View our EdD Early Childhood specialization completion requirements
Minimum degree requirements:
60 quarter credits
- Core courses (50 cr.)
- Capstone (10 cr.)
GROW AS A CHANGE LEADER
Build a powerful leadership skill set that enables you to lead others in developing effective solutions to social challenges.
START YOUR DISSERTATION EARLY
Choose a topic early on and start mastering the skills and tools you need to start and finish your dissertation with confidence.
GET ONE-ON-ONE GUIDANCE
From our highly committed faculty and dissertation chairs to our academic centers, we’re here to empower your success.
PURSUE AN EDUCATION FOR GOOD
Coursework and projects in this specialization are designed to help you make a meaningful and lasting impact as a social work leader.
Take a Closer Look
Our online PhD in Social Work - Impact Leadership in Social Work Administration specialization allows you to earn an elite credential that can set you apart and bring new respect from peers and employers. Learn more about the program—from the simplified admissions process to potential tuition savings.
Full Program
Dissertation Only
Curriculum and Completion Requirements
Develop the real-world skills and knowledge necessary to solve critical challenges in your community and train the next generation of social workers. Help positively impact and shape the field through research, analysis, and collaboration.
Featured PhD in Social Work Courses
Foundations of Graduate Study
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to Walden University and to the requirements for successful participation in an online curriculum. Through this course, students gain a foundation for academic and professional success as scholar-practitioners and social change agents. Course assignments focus on practical application of writing and critical- thinking skills and promote professional and academic excellence. Major assignments include the preparation of the Professional Development Plan and Program of Study.
Advanced Social Work Theory and Practice
: In this foundational doctoral course, students are provided with an overview of the ways of knowing diverse contemporary theories in social work and the social sciences. Students will be able to understand how the assumptions of various epistemological paradigms (i.e., ways of knowing) inform research. Students will also explore how theories inform social work practice, policy, and research, and they will discuss the role of the social worker in social issues at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. In addition, there is an emphasis on the delivery of culturally sensitive and ethical services.
Social Work Scholarship
To be responsible scholar-practitioners and stewards in the social work profession, students must understand social problems within the broader intellectual landscape: that is, the social construction of the social problem and the role it plays in the public's perception of the social problem. Additionally, students must be prepared to locate the historical context of the problem and the social welfare responses. Using critical reading and evaluation skills, tools, and techniques, students begin to evaluate the lay and empirical literature of a social problem underlying their future capstone or dissertation topic to prepare for the literature review process.
Program and Practice Evaluation
Using models of evaluation derived from social science and social work theory and research, students can learn to apply research in social work to inform practice, future research, policy, and advocacy. Topics include the history and theory underlying program and practice evaluation, approaches to evaluation, selection of appropriate quantitative and/or qualitative models and techniques used to perform the evaluation, strategies for getting gatekeepers to be invested in the development of the research and in the outcomes, demonstration of program effectiveness, and dissemination of results to stakeholders. Students can gain an understanding of how to address dimensions of diversity (race, ethnicity, age, socioeconomic status, sexual identity, gender, etc.) in their program and practice evaluations in an effort to ensure equity and fairness in program delivery and advocacy.
Research Theory, Design, and Methods
In this research course, students are provided with core knowledge and skills for understanding, analyzing, and designing research at the graduate level. Students explore the philosophy of science, the role of theory, and research processes. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research designs and data collection methods are introduced. The alignment of research components is emphasized. Students also explore ethical and social change implications of designing and conducting research. Students demonstrate their knowledge and skills by developing an annotated bibliography.
PhD Completion Program
If you have completed your PhD coursework but not your dissertation, Walden’s PhD completion program is designed to help you finish your degree. A structured pathway, expert faculty, and our award-winning Doctoral Degree Coach™ help keep you on track.
Featured PhD in Social Work Completion Program Courses
Preparing for Capstone
Welcome to your final ascent on the doctoral journey! This course celebrates your expertise and supports you in clarifying goals, building a scholarly network, and crafting a meaningful research plan. You’ll learn to articulate research problems, review literature, identify gaps, and design impactful studies, all while receiving encouragement and practical feedback from faculty and peers. You will focus throughout the course on building your personalized “My Academic Plan.” You’ll gain the confidence, network, and resources to complete your PhD and to advance the greater public good.
Dissertation
Doctoral students are offered the opportunity to integrate their program of study into an in-depth exploration of an interest area that includes the completion of a research study in this course. Students complete the dissertation independently, with the guidance of a dissertation supervisory committee chair and committee members. Students complete a prospectus, proposal, Institutional Review Board application, and dissertation. Once students register for SOCW 9000, they are registered each term until successful completion of the dissertation.
Students take this course for a minimum of three quarters and are continuously enrolled until the completion of their dissertation with final chief academic officer (CAO) approval.
To complete a dissertation, students must obtain the academic approval of several independent evaluators including their committee and the Institutional Review Board; pass the Form and Style Review; gain approval at the oral defense stage; and gain final approval by the chief academic officer. Students must also publish their dissertation on ProQuest before their degree is conferred. Learn more about the dissertation process in the Dissertation Guidebook.
