Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

Harold Abel School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Department of Social Work

General Social Work specialization

Prepare to lead social service programs, advocate for social justice and public policy changes, and teach the next generation of social workers. This professional doctorate, designed around national social work education guidelines, is one of very few online DSW degree programs. It also features face-to-face learning experiences, including a week-long, intensive dissertation writing retreat and a course that requires participatory research. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, action research, and the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical experience. There is a strong focus on the growing use of technology to expand the reach or effectiveness of social service programs, build awareness of important social issues, and enhance professional development. This DSW is designed to be completed in three years, with all courses taken in sequence, allowing you to learn and build professional relationships with the same cohort of students. People who choose this specialization are often pursuing leadership, faculty, or research positions in government, higher education, and social service organizations.
 
Dissertation Writer’s Retreat: A week-long, intensive writing experience that supports advanced doctoral learners in completing their dissertation. Learn more about the Dissertation Writer’s Retreat.

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Required Courses (each course 6 quarter credits unless noted)

All courses taken in sequence:

• DSW8002 - Advanced Knowledge of Social Work
• DSW8120 - Contemporary Issues in Social Work*
• DSW8130 - Leadership in Social Work*
• DSW8140 - Technology in Social Work*
• DSW8150 - Methods of Inquiry in Action Research*
• DSW8160 - Applying Action Research*
• DSW9920 - Action Research Dissertation Courseroom - non-credit
• DSW9921 - Action Research Dissertation 1* - 5 quarter credits
• DSW9922 - Action Research Dissertation 2* - 5 quarter credits
• DWR8001 - Professional Dissertation Writer's Retreat - non-credit*⁺
• DSW9923 - Action Research Dissertation 3* - 5 quarter credits
• DSW9924 - Action Research Dissertation 4* - 5 quarter credits

Elective Courses (each course 4 quarter credits unless noted)

Choose four or five from the following courses:

• ED7310 - Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Educational Process
• ED7311 - Theory and Methods of Educating Adults
• ED7540 - Leadership in Higher Education
• ED7547 - Assessment in Higher Education
• CST8731 - Psychopathology: Assessment and Treatment
• CST8739 - Theories of Psychotherapy
• CST8754 - Child and Adolescent Counseling
• CST8758 - Mental Health and Aging
• CST8779 - Life Planning and Career Development
• HS6001 - Practicum 1: Short-Term Supervised Field Experience
• HS8106 - Epistemology of Practice Knowledge
• HS8103 - Principles and Practices of Social Work
• HS8108 - Financial Analysis and Reporting for Nonprofit Executives
• HS8413 - Social Influences of Behavior
• HS8478 - The Family in Social Context
• PSY8610 - Principles of Health Psychology - 5 quarter credits
• PSY8650 - Innovative Health Care Practices - 5 quarter credits
• PSY8670 - Cognitive/Affective Basis of Physical Illness - 5 quarter credits
• PSY8750 - Managing Psychological Services - 5 quarter credits

Review of this specialization is pending in ND and SC.

Admission to the General Social Work specialization requires learners to complete and submit the Cohort Auto-Registration Form.

+Learners are responsible for the cost of their travel, accommodations, food, and other expenses associated with this course.

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