Ready to take a big step in your social work education and career? If you’re interested in leadership, academia, or policy-making roles, earning a PhD in social work would be an excellent move. STEPS will help you find the best social work PhD programs online, and answer all of your questions about what to expect from coursework to careers.Online PhD Degrees in Social Work: Finding Your Program
A Closer Look at Online Social Work PhD Programs
Online social work PhD students can fulfill the majority (and sometimes all) of their program requirements online, since PhD programs concentrate on theoretical applications of social work concepts and are intended for individuals who have completed their master’s degree and fieldwork requirements. Designed to accommodate the schedules of working professionals, online PhDs in social work offer flexibility to balance responsibilities outside of school with studies.
Most programs blend synchronous classes with asynchronous assignments, providing flexibility along with structured online face-to-face education. When choosing a program, see if meeting times work for you, and take a look at residency requirements and research specializations.
Simmons University
The online social work PhD from Simmons University helps experienced practitioners in the field develop scientific research skills that transfer to academia. In addition to traditional coursework, students complete teaching and research practicums and a dissertation. All classes are synchronous on Zoom, so students can benefit from real-time instruction while learning online. If you prefer an on-campus experience, you are welcome on the Simmons campus to engage with faculty and peers, teach courses, and work on research projects.
Duration: Four to six years
Mode: Online
Cost: $1,240/credit
Curriculum:
- Quantitative Scientific Methods
- Introduction to Statistics, Data Analysis, and Multiple Variable Statistics
- Intervention Research
- Survey Research Methods
- Qualitative Scientific Methods and Data Analysis
- Social and Behavioral Theory
- Policy Analysis in Political, Social and Economic Contexts
- Integrating Public Policy Issues and Outcomes into Social Work Research
- Teaching Methodologies, Course Design and Assessment
- Integrative Seminar
Institute for Clinical Social Work
The Institute for Clinical Social Work’s PhD in Clinical Social Work provides students with remarkable flexibility to earn their degree at their own pace. For full-time students, there’s a three-year program that meets on alternative weeks. For part-time students, there’s a six-year program that meets every Friday afternoon and Saturday mornings. All online classes are synchronous via online video conferencing, so students can interact with their professors and peers live. Classes combine in-depth psychodynamic training with a research-focused dissertation; students can rely on their own clinical work to build their dissertation.
Duration: Three to six years
Mode: Online
Cost: $22,000/year full time | $2,475/course part time
Curriculum:
- Traditions of Inquiry in the Social Sciences
- Clinical Practicum
- Case Conference
- Developmental Theory
- Psychodynamic Psychology
- Beyond the Fifty Minute Hour
- Perspectives on Trauma and Neuropsychology
- Clinical Process and Technique
- Research Methods
- Perspectives on Attachment, Loss, and Grief
- Psychodynamic Perspectives on Difference
- Dissertation Seminar
- Psychoanalytic Social Theory
- Advanced Research Seminar
Walden University
The PhD in Social Work from Walden University was designed specifically for working professionals. The program focuses on ethical practice, cultural awareness, and practical impact, weaving an understanding of social change throughout the coursework. Students can choose from specializations in advanced clinical practice and supervision, impact leadership in social work administration, or social work education. No matter the path, students learn to use research, best practices, and theory to address the problems and needs of social groups. Walden students begin focusing on their dissertation from their first course.
Duration: Two and a half to eight years
Mode: Online
Cost: $650/credit
Curriculum:
- Foundations of Graduate Study
- Advanced Social Work Theory and Practice
- Social Work Scholarship
- Contemporary Issues, Social Change, and Social Policy
- Program and Practice Evaluation
- Research Theory, Design, and Methods
- Quantitative and Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis
- 15 Specialization Credits
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
PhD in Social Work vs. DSW: What’s the Difference?
