Online Social Work and Human Services Doctoral Programs
Online Social Work and Human Services Degrees mobile

Online Social Work and Human Services Doctoral Programs

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Expand Your Influence With a Doctoral Degree in Human Services or Social Work

Do you hope to make an even greater impact in the social work field? Whether you want to drive change as a leader, teacher, researcher, or entrepreneur, Walden’s doctoral programs in social work provide a personalized path to your goals. Choose our online social work PhD program or Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program and get ready to reach a new level of credibility and influence.

As a student in our professional doctorate in social work program or our online social work PhD program, you’ll start building vital skills on the very first day. Master the tools and resources you need to thrive in your coursework and kick off your capstone or dissertation with confidence.

 

Doctoral Social Work and Human Services Programs

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Flexible Learning Options
PhD in Human Services
Drive Global Social Change With a PhD in Human Services Do you want to further develop your scholarly expertise in human services delivery and practice? Let your passion drive your success. Whether you’re interested in teaching, leadership, or…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    04/08/2024
Doctor of Human Services
Doctor of Human Services - Leadership and Program Evaluation in Human Services Organizations
Specialization
Reach Your Potential as a Human Services Leader In this Doctor of Human Services specialization, you’ll develop the skills you need to achieve your career goals, including leading a human services agency or nonprofit organization in a senior…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    04/08/2024
Doctor of Human Services
Doctor of Human Services - Prevention, Intervention, and Advocacy
Specialization
Deepen Your Impact in Direct Service In the Prevention, Intervention, and Advocacy specialization, you’ll increase your confidence and capabilities as a human services practitioner. Explore how to support individual, family, and community…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    04/08/2024
Doctor of Social Work (DSW)
Advanced Clinical Practice and Supervision
Specialization
Guide and Inspire Future Social Workers Do you want to serve as an expert in clinical social work practice? The Doctor of Social Work Advanced Clinical Practice and Supervision specialization focuses on developing your leadership skills while…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    05/27/2024
Doctor of Social Work (DSW)
Impact Leadership in Social Work Administration
Specialization
Lead Change for Today’s Social Work Organizations Become a high-impact change agent with our Doctor of Social Work Impact Leadership in Social Work Administration specialization. Prepare to help social agencies address complex problems through…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    05/27/2024
Doctor of Social Work (DSW)
Social Work Education
Specialization
Become an Influential Social Work Educator Are you passionate about influencing the next generation of social work practitioners? Our Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program with a Social Work Education specialization equips you to deliver effective…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    05/27/2024
PhD in Human Services
PhD in Human Services - Advanced Research
Specialization
Explore our PhD in Human Services Advanced Research specialization In this specialization, you will explore advanced qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method research methodologies. You will develop the skills to collect and analyze…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    04/08/2024
PhD in Human Services
PhD in Human Services - Criminal Justice
Specialization
Explore our PhD in Human Services Criminal Justice specialization In the Criminal Justice specialization, you will explore traditional and contemporary intervention and rehabilitation approaches for both offenders and victims. By examining…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    04/08/2024
PhD in Human Services
PhD in Human Services - General Program
Explore our PhD in Human Services General Program Create your own learning experience through the General Program. Explore topics of interest that align with your personal and professional goals. To round out your coursework, choose any three…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    04/08/2024
PhD in Human Services
PhD in Human Services - Higher Education
Specialization
Explore our PhD in Human Services Higher Education specialization In this specialization, you will gain a broad understanding of the current educational environment and explore theories and best practices in adult learning. You will also…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    04/08/2024
PhD in Human Services
PhD in Human Services - Mental Health
Specialization
Explore our PhD in Human Services Mental Health specializationWith the significant role that mental health plays in communities, there is a demand for professionals to connect those in need of services with the appropriate resources. In the Mental…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    04/08/2024
PhD in Human Services
PhD in Human Services - Studies in Aging
Specialization
Explore our PhD in Human Services Studies in Aging specializationAging populations with special needs require professionals who can facilitate the integration of services for the older adult, including issues related to health, home care, and day-to…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    04/08/2024
PhD in Human Services
PhD in Human Services - Community and Social Services
Specialization
Prepare to Work in Community Social Services in Non-Licensure Roles This specialization prepares you to work in community social services in non-licensure roles. You will study strategies to promote well-being in a variety of settings,…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    04/08/2024
PhD in Human Services
PhD in Human Services - Disaster, Crisis, and Intervention
Specialization
Explore our PhD in Human Services Disaster, Crisis, and Intervention specialization In this specialization, you will examine the theory and strategies to respond to the initial needs of a community in an emergency situation and how to assist…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    04/08/2024
PhD in Human Services
PhD in Human Services - Family Studies and Intervention
Specialization
Explore our PhD in Human Services Family Studies and Intervention specialization The Family Studies and Intervention specialization helps you understand the use of advanced clinical theory and research methodology within a unique, client-…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    04/08/2024
PhD in Human Services
PhD in Human Services - Human Services Nonprofit Administration
Specialization
Explore our Human Services Nonprofit Administration specialization In this specialization, you will study the nature of leadership in human service organizations, including the management of nonprofits. Coursework explores topics related to…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    04/08/2024
PhD in Human Services
PhD in Human Services - Military Families and Culture
Specialization
Explore our PhD in Human Services Military Families and Culture specialization Members of the armed forces face a variety of challenges, both during their service and after they have fulfilled their duties. In this specialization, you’ll explore…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    04/08/2024
PhD in Social Work
Advanced Clinical Practice and Supervision
Guide and Inspire Future Social Workers Do you want to empower other social workers to learn, grow, and succeed? The PhD in Social Work Advanced Clinical Practice and Supervision specialization academically prepares you to supervise social…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    05/27/2024
PhD in Social Work
Impact Leadership in Social Work Administration
Become a Contemporary, High-Impact Leader in Social Work Create innovative, practical solutions to today’s pressing social problems with our PhD in Social Work Impact Leadership in Social Work Administration specialization. This specialization…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    05/27/2024
PhD in Social Work
Social Work Education
Are You Passionate About Shaping the Next Generation of Social Workers? As we navigate today’s societal challenges, championing and preparing tomorrow’s social work professionals is vital. This Social Work Education specialization in our PhD in…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    05/27/2024

