DSW Program

Our New DSW Program is Coming Soon!

The Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) at the University of Maryland School of Social Work will be a three-year, advanced practice doctorate designed for experienced social workers seeking to deepen their expertise and expand their impact. This cohort-based program emphasizes collaborative learning and professional growth in four key areas: clinical practice, supervision, leadership, and teaching.

Students will engage closely with peers and expert faculty to refine advanced clinical skills, explore innovative approaches, and develop new frameworks that contribute to the evolving landscape of social work. Through rigorous coursework and experiential learning, the DSW program will prepare graduates to lead clinical innovation, elevate standards of care, and advance excellence in practice across diverse settings.

Our in-person, intensive learning model will bring students together on our Baltimore campus one weekend per month during the fall and spring semesters. This format fosters a strong sense of community and collaboration while providing the flexibility needed by working professionals.

Request more information or check out one of our upcoming information sessions!

The DSW program prepares learners to advance their careers and work in supervisory and teaching positions supporting social work education. Attaining a DSW will support a globally competitive, entrepreneurial workforce. Many graduates will develop innovative clinical practices and/or nonprofit programs within Maryland communities and beyond.

• Successful completion of a Master of Social Work degree (MSW) from an accredited (CSWE) School of Social Work with a GPA of 3.0 or better
• Advanced practice licensure, LCSW-C (Maryland), or a comparable license is preferred
• Minimum of 2 years of direct practice experience post MSW
• Students must be available to attend all class meetings, which include a 1-week opening intensive, and monthly weekend intensives (fri/sat/sun) in the fall and spring semesters. A full schedule of class meetings is listed below.
• Three letters of recommendation from professional references who can speak to an applicant’s qualifications for doctoral study
• A writing sample: an original, social work–related document that showcases your writing and communication skills.
  • Examples: Responses to two brief essay questions that will help us understand how your interests align with the opportunities offered by our curriculum
• Transcripts
• Résumé information will be submitted as part of the application form

Estimated tuition rates for the DSW program are $1,145 per credit hour for in-state residents and $1,595 per credit hour for out-of-state residents. Tuition rates will be formally approved by the University System of Maryland by June, 2026.  Note: Tuition rates do not include applicable student fees.

The University of Maryland School of Social Work understands the high cost of higher education.  Tuition rates are set in alignment with comparable in-person DSW programs in the region.  Currently, we are unable to offer scholarship support for the DSW program.  Prospective applicants are encouraged to develop a financial plan and explore resources available to help pay for their degree. 

Information sessions for the DSW program will begin in the early fall of 2025.

Applications for the Fall 2026 cohort will open late October 2025.  Applications are due March 2026.