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Classes Start January 13th
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$50 application fee (waived w/promo Fall19)
DSW program highlights
Leadership focus
Focus on valued leadership skills, preparing you to serve as an
advanced practitioner and leader in the field of social work.
Scholar-practitioner faculty
The expertise, diversity, and real-world experience of our
scholar-practitioner faculty can guide you in your practice and
career. All social work faculty members have a doctoral degree.
Doctoral capstone
Apply what you’ve learned in a written project, demonstrating your
use of evidence to improve outcomes or resolve a gap in the
field.
Command of technology
Learn to think strategically about the use of technology to improve client outcomes.
Residency
Enhance the skills you’ve developed in your program coursework
through intensive, onsite experiences with students and faculty.
Doctorate research seminar
Work extensively on your capstone topic, methodology, application to
current theory, and overall project plan starting early in your
program.
“As a former job seeker in the field, the DSW qualified me to practice internationally, carry out agency administration, and educate future practitioners in the field. These opportunities were limited or out of my reach prior to obtaining my DSW.”
Shelley Richardson*
Doctor of Social Work
*Actual Capella student who agreed to appear in Capella promotional materials.
25 years of online doctoral experience
With over 25 years of experience in online doctoral education, we understand the unique needs of doctoral students, and have designed our programs to meet those needs. We've structured our programs to help you reach your goals and obtain critical skills—with our expert faculty, support teams, and online resources to help guide you every step of the way.
Faculty & support
You're never alone throughout your doctoral journey at Capella: our
faculty and support teams guide and advise you through every
step of your educational journey.
Enrollment counselors
These experts will set you up for success. They’ll help you find the right degree and program, and answer all your questions about Capella.
Faculty
Our courses are taught by distinguished faculty members who hold top credentials and have hands-on expertise in their fields. They know what you need to know today.
Doctoral advising
Doctoral programs are specific and challenging. That’s why you’ll have access to expert support at every step along the road to your degree.
Capstone mentors
For the culminating project of your doctoral degree, you’ll be paired with a mentor who can support and assist you along the way.
Cost & learning format
A more structured learning format with an active peer community and
faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the
deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1-3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term
$4,385 per quarter,
71 total quarter credits,
0 max transfer credits
Get the details
Speak with an enrollment counselor to get a personalized cost estimate for what you can expect to pay.
Ways to save
At Capella, we believe your education is an investment in your future. It’s also an investment within your grasp. Your goals are achievable—there are more ways to save than you might think.
$10K toward your doctorate
Apply for the $10K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help you fund your doctoral degree.
Employer & association discounts
If your employer or organization is a partner with Capella, you may be eligible for a tuition discount.
10% military discount
If you're an active-duty military service member, spouse, or veteran, discounts may be available.
Accredited & recognized
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide the assurance we meet
standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and
fiscal stability. See all of our accreditations and recognitions.
DSW sample courses
Here is just a sample of the courses you can choose from in the Doctor of Social Work program.
| SWK8015 * |
Advanced Social Work Practice: Theoretical Perspectives
Learners in this course assess the role of theory in social work
practice at the micro, mezzo, macro, and meta levels. Learners
critically appraise selected theories, perspectives, and models for
relevance and evaluate the strengths and barriers regarding their
application to practice. Through critical self-reflection, learners
identify with specific theoretical orientations, as well as
demonstrate recognition and respect for others’ theoretical
orientations.
For DSW learners only. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or
concurrent registration in SWK8010.
|
4 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| SWK8025 * |
Leadership and Management in Complex Social Systems
Learners in this course examine and integrate an understanding of
leadership principles, skills, and applications in organizational or
academic environments. Learners appraise and articulate the importance
of cultural and ethical competency within a leadership context as well
as a complex, global society. Learners investigate issues they may
encounter in the field and determine how to address them through the
practice of social work leadership.
