Clinical Practice and Leadership Program, DSW
Interested in deepening your clinical practice and exploring opportunities in academia? Complete your degree without pausing your career. Our flexible, accelerated DSW program is designed to help working professionals further their professional practice.
Overview
The Doctor of Social Work (DSW) is a fast-paced, three-year program designed for busy professionals. Our DSW program is unique because it focuses on advanced clinical social work, including evidence-based practice, clinical leadership, and applied research. This professional practice degree is designed to prepare you for advanced clinical roles and advanced leadership. We offer this curriculum entirely online, which means you can continue working as a clinical social worker while earning your doctorate.
Why the DSW?
Our program is the perfect resource for professional social workers looking to enhance their knowledge through their current practice. Gain new clinical skills in real time, and apply them immediately.
Curious and looking to learn more? Get to know the DSW program with these detailed resources, or reach out and ask our program contacts a question.
Curriculum
The DSW program includes eight semesters of challenging coursework, with students taking two classes each semester. You’ll follow a specific course sequence, completing six courses over three semesters before writing and defending your Capstone I paper. The final Capstone II papers are completed in the last semester.
I really wanted to try and take my clinical skills to another level. UT is one of the only programs in the country where you can keep working and get a doctorate.
Clay Culp
MSSW, LCSW, DSWClass of 2013 & 2018
Guided by Ethical Principals
The DSW program is designed with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics in mind. We pride ourselves on a curriculum updated with the standard’s latest guidelines on self-care, cultural competence, and a commitment to the profession’s mission and core values.
Admissions and Aid
Financial Aid
Graduate school is an investment in your future, and we can help you manage the associated costs.
Application & Admissions
Learn more about applying for graduate school at UT Knoxville and the specific admissions requirements for the DSW.
How Can We Help?
Our DSW program offers information sessions where you can learn everything you need to know about advancing your social work career. We also cover frequently asked questions, providing clear answers on the program’s structure, curriculum, and what to expect. For all other questions, please contact our dedicated program staff team.
Whether you’re curious about the application process or how the online format works, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Don’t hesitate to reach out—your journey toward advanced clinical leadership starts here!
Questions? Reach out!
