Doctor of Social Work (DSW)
School of Public Service Leadership
The Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree program, designed around national social work education guidelines, focuses on leadership, advanced practitioner skills, and technology. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, leadership, advanced practice, and the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical experience. Learners engage in online coursework and conduct either an action research study or program evaluation. Successful graduates of this degree program are prepared to pursue positions as leaders, advanced practitioners, and educators in the social work field.
Residency Requirements:
Two four-day residencies. See university policy 3.04.05 Attendance at Residencies and the Residencies page on Campus for more information. Also see each graduate school’s residency courses.
Nineteen Required Courses
71 quarter credits
All courses taken in a prescribed sequence.
SWK8010 |
Advanced Social Work Practice: Integrating Technology and Teaching in Academic and Agency Settings
Learners in this DSW first course develop their roles as future
leaders and educators in the social work field. Learners analyze
theories of adult learning for the purpose of teaching in academia and
creating professional development trainings in agencies. Learners also
evaluate technology tools used in leader/educator roles and apply the
NASW code of ethics and standards for technology to course content.
For DSW learners only.
Must be taken during the learner’s first quarter. Cannot be
fulfilled by transfer or prior learning assessment.
| 4 quarter credits |
---|---|---|
PSL-R8941 * |
Professional Doctorate Research Seminar for Public Service Leadership Track 1
This intensive, ten-week seminar includes both an online courseroom
and a face-to-face residency experience. Learners apply the skills
necessary to identify a research problem, develop a research question,
and select an appropriate capstone research topic. Learners also use
current peer- reviewed articles to begin to develop a literature
review, including an appropriate theory of change to support their
topic. Upon successful completion of this course, learners achieve
Professional Doctorate Capstone Milestone 1 (Topic Approval).
For DPA and DSW learners only. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or
concurrent registration in RSCH7864.
| 3 quarter credits |
PSL-R8942 * |
Professional Doctorate Research Seminar for Public Service Leadership Track 2 †
This seminar has both an online courseroom and a face-to-face
residency experience. Learners apply the research skills necessary to
initiate the development of a capstone research plan; identify and
engage stakeholders in order to obtain site permission; and draft a
full research plan, including a detailed action plan or program
evaluation plan, research design, sampling plan, and strategy for data
analysis. Upon successful completion of this course learners achieve
Professional Doctorate Capstone Milestone 2 (Research Plan Approval).
For DPA and DSW learners only. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or
concurrent registration in PSL8130 or PSL8140; PSL-R8941.
| 3 quarter credits |
RSCH7860 |
Survey of Research Methods
Learners in this course critically evaluate research in order to gain an understanding of the scientific methods of inquiry and the ethical considerations of research. Learners develop and apply skills needed to become educated consumers and creators of research. Learners also use their research design skills to analyze and apply research methodologies, validity, reliability and other components of scientific research related to their field of interest. Learners may only earn credit for PSY7860 or RSCH7860. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. | 4 quarter credits |
RSCH7864 * |
Quantitative Design and Analysis
In this course, learners investigate the fundamental concepts needed to conduct quantitative research. Learners examine and apply quantitative research techniques; appropriate applications of quantitative research; research design, measurement, and analysis, and their associated interdependencies; variable types and levels of measurement; sampling; descriptive and inferential statistics; and hypothesis testing. Learners define the strengths and limitations of descriptive statistics, analyze the quantitative scales of measurement, review the logic of probability and null hypothesis testing, and leverage technology when applicable. Learners also determine the steps necessary to ensure human subjects protection, and consider methodological adaptations when conducting research with vulnerable and diverse populations. Learners may only earn credit for PSY7864 or RSCH7864. Prerequisite(s): RSCH7860. | 4 quarter credits |
RSCH7868 * |
Qualitative Design and Analysis
Learners in this course assess the fundamental concepts needed to conduct qualitative research. Learners practice qualitative research techniques; appropriate applications of qualitative research; the strengths and weaknesses of qualitative research design, sampling, and analysis and their associated interdependencies; and leverage technology when applicable. Learners also determine the steps necessary to ensure human subjects protection, and consider methodological adaptations when conducting research with vulnerable and diverse populations. Learners may only earn credit for PSY7868 or RSCH7868. Prerequisite(s): RSCH7860. | 4 quarter credits |
SWK8015 * |
Advanced Social Work Practice: Theoretical Perspectives
Learners in this course assess the role of theory in social work
practice at the micro, mezzo, macro, and meta levels. Learners
critically appraise selected theories, perspectives, and models for
relevance and evaluate the strengths and barriers regarding their
application to practice. Through critical self-reflection, learners
identify with specific theoretical orientations, as well as
demonstrate recognition and respect for others’ theoretical
orientations.
For DSW learners only. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or
concurrent registration in SWK8010.
| 4 quarter credits |
SWK8020 * |
Advanced Social Work Practice: Disaster and Crisis Management
Learners in this course analyze the various roles social workers take
during disasters and crises (natural and man-made). Learners assess
how social workers must respond in an ethical, culturally competent,
and organized way to address the high and increasing number of events
on the micro, mezzo, macro, and meta levels, based on theoretical
models and best practices.
For DSW learners only. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or
concurrent registration in SWK8025.
| 4 quarter credits |
SWK8025 * |
Leadership and Management in Complex Social Systems
Learners in this course examine and integrate an understanding of
leadership principles, skills, and applications in organizational or
academic environments. Learners appraise and articulate the importance
of cultural and ethical competency within a leadership context as well
as a complex, global society. Learners investigate issues they may
encounter in the field and determine how to address them through the
practice of social work leadership.