Admissions
Connect with an Enrollment Specialist to guide you through every step—from choosing your program to funding your education.
Streamlined Admissions Process
Earning your PhD in Social Work - Impact Leadership in Social Work Administration specialization is a bold step forward on your professional path. Walden makes it easier with our streamlined admissions process that includes:
No application fee
Easy credit transfer
View Admission Criteria
Program Admission Considerations: An MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program.
General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply. More information for international applicants.
Tuition and Scholarships
We believe in your potential and are ready to support your academic journey. Request information to explore scholarships and financial aid, available to those who apply and qualify.
Tuition Breakdown
Walden offers tuition savings options that can make your goals more attainable. Discover savings opportunities through:
Tuition savings
Transfer credits
Grants and scholarships
Program Savings
Program Savings
Receive up to a $5,000 grant when you start an eligible PhD program.
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Total * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 63 quarter credits | $680 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $42,840^ | |
| Tuition-Dissertation | 20–130† quarter credits | $680 per quarter hour for dissertation credits | $13,600–$88,400* | |
| Program Fee | $185 per quarter | $1,850–$5,920* | ||
| Residency Fee | Four Residencies | $1,420 (virtual) $1,520 (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional) | $5,680–$6,080 | |
| Estimated Range: | 2.75-Year | 8-Year | ||
| $63,970 | $143,240*+ | |||
| (assuming completion in a 2.75-year timeframe) | (assuming completion in an 8-year timeframe) | |||
These are ranges of what a student can expect in terms of time and tuition cost to complete a degree. It does not include other fees, nor is it adjusted for tuition increases over time. Walden faculty has concluded that generally students who do not complete their program in eight years are unlikely to complete and only allow students to exceed that time frame when a student petitions for an extension and provides good reason for the delay and assurances that obstacles to completion can be overcome. Time is calculated using the time allowed for each semester or unit that the student completes. Students are encouraged to work continuously during the program so as not to extend the time needed to complete the degree as work can become stale and students lose focus. Students who earn two grades of “Unsatisfactory,” who repeatedly drop a course before a semester or unit has been completed, or are unable to complete in the eight year time frame, should expect that they may be dismissed from the program. Walden believes that it is in the best interest of a student who is unable to complete the degree in the stated ranges to strongly consider withdrawal or obtaining a lesser degree.
Time to completion and cost are not estimates of individual experience and will vary based on individual factors applicable to the student. Factors may be programmatic or academic such as tuition and fee increases and/or the student’s transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; writing, research and editing skills; use of external data for their doctoral study/dissertation; and/or individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations; care giving responsibilities or health issues; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; leaves of absence; and/or other personal circumstances.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included. Students may incur additional costs for remedial writing assistance, if necessary.
^This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt.
† Based on a 2.75-year minimum completion requirement and an 8-year maximum timeframe as outlined in Walden academic policy.
*Tuition and fees will be higher if students petition to extend the 8-year maximum timeframe or choose to take more expensive elective courses.
+Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition discounts. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-642-0198.
| Curriculum | Required Quarter Credits (min) | Required Quarter Credits (max) | Cost per Quarter Hour | Total (min) | Total (max) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 5 | 5 | $680 | $3,400 | $3,400 |
| Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project | 20 | 55 | $680 | $13,600 | $37,400 |
| Program Fee | $185 | $925 | $2,220 | ||
| Estimated Range: | 15-months | 36-months | |||
| $17,925 | $43,020 |
Time to completion and cost are not estimates of individual experience and will vary based on individual factors applicable to the student. Factors may be programmatic or academic, such as tuition and fee increases; transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; writing, research, and editing skills; use of external data for the doctoral study/dissertation; and individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations, caregiving responsibilities, or health issues; leaves of absence; or other personal circumstances.
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
Immersive Learning Technologies
Walden’s online PhD program in social work incorporates cutting-edge technologies to enhance course content delivery and improve your learning. Practice and master critical skills in a safe and supportive environment through immersive simulations, online communities, and skills-based exercises. Build confidence as a social work scholar-practitioner while focusing on how to apply your new knowledge and competencies to your research, current job, and future roles.
PhD in Social Work Dissertation
Walden’s online PhD in Social Work program culminates in an independent dissertation. The dissertation allows you to contribute original research to the field while demonstrating your critical thinking, data analysis, and academic writing skills. Doctoral competencies are integrated throughout your courses—starting from day one—to prepare you for your capstone and your career.
Below are select titles of dissertations completed by Walden PhD in Social Work graduates:
- Child Welfare Workers’ Perceptions of Their Competencies at Detecting and Reporting Abuse of Foster Children
- Understanding the Young Adult African American Male’s Perceptions of Civic Engagement
- Examining the Efficacy of a School-Based Mental Health Program in Iowa
- Methamphetamine Screening and Brief Intervention in a Hospital Heart Failure Program
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients’ Sociological Resilience, Self-Determination, and Decision-Making for Life-Sustaining Treatments
- Mental Health Professional Perceptions of Barriers to Fidelity for Empirically Supported Treatments
- Exploring the Use of Familismo to Manage Depression Among Elderly Latino Women
