Many talented practicing social workers have considered getting a doctoral degree but aren’t sure whether to actually pursue the degree. First-generation scholars— those who don’t have a parent with a graduate degree—may have even more questions about advanced study. What is the benefit of the degree? What is the difference between a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Social Work? How do you pick a program to attend? How do you balance the challenges of work and family responsibilities with the rigors of doctoral study? How do you know if you will be successful?
To help first generation scholars answer these questions, Drs. Mary Gitau and Javonda Williams Moss at the UT College of Social Work developed the “First-Gen Docs” Program. This first-of its-kind program offers intensive training specifically designed to empower first-generation scholars who wish to advance their careers by pursuing a doctoral degree in social work.
The hybrid program, which includes six short online sessions and a five-day campus visit, focuses on three key pillars: Connection, Community, and Education. “Scholars participate in a mix of information sessions for students and their families, educational workshops on research and writing, networking opportunities with faculty and students in our doctoral programs, and community presentations to support their journey toward becoming doctoral students in social work,” notes Dr. Mary Gitau, UTCSW Associate Dean of Access, Belonging, and Global Engagement.
Dr. Javonda Williams Moss, UTCSW Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, clarified that while the program was designed for those in Tennessee and neighboring states, all are welcome. “If you have a master’s degree in social work, at least three years of post-master’s professional experience, are first-generation students, and are interested in a DSW or PhD degree, you should apply,” she said. She also reflected that the college decided to keep the program small, explaining, “We decided to limit it to 10-12 participants, so the experience will be special and received on a very personal level.”
As a member of the inaugural cohort, UTCSW Clinical Assistant Professor Emily Rodriguez, MSSW, LCSW, lauded the tremendous support doctoral programs provide students. “I was surprised by how much support doctoral programs provide,” Rodriguez stated. “Through mentorship, writing centers, supportive cross-campus faculty, and other resources, there is so much support for students at every step. It dispelled my misconception that pursuing a doctorate degree can be an isolated journey.”
Contemplating whether or not she was ready to take the first step, Rodriguez noted that the entire premise of the First-Gen Docs Program enticed her to apply. “Having intentional opportunity to reflect on whether a doctorate is the right path and, if so, which direction to take, in a space with like-minded people was so helpful,” she said. “I appreciated how thoughtfully the program was designed. It introduced perspectives that I hadn’t considered, gave me time to reflect deeply on the next steps, and allowed me to get my questions answered in a supportive environment. This program created space for those of us in that ‘in-between stage,’ as well as those in other varying levels of preparedness.”
UTCSW Dean Lori Messinger acknowledged that this new program covers several key elements of the college’s strategic vision. “We are committed to expanding access to education, growing our social work workforce, and engaging with our community stakeholders. This program meets all those goals,” she noted. “We are helping to expand the number of social workers pursuing doctoral training, who will go on to conduct research, lead our clinical agencies, and teach the next generation of social workers in Tennessee and across the country.”
The inaugural program took place from March through June 2025, and due to its success, a second cohort is scheduled to begin in February 2026.