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Social Work
Doctor of Social Work
Develop advanced, real-world social work leadership skills and get ready for a management role with the online Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program from Capella University. Designed to meet guidelines established by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), this program prepares you to take on the responsibilities of a leader, advanced practitioner, or educator in the field of social work.
Classes start April 12
Use the code WINTER to waive the $50 application fee
At a Glance
- Online & in-person
- 14 Core courses
- 2 Residencies
- Capstone
Reduce your tuition by $10,000
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $10K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree.
Applicants must provide the following information for admission to Capella programs and specializations:
- A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International Student Requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
GuidedPath
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; 1–2 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
$975 per credit, $4,385 quarterly tuition max, 62 coursework credits, 0 transfer credits
Tuition breakdown
Program Phases
Coursework
$975 Per quarter credit
62 coursework credits; capstone is additional
Coursework
What is coursework?$975
Capstone
$2,925 Per quarter
Most students spend one third to one half of their program working on their capstone; others may take longer
Capstone
What is capstone?$2,925
Per quarter
Most students spend one third to one half of their program working on their capstone; others may take longer
Professional doctorate research seminar
—
Included in program costs; travel, lodging, meals and other expenses not included
Professional doctorate research seminar
—
Included in program costs; travel, lodging, meals and other expenses not included
Fees
Resource kit fee
$175 Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Resource kit fee
$175
Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Application fee
$50 One-time fee
Application fee
$50
One-time fee
Tuition and program length are unique to you
Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors:
- The program specialization you choose
- Scholarships and finances
- Prior coursework
- Transfer credits
- Employer and/or military benefits
- Number of quarters spent working on capstone
- Complexity of your capstone
- Academic performance
- School/work/life balance
- Unexpected life events
About cost scenarios
The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2020–21 Capella tuition rates. Pacing information is current as of January 1, 2020. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price. You are responsible for paying your own travel costs related to residencies, including plane, hotel, and food expenses.
To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.
Cost scenarios
Completes capstone in 6 quarters |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $975/credit 13 quarters |
$53,600.00 |
| Capstone: $2,925/quarter 6 quarters |
$17,550.00 |
| Sub-total
|
$71,500.00 |
| Est. Total with Scholarship*
|
$63,825.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 13 quarters |
$2,275.00 |
| Application fee: $50 one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Total 19 quarters |
$73,825.00 |
Completes capstone in 8 quarters |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $975/credit 13 quarters |
$53,600.00 |
| Capstone: $2,925/quarter 8 quarters |
$23,400.00 |
| Sub-total
|
$77,000.00 |
| Est. Total with Scholarship*
|
$69,325.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 13 quarters |
$2,275.00 |
| Application fee one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Total 21 quarters |
$79,325.00 |
*Eligibility rules apply. Connect with us for details.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Your education is an investment in your future that’s within your reach. There are more ways to save than you might think.
The Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree program, designed around national social work education guidelines, focuses on leadership, advanced practitioner skills, and technology.
| 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 RSCH7860, 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 RSCH7868, SWK8065. |
4 quarter credits |
Learning outcomes
The curriculum for this program emphasizes critical thinking, leadership, advanced practice, and the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical experience. Students engage in online coursework and conduct either an action research study or program evaluation.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Advocate for social justice and policy change for the betterment of humanity
- Act ethically and professionally within the field of social work
- Effectively communicate to diverse audiences in multiple formats
- Provide leadership that promotes sustainable change in social service programs and practicing to improve the quality of the field social work
- Apply theory, knowledge, and research and developing innovative approaches to social issues
- Use technology to further advance practice within the field of social work
- Build awareness of the implications of social issues in global and diverse societies
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. Here are some of the jobs and employment settings to consider with a Doctor of Social Work degree.
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.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Support to reach the finish line
We designed our programs to meet the unique needs of doctoral students. Our programs help you reach your goals, with support from faculty, staff, and online resources along the way.
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