If you’re an experienced social worker looking to advance your career, you may be considering a PhD or Doctorate in Social Work (DSW). These terminal degrees open pathways to advanced practice, leadership, teaching, policy, supervision, or applied research roles.
When deciding whether to enroll in a clinical social work PhD or doctorate in social work program, it’s important to choose a path that aligns with your career goals and learning style.
What is the difference between a PhD in Social Work and DSW?
In a nutshell, a PhD in Social Work focuses on research and scholarship. A Doctor of Social Work (DSW) is for professionals who want to engage in advanced social work practice.
A PhD is generally the better choice if you want to pursue a research-intensive career, according to the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This degree is ideal if you want to become a university faculty member, join a research center addressing social and health problems, or advance into leadership roles requiring research skills, according to the Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education in Social Work (GADE).
CSWE describes the DSW as preparing “practitioner-scholars” who advance practice, use and critically evaluate research, conduct systematic inquiry, and apply research-informed knowledge through practice, leadership, or teaching. These professionals translate research into practice, innovate practice, provide professional leadership, and teach.
DSW graduates assume leadership positions in community agencies and serve as advanced clinicians in clinical settings. Some graduates take teaching positions in academic settings, according to GADE.