When looking for education beyond a master’s in social work, you’ll have a choice between two degrees: the PhD in Social Work and a Doctor of Social Work. While either one will advance your career, the one you choose depends on your personal goals. A DSW focuses on advancing your social work practice, while a PhD concentrates on research, theory, and educational practices.
| PsyD | PhD in Psychology | |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Academia, theoretical research, education | Social work practice, supervision, and applied research |
| Timeline | Three to five years | Two to three years |
| Residency Requirements | In-person residency sometimes required | Those who aspire for other aspects of the psychology field beyond clinical work, such as research or teaching. |
| Dissertation Requirements | Dissertation typically required | Programs almost always culminate in the writing and defense of a dissertation. |
| Practical Application | Professor, researcher, leader at social service agencies or in policymaking, clinical services specialist | Research Design and Methodology; Quantitative Analysis; Scientific Cognition |
FAQs About Online Social Work PhDs
Are part-time online programs available for PhD social work degrees? What are the admissions requirements?
Yes, online part-time programs are an option for students who can’t fit a full-time program into their busy lives. Part-time study means fewer courses each semester or term and provides the opportunity for more time to complete a dissertation or capstone project. Keep in mind that not all schools offer part-time curriculums, so check before you enroll.
When it comes to admissions, each school has its own standards, but some elements are universal, including earning a bachelor’s in social work or master of social work degree and completing certain prerequisite courses. You may also be asked to submit transcripts, a resume, letters of recommendation, an active social work license, a personal statement and GRE scores.
Are there any on-campus requirements or can I earn my PhD completely online?
In many cases, there are limited on-campus requirements for PhD students. Weekend or week-long in-person intensives require travel to campus to meet with your cohort for hands-on training, classroom discussion and peer networking.
Do you still have to complete a dissertation in online social work PhD programs?
While some schools may permit a capstone project, most require a dissertation as the culminating requirement for social work PhD programs. Additionally, some institutions may require a comprehensive final exam in conjunction with the dissertation or capstone. A motivated student can complete the dissertation in a year, but it’s typical for working students to take longer to finish this step.
How long does it take to get an online PhD in social work?
Full-time social work PhD students can anticipate spending a minimum of three years in the program. During the first year, students concentrate on fundamental and theoretical concepts. In the second year, you’ll explore research methods and application of previously learned concepts. The third year is dedicated to the dissertation or capstone project; part-time students needing additional time to complete their dissertation may take five years or more.
What career options will I have with a PhD in social work?
A PhD in social work can open doors to a wide variety of positions. Most people who pursue a PhD intend to work in research, teaching, and administration. Common jobs include university professor, social work educator, or director of social services at a larger organization.
Online Social Work Degree Curriculum
Though each social work PhD program offers its own curriculum, many social work PhD programs share common core concepts. Here are some of the core courses you’ll encounter:
Advanced Social Work with Diverse Populations
Theories and concepts related to diversity are front and center in this course, including globalization, race theory, social control, domination, oppression, and the impact of immigration. Advocacy strategies, movements for social change, and use of technology in social work are also examined.
Clinical Theories of Social Work Practice
Students look at ethical and legal considerations of social work practice, theories based on client diversity, best practices, and appropriate client treatments that consider the best-known theories and evidence-based practice in the field. Merging research and intervention strategies is a keystone of this course.
Disaster and Crisis Management
Social workers help communities in times of crisis and disaster, both natural and manmade. This course prepares students to respond appropriately with cultural sensitivity and understanding in a variety of crisis scenarios.
Leadership in Social Work
This course focuses on leadership, management, and human resource skills in the context of social work. Personnel, ethical, and practice hurdles are explored to help you run an office or institution smoothly while delivering top-notch client care.
Research Design and Analysis
Research is an important element of any PhD program. In this course, students study the fundamental concepts of research in the context of social work, including applying techniques appropriately, design, sampling, analysis, removing bias, leveraging technology, connecting with appropriate subjects and more.
Top Social Work PhDs Offered Online
With many programs available, it can be challenging to narrow down your options. Our comprehensive list of online social work programs can help with accredited programs in one convenient location. Using this list, you can identify the features most important to you as you consider options and determine the best match.
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennessee
Public
Baylor University
Waco, Texas
Private
