Doctor of Social Work Program
Expand your education and leadership skills in social work through our fully online program.
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Value quality over quantity when it comes to education
Master-degreed social workers take the journey with us to become future practitioner-scholars in teaching and social service leadership. They experience the benefits of smaller cohorts including one-to-one mentorship and a more personalized educational experience. We keep the cohort size small to focus on the quality of your educational experience.
Start your journey with us and advance your knowledge and skills in leadership and teaching. Our Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program is designed for the working professional with courses fully online, offering an asynchronous and synchronous format. Earning a DSW degree online allows you to reach your educational goals while working full-time, being with family and juggling life priorities. You will learn from Kent School’s full-time faculty in the convenience of your home.
Our program requires students complete both a teaching practicum and leadership practicum as part of their coursework. The program is designed to provide you a well-rounded experience in social work practice with the ability to critically analyze models of teaching and learning. You will demonstrate social service leadership, apply and evaluate best practices in the classroom and in social service agency settings and demonstrate the use of social work ethics in teaching and leadership.
Experience learning at the number one graduate school social work program in Kentucky, and a top 50 program in the nation.* In preparation for the Council on Social Work Education’s anticipated accreditation process for doctoral programs, Kent School follows CSWE guidelines and standards for accreditation and will be prepared for the accreditation process when it becomes available.
*According to U.S. News and World Report, 2025 rankings.
Explore campus life and the Kent experience
Opening doors. Adding value and perspective.
Our program is designed for professionals wanting to serve and bring real change in the field of social work. Read the news feature about the first graduates, and watch the video as they share experiences and how this degree is making a difference in their career pathways.
Advance your professional career with a DSW degree
Select an online program that provides a quality educational experience as you work to become a practitioner-scholar in teaching and excel in social service leadership. Explore the program.
The why behind pursing a DSW degree
“Social work means so much to me. I felt like I needed to be the best at it as possible, and I feel like the only way I can claim to do that is by pursuing the highest level of education in it.”
Read the news feature or watch the video to hear from Cowann Owens, Kent School alumnus.
Frequently Asked Questions
A dissertation is not required. Students have the option of conducting a capstone project.
All classes and program events are online, although you are welcome to visit us at any time.
Yes, the admissions process is competitive and space is limited due to our small cohort size. Students must demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills, critical thinking and have a commitment to social work values and prioritizing the time needed to undertake doctoral studies.
The program is considered a part-time program because students complete six (6) credit hours each semester. Classes are a hybrid blend of synchronous and asynchronous meetings.
DSW programs can prepares students to become scholar-practitioners in advanced social work practice and leaders in human service and educational institutions. PhD programs prepare students to become researchers who develop theoretical research and educational practices.