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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. 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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Read what others have to say about this specialization, or leave your own comment, and be sure to check back often to converse with others about their Capella experiences.

Total Program: 74 quarter credits
Up to 10 quarter credits may be transferred into this specialization
Admission Requirements Icon indicating PDF
Next Start Date: July 9, 2012
Quarter: $4,192 §

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§ New prices may apply July 9, 2012. Icon indicating PDF

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Residency requirements: One Dissertation Writer's Retreat

As part of your program, you will attend 1 Dissertation Writer's Retreat in addition to your online courses.

The retreat offers:
  • 5 days of uninterrupted writing time in a distraction-free environment
  • 1-to-1 support from writing faculty, librarians, IRB specialists, and research methodologists
  • Valuable feedback and inspiration from faculty and peers

What is the cost to attend?

The price for each Dissertation Writer's Retreat is included in your quarterly tuition, but doesn't include costs for travel or hotel accommodations. You'll be responsible for making your hotel reservations and travel arrangements.
  • Call an enrollment counselor at 1.877.295.6786 to learn more

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*
  • DWR8001 - Professional Dissertation Writer's Retreat - non-credit*+
  • DSW9920 - Action Research Dissertation Courseroom* - non-credit
  • DSW9921 - Action Research Dissertation 1* - 5 quarter credits
  • DSW9922 - Action Research Dissertation 2* - 5 quarter credits
  • DSW9923 - Action Research Dissertation 3* - 5 quarter credits
  • DSW9924 - Action Research Dissertation 4* - 5 quarter credits

Elective Courses

Choose four or five courses (learners must choose the number of elective courses that will fulfill the 18 quarter credit requirement):

  • HS6001 - Practicum 1: Short-Term Supervised Field Experience OR
  • Choose any 7000 - 8000 level graduate courses.
Review of this program is pending in TN.
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.
* This course has a prerequisite. Contact an enrollment counselor for more information.

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A DSW through Capella

July 30, 2010Deborah When I decided to pursue my doctorate, I didn't consider online learning. I've received all of my education in a traditional setting - and quite frankly I was not sure that online learning was even credible. I did the research on Capella and was convinced of their credibility. Moreover, online learning would be a new experience and it definitely fit into my schedule. I began in the PhD program for Public Service Leadership and happily switched to the DSW program when it was offered. I love the profession of Social Work. The DSW program is specific to social workers - the cohort is small and engaged in the learning process, everyone speaks the same language. It is rigorous, challenging and is preparing me for advanced scholarship in the field. The professors are knowledgeable, compassionate and one of your biggest advocates for success. I did not make a mistake, no matter what others may say, I am confident that Capella was the right choice for me.

SOCIAL WORK

February 13, 2011SORIBEL HOW LONG DOES THE PROGRAM TAKES TO COMPLETE? HOW LONG ARE THE COURSES?

is the DSW accredited through the National Council on Social Work Education?

November 30, 2010robin I am very interested in this program and I will be finishing my MSW at the University of Maine in May of 2012. I need to know if this DSW program is accredited by the NCSWE. This would be necessary for future liscensure. I am also a horrible researcher and need to know what the research classes are like. Math and I do not get along well. Will I be able to make through the necessary research courses.

PHD versus DWS

May 23, 2011Margalita What is the difference between the PHD in Social Work and the Doctor of Social Work (DSW)? Is the prestige any different with one than the other and how are the two degrees looked at? Is one ranked any higher than the other? What exactly is the difference between the two, other than the time and money that it takes to acquire each?

I need to know more...

October 23, 2011Trish I am very excited to see the DSW option with Capella. I am a recent graduate from Capella with a master's in Public Service Leadership. I have been contemplating going back for my PhD but really should be looking at something in social work. I need to know more about this program because I am really considering it if it would be beneficial in the job market.

MSW degree

January 14, 2011ovita I have a Master Degree in Social work but the program is not accredited, however, my BSW degree is. Can I still apply for DSW with Capella?

Considering transfer

September 12, 2011Ebony I have been pursuing my PhD in social work for a few years. I have a number of credits at a traditional university, however it is becoming challenging to be employed full-time and run over to the university several times a week. I am very interested in a transfer to Capella, but I am nervous about how difficult the transfer will be. Can anybody provide me some feedback?

Question

June 10, 2011Guilliam I am really interested in a DSW through Capella. I want to know how rigorous are the classes and the schedule. Thing is I work full time and I do not have a lot of free time during the weekends.

PhD Human Services & DSW in Social Work

June 3, 2011Kim I am currently in the PhD program for Human Services at Capella. I have a master in social work and I am a LCSW. Can I use any of my courses from my current PhD program with capella towards a DSW?

Welcoming surprise..... DSW

October 19, 2011Laura I was very surprised to return to the Capella Site to find DSW was being offered. I took several classes in 2007. Unfortunately duty called and I had to withdraw in July 2008. My military duties and responsibilities made it nearly impossible to balance both work and school. Four+ years later, I am looking to return to the PhD program in Human Services in Counseling Studies and then I started to search the site to find DSW.... Wow! This was not an option in 2007. I will be transitioning out of the Army within the 6 to 8 months. It would be great to return to Capella. A Side story.... as I was cleaning out some of the boxes I've been towing around over the last 4 years, I found a old spiral Red Capella Journal. In 2007, I believe it was sent as a gift from the school to students. My son who is 7 years old, has made it his own personal book. It brought smiles to my face and also was a great inspiration to log on today to research the potential of returning to school.
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