Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

The Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program at Rutgers University is designed to transform experienced clinical social workers into leaders who can address complex practice issues. The program emphasizes the development and dissemination of clinical knowledge through various modalities, including peer-reviewed articles and multimedia projects. Over three years, students complete 54 credits, engaging in hands-on teacher training and participating in weekend residencies that combine lectures, seminars, and workshops. The curriculum is structured around three integrated sequences: foundation, clinical practice, and engaged scholarship. Students will create a portfolio that includes a case study, qualitative research project, and a multimedia project, rather than a traditional dissertation. This innovative approach prepares graduates to become sophisticated practitioners and contributors to the field of social work, equipped with critical thinking and digital literacy skills necessary for modern scholarship and practice.