work and a DSW?

Earning a PhD can help students develop scholarly and theoretical research skills, with a focus on research methodology, social policy, social science theory, social welfare and social work educational practices. As a research-based degree, there’s an emphasis on new knowledge in the field of social work.

In contrast, a DSW is focused on real-world applications of social work theory and developing and implementing evidence-based practices. Students take courses that can help strengthen their social work knowledge and managerial expertise.

In essence, the differences between a PhD in social work and a DSW come down to how each degree can help expand your knowledge and expertise in the field.

Brian Christenson, PhD, assistant dean of the Department of Social Work at Capella University, shares his insights:

“A PhD in many cases, not all, is going to have more of a clinical and research-based focus. It’s also going to have a dissertation tied to it. The DSW is a professional practice doctorate, so it’s going to be more geared toward the practitioner. In most DSW programs, [students] complete a capstone or a research project, not a dissertation.”

Dr. Christenson gives some of the skills a DSW program can help students develop:

• Leadership
• Grant writing
• Strategic planning
• Analysis
• Program evaluation
• Clinical theory

Learn more about the difference between a dissertation and a doctoral capstone.

 

How does a doctor of social work prepare students for the field?

A doctor of social work emphasizes social work practice, applied research and leadership.

Here are some of the jobs and employment settings to consider with a Doctor of Social Work degree.

Related job titles to explore:

• Adjunct instructor
• Assistant/associate/full professor
• Case manager
• Director of social work
• Social worker
• Supervisory social worker

Employment settings to explore:

• Colleges, universities and professional schools
• Community colleges
• Executive offices
• General medical and surgical hospitals
• Individual and family services
• Miscellaneous ambulatory healthcare services
• Nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities)
• Offices of mental health practitioners (except physicians)
• Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers

These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications and/or other designations along with a degree. Educational and professional requirements for faculty positions vary widely by employer. Understanding your target employers' particular requirements is key in deciding on a program. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.

 

Which degree is right for me?

Ultimately, the decision depends on the direction someone wants to pursue in the field. Either degree can help elevate your knowledge and expertise in the field.

A PhD can help prepare you for the field of social work through education and research and may present opportunities on ways to use data to help influence social work practice. A DSW can help provide the knowledge and skills for applying research to practical purpose in social work settings.

Learn more about the Capella Doctor of Social Work program.