For DSW learners only. Prerequisite(s): SWK8010; completion of
or concurrent registration in SWK8015. |
4 quarter credits |
| SWK8035 * |
Advanced Social Work Policy and Practice
In this course, learners develop the ability to advocate for and
create public policy, and evaluate how it impacts individuals,
families, groups, and the community. Learners examine policies in
light of diversity and globalization with emphasis on social justice.
Learners also assess ethical concerns; policy analysis; advocacy
strategies, including cross-system collaboration; and use of needs
assessments.
For DSW learners only. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or
concurrent registration in SWK8020.
|
4 quarter credits |
| SWK8045 * |
Clinical Theories of Social Work Practice 1
Learners in this course analyze clinical theories of social work
based on ethical considerations, client diversity, and best practice
as defined by the integration of practice wisdom and scientific
knowledge, to ensure proper fit between clients’ needs and
intervention. Learners also evaluate practice model(s) for client
treatment with a focus on individuals and couples, and begin to apply
this knowledge to supervision of colleagues. In addition, learners use
research to examine cutting edge and emerging intervention strategies.
For DSW learners only. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or
concurrent registration in PSL7860; SWK8025,
SWK8035. |
4 quarter credits |
| SWK8075 * |
Advanced Social Work Practitioner as a Leader of Social Change
Learners in this course articulate their individual leadership
philosophies, styles, skills, and approaches to effective leadership.
Learners evaluate policy, practice, programs, and the use of
technology at all levels in the social work field, while evaluating
social change strategies and approaches. Learners identify the use of
self as they develop professional skills of influence and mobilization
for change to better advocate for client groups at all levels.
Learners create an individual plan for their continued
self-development as leaders in the field of social work. In addition,
learners demonstrate knowledge of lobbying, advocacy strategies,
program evaluation, and ethical issues and concerns.
For DSW learners only. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or
concurrent registration in PSL7868; SWK8065. |
4 quarter credits |
What you’ll learn
Earning a DSW can help you prepare as a leader, advanced
practitioner, or educator.
- Gain the tools for collaboration in diverse settings.
- Advocate to advance ethical social work policy and practice.
- Incorporate technology into your practice ethically.
- Deepen your understanding of programs, practice, and technology.
- Advocate for social justice and policy change.
- Communicate professionally with diverse individuals and groups.
Social work career insights
PhD in Social Work vs. Doctor of Social Work
Two doctoral programs focused on social
work. What are the differences, and which one is right for you?
How to Start and Grow a Career in Social Work
What does it take to start and grow a career in social work? A Capella faculty member shares her perspective.
The Growing Use of Technology in Social Work
Tips on how to keep your industry
knowledge up-to-date while earning a DSW.
DSW professional opportunities
Your education can help you reach your
goals, professionally and personally. Here are some of the jobs and
employment settings to consider with a DSW.
Related job titles to explore*
- Social worker
- Clinical social worker
- Adjunct or part-time social work faculty
- Full-time social work faculty
- Clinical manager
- Clinical director
Employment settings to explore
- Community college
- Online and land-based college
- Ambulatory care service
- Hospital
- Government-local, state, federal
- Insurance carrier
- Individual and family service
*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. 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.
Looking to make a difference in people's lives?
If you're interested in pursuing a career that allows you to help others, our Helping Professions Guide can provide insights into a variety of options to consider.
Three career paths to explore with a DSW
While the social work field offers a variety of career paths and focus areas, some of the more common paths include:
Work independently in a private practice and provide counsel beyond the office to settings such as primary care, schools, hospitals, or nursing facilities.
Support families and children in the areas of child protection, adoption and foster care, residential treatment, addictions, juvenile corrections, homelessness, working poor, food insecurity, domestic violence, school social work, and counseling.
Support families in focus areas such as psychology, rehabilitation, and social work while assisting other professionals and helping clients find benefits or community services.
Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography, and degree field, affect career outcomes, and Capella does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, or other career growth.
Other programs to explore
Is this program close to what you need, but maybe not a perfect fit?
The programs below might be interesting. Check them out to find one
that suits your academic and professional goals.