Online Doctorate in Social Work (DSW)
Become a Leader for Social Change
The University of Kentucky’s DSW degree prepares MSW level practitioners to address the diverse needs of our times.
Learn More Today
Complete the form to learn more about this program.
At-a-Glance
Format 100% Online
Total Cost $33,180
Program Length 2-3 Years
Total Credits 42
Earn the Highest Degree in Social Work
Offered through UK’s College of Social Work (CoSW), our Online Doctorate in Social Work program prepares advanced practitioners to address contemporary practice challenges. Online students will benefit from a flexible learning environment, esteemed scholar-practitioner faculty, and an enthusiastic community of support professionals.
Specialize your knowledge with a concentration in one of five focus areas: Administrative Leadership, Clinical Social Work, Military Behavioral Health, Social Work Education, or Sport Social Work. Graduates from our CoSW are well-prepared to transition into higher education or advance their careers in higher-level leadership, management, and administrative roles.
Pursue Your Passion for Social Justice
Today, more than ever, DSWs are needed. Sociopolitical events are demanding change and DSWs have the advanced skills and expertise to create positive disruption in communities. Our graduates are leaders in practice, policy, scholarship, and social work education.
With the overall employment rate of social workers forecasted to grow 6% by 2034, DSW graduates are uniquely poised to excel in a competitive job market.1 Additionally, DSWs earn between $20,000 and $25,000 more in median annual salary than a Master of Social Work, according to the National Association of Social Workers.2
What You’ll Learn
UK’s 42-credit Online DSW program can be completed in 2 to 3 years. Featuring five concentrations, our curriculum explores highly relevant, specialized areas to enhance your practice and support your career aspirations. Students gain valuable insight from a capstone project that is embedded throughout coursework and conducted under the supervision of a Capstone Mentor.
Courses are conveniently offered in an asynchronous format to accommodate students’ work-life schedules; the only exception is Residency Week, a 100% online event that is taught synchronously to build community between classmates and faculty. An asynchronous option is offered for those who cannot be in attendance.
Choose from Five Concentrations
Featuring five distinct focus areas, our DSW program gives you the flexibility to choose a concentration that complements your personal and professional goals. Launching soon is our Sport Social Work Concentration. Ask an enrollment counselor for more information.
Admissions Requirements
| Online Application Form | Completed application |
|---|---|
| Degree and Minimum GPA |
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| Transcripts | Unofficial transcript from the institute where you completed your MSW degree (conferred) |
| Two Recommendations | Contact information for two references who will be sent a request for recommendation at the time of application. Please exclude personal, pastoral, and relative references. If you are currently enrolled, have been enrolled, or attempted academic credit in any post-secondary education program within the past five years, you must provide at least one academic reference who can speak specifically to your academic ability to be successful in a doctoral-level academic program. |
| Additional Requirements |
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**Students may apply for the certificate after being accepted to the online MSW program.
Apply NowTuition & Financial Aid
Our online DSW program costs $790* per credit hour and consists of 42 total credits. We’re here to support you in your commitment to academic excellence and connect you with a variety of forms of financial aid — from federal loans to scholarships and military benefits.
Calculate your costs for attending UK with our Tuition Calculator.
*Published tuition costs to attend UK may differ from a student’s estimated total “cost of attendance,” which includes the amount an online student may choose to spend on expenses such as housing and food, books and supplies, transportation and other personal items or activities per academic year.
Tuition Details
Military Student Support
UK’s CoSW has a long-standing tradition of supporting U.S. military service members. We are proud to offer a variety of benefits to active-duty service members, veterans, and their families, including scholarship opportunities, and exceptional support services. Our faculty have unique expertise working with military members and developing future military social work practitioners.
Get SupportFaculty: Learn From Experience
UK faculty understand the theory behind social work and the realities of professional practice in the field — many of them are experienced, licensed professionals who bring their deep passion and social work expertise to the virtual classroom.
Learn from professors committed to justice and equity in social work.
Our FacultyWhy Choose UK Online?
Join the Big Blue Nation
Joining the online DSW at UK means joining a tradition of excellence where you can build your career with confidence—all while learning online at your own pace. With experienced faculty, thoughtfully designed curriculum, and high licensure exam pass rates, we make sure you graduate ready and exceptionally prepared for real-world practice.
How to Apply
Submit an application to UK’s online DSW in two simple steps:
- Create an online account.
- Submit your application and supporting documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Visit our Resource Center to find answers fast.
Resource CenterThose who hold a Doctorate in Social Work often pursue career titles such as Executive Director, Dean of Student Services, or Clinical Director, with salaries that range from $98,9801 to $ 111,2602 and growth rates as high as 12%3. Learn more about your career options by visiting our careers page.
Yes! You can attend a virtual info session to learn more about the online DSW program. Register here.
Yes, the online DSW program offers four concentrations.
- Administrative Leadership
- Clinical Social Work
- Military Behavioral Health
- Social Work Education
GI Bill® benefits are limited to 36 months. If you exhaust your benefit before completing your degree, other funding options may include federal student loans, institutional aid, or employer tuition reimbursement, if you are eligible. A payment plan may also be available to help you manage the extra costs each semester.
Students can complete the online DSW program in two to three years.
Complete one UK social work scholarship application to be considered for all scholarships available to students at your degree level. GPA requirements vary by scholarship program, but academic performance is just one consideration. Scholarships are also designated to help students meet financial needs, prepare for social work practice with different populations, or conduct research, among other opportunities.