Social Work, DSW
Grounded in HBCU traditions, Delaware State University’s DSW Program prepares seasoned social work professionals—especially from first-generation and historically underrepresented communities—to excel as practitioner-scholars and leaders in equitable, practice-informed social change. Anchored in CSWE-endorsed values of dignity, inclusion, and scientific inquiry, Delaware State University’s DSW Program cultivates innovators in leadership, teaching, research, and systemic justice at all levels—micro, mezzo, and macro.
Information Sessions:
The Doctor of Social Work Program will host virtual information sessions on the first Thursday of each month from 10am-11am (Eastern Time).
- September 3, 2026
- October 1, 2026
- November 5, 2026
- December 3, 2026
- January 7, 2027
- February 4, 2027
- March 4, 2027
- April 1, 2027
- May 6, 2027
- June 3, 2027
The DSW program was developed to support five program-based student learning outcomes.
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Advance practice through innovative approaches
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Use and critically evaluate research and knowledge
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Engage in scientific inquiry that reflects doctoral-level scholarship
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Develop and disseminate practice-relevant, research-informed knowledge through a variety of channels, such as teaching, scholarship, professional presentations, mentoring, and administration
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Provide leadership in social work practice and/or education
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Develop and maintain substantive expertise in one or more areas of social work practice.
What makes us the right choice?
- 8-week accelerated classes, 1 class per 8 week session
- In-person or (online) synchronous hybrid program
- Cohort model
- 3 Year Program
Affordability
- Competitive tuition rates
Curriculum
- Leadership
- Social Work Education
- Research
Application Requirements
- An earned Masters in Social Work (MSW) degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00.
- DSU Graduate Studies admission application.
- Official transcript(s) of all academic work completed.
- Sample of Scholarly Work. Either submission of a previously submitted first authored published manuscript, unsubmitted/unpublished manuscript, OR an APA formatted 5-page topic paper relevant to social work with cited scholarly sources to support key points.
- Career Essay. The candidate must specifically explain how a DSW degree will support their future career goals. Specifications: 2 pages, APA style, grammatical error free.
- Resume/CV. A current professional resume or CV demonstrating 2 years of post-MSW experience and listing any published or submitted manuscripts and any professional presentations.
- Three (3) letters of recommendation (professional with one academic if available) via the online application process.