Walden University Introduces Online Doctoral Programs in Social Work

Doctor of Social Work (DSW) and PhD in Social Work programs offered in new School of Social Work and Human Services

Minneapolis—September 10, 2013—Walden University continues to address the growing need for well-prepared professionals in the field of social work by introducing new online Doctor of Social Work (DSW) and PhD in Social Work programs. These doctoral programs will help students gain the necessary skills to advance their careers, make an impact in their communities and contribute to the social work profession. Walden introduced an online Master of Social Work (MSW) program in its new School of Social Work and Human Services in June 2013.

Walden’s DSW, one of the few offered online, prepares social work professionals to become advanced clinicians or assume leadership roles in their field. The program’s curriculum, which includes one 6-day residency, explores current research, best practices and theory-based prevention and intervention strategies to address social problems as well as the needs of individuals, families and groups. Through an action research project, students have the opportunity to put their scholar-practitioner skills to work in their agencies and communities by developing and examining effective solutions to problems they confront every day.

The PhD in Social Work program helps prepare students to make significant contributions to their field as researchers or college-level educators. By using various research and statistical tools, students gather data that is then applied to address the causes of social problems and determine societal needs. The program’s curriculum challenges doctoral students to explore cutting-edge issues in social work through completion of both a dissertation and four residencies.

“The field of social work is expanding, creating the opportunity for new leaders to take on the challenges that lie ahead. With these two doctoral programs, students can enhance their ability to address societal challenges and make an even greater difference in the well-being of individuals, families and communities,” said Dr. Savitri Dixon-Saxon, associate dean of the School of Social Work and Human Services.

Both the DSW and PhD programs allow students to align their studies with their interests by choosing one of eight specializations: Addictions and Social Work; Clinical Expertise; Criminal Justice; Disaster, Crisis, and Intervention; Family Studies and Interventions; Medical Social Work; Policy Practice; and Social Work Administration. A Master of Social Work (MSW) is a prerequisite for both programs.

The doctoral programs join a suite of degree programs in the School of Social Work and Human Services, including the PhD in Human and Social Services, Master of Social Work (MSW), MS in Human and Social Services and BS in Human Services.

About Walden University
For more than 40 years, Walden University has supported working professionals in achieving their academic goals and making a greater impact in their professions and their communities. Today, more than 52,000 students from all 50 states and more than 145 countries are pursuing their bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees online at Walden. The university provides students with an engaging educational experience that connects them with expert faculty and peers around the world. Walden is the flagship online university in the Laureate International Universities network—a global network of 70 campus-based and online universities in 29 countries.

Walden offers more than 75 degree programs with more than 385 specializations and concentrations. Areas of study include health sciences, counseling, human services, management, psychology, education, public health, nursing, public administration and information technology. For more information, visit www.WaldenU.edu. Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.hlcommission.org.