Spalding University's Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program is a rigorous 50 credit hour sequence of coursework over five continuous semesters. Students are exposed to doctoral level courses placing emphasis on theoretical approaches to social problems, advanced practice knowledge and skills beyond the MSW degree, and enhanced competency in evaluation skills. In the second year of doctoral level study, students will be admitted to doctoral candidacy after completing the period of residence (defined as three consecutive semesters) and successfully defending their Capstone I (written and oral). Students complete their capstone project in collaboration with DSW faculty. The DSW is structured for completion in two years; however, students are allowed up to four years to complete the requirements for this degree.

Applicants to the DSW program will be required to have completed the MSW degree from an institution accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and three-years post-MSW practice experience in social work. Preference will be given to those applicants having an MSW degree and three-years post MSW practice experience. Acceptance into the DSW program is required before any student may enroll in doctoral level social work courses.

Admission Requirements

Application procedures are obtained from the University's Admissions Office or the School of Social Work office. Acceptance into the DSW program is required before any student may enroll in doctoral level social work courses.

DSW Admissions

To be considered for admission to the Doctor of Social Work graduate program, applicants must:

• Complete an application to the Doctor of Social Work program. Admission applications may be obtained from the University's Admissions Office or the School of Social Work office.
• Hold an MSW degree from an institution accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) 
• Minimum of a 3.3 out of 4.0 grade point average during their MSW studies. Applicants with a GPA below a 3.3 out of 4.0 grade point average during their MSW studies may be considered for admission to the DSW program given extenuating circumstances (e.g., significant improvement is shown in upper level grades, professional accomplishment) deemed appropriate by the DSW Program Director or the Chair of the School of Social Work.
• Minimum of two years of post-MSW practice experience
• A resume/CV highlighting their years of social work practice
• Three recommendation letters from professional and/or academic sources (e.g. former professors, supervisors, etc.)
• Official transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended
• A written statement of purpose describing the following: professional goals and how a DSW degree will help the applicant achieve them; area of interest the applicant wishes to focus on during their DSW studies; how their MSW education helped inform their practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels; and how their professional practice and/or academic experience has contributed toward their collaboration with community stakeholders in an area of practice interest.
• Interview with the DSW Program Director and/or faculty members of the School of Social Work.
• For non-native English speakers who apply to Spalding University’s DSW program, TOEFL scores must be submitted. Acceptable TOEFL scores are 600 for the paper version, 120 for the computer version and 95 for the web version.

Transfer of Credits

Transfers of graduate credit from accredited institutions may be allowed, up to a maximum of 6 credit hours. Acceptance of transferred credits will be at the discretion of the DSW Program Director and/or Chair in Spalding University’s School of Social Work. Academic credit is not awarded for previous work or life experiences in lieu of any coursework in the social work program.

Assessment

Student learning is assessed multiple ways. The range of assignments include critical analyses of practice situations and ethical dilemmas, written narratives, skill demonstrations, experiential exercises, professional presentations, research projects, group projects, and examinations. After students complete their required core courses), they are eligible to take oral and written examinations in SW 809 and 811. Once DSW students have completed SW 809 Capstone I and passed their oral and written exams, they will be moved to candidacy status where they will be required to complete a capstone project in SW 811. The capstone project will be assessed by School of Social Work faculty who must have earned a doctorate degree. Individuals must successfully pass their capstone project defense in order to obtain their DSW degree. The time limit for completion of a capstone project is two years after completion of SW 809 (exclusive of registration for capstone project credit). If not completed within that time frame, the student must make a request for a formal extension of time to the faculty for each additional semester that the capstone is in progress. If the capstone goes beyond two years from the time of SW 811, the student may be required to apply for reinstatement into the program. If the departmental faculty agree to reinstate the student, the student may be required to take and pass the oral and written qualifying exams, as well as meet any other conditions imposed by the faculty, to be allowed to graduate.

Degree Requirements

• Prerequisites: Master’s Degree in Social Work degree from an institution accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and three-years post-MSW practice experience in social work.
• DSW students complete 50 credit hours of doctoral level course work.

Program Sheets
Doctor of Social Work
Doctor of Social Work: Advanced Clinical Track
Doctor of Social Work: Advanced Clinical Track with Practicum
Doctor of Social Work: Leadership and Administration Track
Doctor of Social Work: Leadership and Administration Track with Praticum