FAQ About Online Social Work and Human Services Doctoral Programs

How long does it take to complete a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree program?

The amount of time it takes to complete your Doctor of Social Work degree program will depend on your previous educational experience and how long you work on your doctoral study. DSW candidates complete a minimum of 78 quarter credits. The minimum time to degree completion is 2.5 years.

An Enrollment Specialist can go over the options with you and discuss your individual time commitment.

What can you do with a PhD in Social Work?

A PhD in Social Work is a highly respected credential that can help you shine in the job market and rise to the top of your field. It can open high-level professional opportunities in social work administration, policymaking, and agency leadership. Some social work PhD degree holders become researchers at a university or research think tank. And many social work PhD degree holders go on to successful careers in higher education as college professors.

How long does it take to complete a PhD in Social Work?

The amount of time it takes to complete your PhD in Social Work will depend on your previous educational experience and how long you work on your dissertation. PhD in Social Work candidates complete a minimum of 83 quarter credits. The minimum time to degree completion is 2.75 years.

An Enrollment Specialist can go over the options with you and discuss your individual time commitment.

What is the difference between a PhD in Social Work and a Doctor of Social Work (DSW)?

While both degree paths can help prepare you for a career devoted to making a difference in people’s lives, it’s helpful to look closer to determine which program better aligns with your interests and goals. If you’re looking to pursue a career in academia, a PhD in Social Work program allows you to focus on advancing your skills as a researcher and educator. If you would like to focus more on how research can be applied to social work programs and policies, as well as gain key leadership and management skills needed to improve your practice, a DSW program is the better choice. Put simply, a PhD can better prepare you to teach, whereas a DSW can prepare you for a professional career in the field.

What is the difference between a Doctor of Human Services (DHS) and a PhD in Human Services?

Both online degree programs empower practitioners to promote positive social change. The key difference, according to Dr. Kristin Faix Wilkinson, program director for Walden’s human services master’s and doctoral degree programs, is that “in the DHS program, we’re preparing our students to be practitioner-scholars, where the PhD in Human Services program’s focus is on preparing them to be scholar-practitioners.”

The DHS program focuses on applied research and the application of evidence-based practices in the field, while the PhD in Human Services program focuses on making a difference through effective policy, practice, teaching, and research.

How can a Doctor of Human Services benefit my career?

Earning your doctorate in human services is one of the greatest things you can do to fully realize your potential in the field of human services. With a Doctor of Human Services, you can tap into more employment opportunities, position yourself to make greater contributions to your field, equip yourself with the most up-to-date skills, and make a lasting impact by educating the next generation of human services professionals.