For DSW learners only. Prerequisite(s): SWK8010; completion of
or concurrent registration in SWK8015. | 4 quarter credits |
SWK8030 * |
Grant Writing and Administration
Learners in this course develop skills for the identification,
writing, management, and evaluation of grants. Applying grant writing
skills as social work leaders, learners create mission and
visionstatements, develop logic models, plan budgets, and analyze
evaluation plans. Learners also asses how social workers in settings
including academia, agency administration, and community development
create funding sources, ethically manage and administer the funds, and
evaluate the proposed outcomes.
For DSW learners only. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or
concurrent registration in RSCH7860.
| 4 quarter credits |
SWK8035 * |
Advanced Social Work Policy and Practice
In this course, learners develop the ability to advocate for and
create public policy, and evaluate how it impacts individuals,
families, groups, and the community. Learners examine policies in
light of diversity and globalization with emphasis on social justice.
Learners also assess ethical concerns; policy analysis; advocacy
strategies, including cross-system collaboration; and use of needs
assessments.
For DSW learners only. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or
concurrent registration in SWK8020.
| 4 quarter credits |
SWK8045 * |
Clinical Theories of Social Work Practice 1
Learners in this course analyze clinical theories of social work
based on ethical considerations, client diversity, and best practice
as defined by the integration of practice wisdom and scientific
knowledge, to ensure proper fit between clients’ needs and
intervention. Learners also evaluate practice model(s) for client
treatment with a focus on individuals and couples, and begin to apply
this knowledge to supervision of colleagues. In addition, learners use
research to examine cutting edge and emerging intervention strategies.
For DSW learners only. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or
concurrent registration in RSCH7860, SWK8025, SWK8035.
| 4 quarter credits |
SWK8055 * |
Advanced Social Work Practice with Diverse Populations in Complex Systems
In this course, learners examine concepts and theories related to
diversity, such as critical race theory, through the lenses of complex
systems, globalization, and the impact of technology. Learners
evaluate systems as entities of social control, domination, and
oppression in order to develop advocacy strategies for meaningful
systems change and to apply practices that effectively address
diversity. Learners also assess the impact of globalization and
immigration on vulnerable populations and human needs, along with
strategies to address these issues, including the use of technology to
advance welfare and well-being for all.
For DSW learners only. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or
concurrent registration in SWK8045.
| 4 quarter credits |
SWK8065 * |
Clinical Theories of Social Work Practice 2
In this course, learners strengthen and apply their knowledge of
clinical theories of social work based on ethical considerations,
client diversity, and best practice as defined by the integration of
practice wisdom and scientific knowledge. Learners also identify
practice model(s) and apply them for client treatment as well as for
supervision, with a focus on families and groups. In addition,
learners appraise the development of new theoretical paradigms in the
age of technology.
For DSW learners only. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or
concurrent registration in PSL-R8941; SWK8055.
| 4 quarter credits |
SWK8075 * |
Advanced Social Work Practitioner as a Leader of Social Change
Learners in this course articulate their individual leadership
philosophies, styles, skills, and approaches to effective leadership.
Learners evaluate policy, practice, programs, and the use of
technology at all levels in the social work field, while evaluating
social change strategies and approaches. Learners identify the use of
self as they develop professional skills of influence and mobilization
for change to better advocate for client groups at all levels.
Learners create an individual plan for their continued
self-development as leaders in the field of social work. In addition,
learners demonstrate knowledge of lobbying, advocacy strategies,
program evaluation, and ethical issues and concerns.
For DSW learners only. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or
concurrent registration in RSCH7868, SWK8065.
| 4 quarter credits |
In addition, choose one from the following courses:
PSL8130 * |
Action Research for Public Service Leadership
In this course, learners attain a conceptual understanding of action
research methods in public service leadership. Upon successful
completion of this course, learners are able to evaluate research
methodologies, analyze an action research study, and prepare an action
research plan.
Prerequisite(s): RSCH7868.
| 4 quarter credits |
---|---|---|
PSL8140 * |
Program Evaluation for Public Service Leadership
Learners in this course gain knowledge and skills in different types
of program evaluation, including needs assessment, formative and
summative research, process evaluation, and the design and use of
logic model monitoring of outputs and outcomes. Learners build and
apply practical experience through the design of a conceptual
framework and a logic model, as well as the development of indicators
and an evaluation plan to measure impact.
Prerequisite(s): RSCH7868.
| 4 quarter credits |
Upon completion of all required and elective coursework, learners
must register for PSL9971 a minimum of three times to fulfill their
program requirements.
PSL9971 * |
Doctoral Capstone
This course provides learners with resources, guidance, and support
as they fulfill the required milestones toward completion of a
doctoral capstone. Learners apply scholarly research within a
particular professional context to advance their knowledge in the
science and practice of the profession and solve organizational,
institutional, or community concerns.
Department consent is required for registration. Grading for
this course is S/NS. DPA learners must register for this course a
minimum of four times to fulfill their program requirements. DSW
learners must register for this course a minimum of three times to
fulfill their program requirements. Prerequisite(s): Completion of
all required and elective coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.0
or better. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
| 3 quarter credits |
---|
Total
71 quarter credits
* Denotes courses that have prerequisite(s). Refer to the descriptions for further details.
† Learners are responsible for the cost of their travel, accommodations, food, and other expenses associated with this course.