Top 7 Best Online Social Work PhDs (DSW Programs) 2024

Featured Programs

About the Online Doctorate in Social Work Programs

Quality and credibility are important when it comes to finding an online doctorate in social work degree. The best online social work programs will have proper higher education accreditation:

• Regional Accreditation: When looking for an online doctoral program, focus on colleges that have been regionally accredited by one of the accrediting organizations recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). This stamp of approval is critical for ensuring the quality and credibility of your online program.

To learn more about financial aid, visit the Federal Student Aid website.This site has information about financial aid loans and grants, and repayment info.

• Programmatic Accreditation: In addition to regional accreditation of the college or university, be sure that you are only considering online doctorate degree programs with programmatic accreditation. Any individual wishing to become a licensed clinical social worker must earn their graduate degree from a program with specialized accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Key Point: The best online doctorate programs in social work will have both institutional and programmatic accreditation.

Admission Requirements

Schools that offer online DSW programs have different admission requirements. However, most online doctoral programs will carry the same basic threshold for admission for prospective students, which will include:

• A completed online application
• Official undergraduate college transcripts
• A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
• GRE scores, MAT scores, or GMAT scores
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal interviews
• Personal statement or essay
• Plan of study

Key Point: In most cases, you’ll be eligible to enter a doctoral degree online after earning a master’s degree. However, a few specialized online doctoral and PhD programs may you to enter their program with only a bachelor’s degree and related work experience.

Curriculum and Courses

The curriculum and courses in your social work program will depend on the nature of your degree. Those pursuing a professional practice degree such as a DSW will likely learn practical skills such as how to treat mental health disorders whereas those pursuing a PhD may learn how to conduct scholarly research.

What is the emphasis in an online DSW program?

A DSW program focuses on clinical work in the field, and includes an emphasis in:

• Clinical practice
• Applied research
• Social work theory in practice
• Management and policy analysis

What is the emphasis in an online PhD program in social work?

A social work PhD program focuses on research and academia, and includes an emphasis in:

• Academic theory
• Social work theory
• Research methods
• Scholarly research

In either case, the typical components of your online social work doctoral program will likely include:

Foundational Courses

Students who complete DSW programs online will typically complete practical courses in areas like intervention strategies, evidence based practice, financial management, and more. Students who complete the PhD in social work will take courses focusing on areas like social work theoretical perspectives and academic research methods.

Examinations for PhD Candidacy

Online doctoral students pursuing their PhD in social work are typically required to complete examinations to enter into PhD candidacy. This usually occurs after the completion of one to two years of foundational courses in social work.

Dissertation

In most cases, the central component of your doctoral program will be the completion of your dissertation or capstone project. After gaining status as a PhD candidate, students work closely with an advisor or mentor to develop an original research question.

Oral Defense

Upon completion of the written portion of your dissertation, you will be expected to defend your findings. This “oral defense” will typically be conducted by a commission of professors and experts in social work. Some online degree programs may allow you to conduct this defense via teleconferencing.

Key Point: Social work programs vary depending on whether you are pursuing a PhD in social work or DSW.

The Best Online Social Work Doctorates

The online programs identified here include both online DSW programs for aspiring clinical social workers and online social work PhD program degrees, geared toward students building careers in research, postsecondary education, policy development, and more. Online degrees are ranked based on influence, with weighting for graduation rate and full-time online enrollment.

1. #1

   University of Southern California

   Los Angeles , CA

   #9 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #14 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #14 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #17 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025

   Tuition + fees

   $65K

   Acceptance

   12%

   Graduation

   92%

   Student body

   54K

   Median SAT/ACT

   1500/33

   Career Outlook for Social Work degree at University of Southern California

   Cost of Degree: $68,128

   Expenses: $22,216

   Starting Salary: $112,961

   Cost Recoup Time: 16 years

   Paid back at 15% of annual salary

   What is University of Southern California known for?

   University of Southern California’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

   • Social Work
   • Engineering
   • Criminal Justice
   • Business
   • Communications
   • Medical
   • Education
   • Computer Science
   • Law
   • Political Science

   Most Influential Alumni

   • Frank Gehry
   • Neil Armstrong
   • Jim Lovell
   • Jack L. Warner
   • John Mearsheimer
   • Boris Podolsky
   • Michael D. Griffin
   • Max More
   • Maulana Karenga
   • O. J. Simpson
   • Thom Mayne
   • Robert Ballard

   Students pursuing their PhD at USC are in good company. More than 28,000 students—well over half the student population—are pursuing graduate level degrees at the research intensive institution. Indeed, USC is identified among R1: Doctoral Universities, those distinguished for very high research activity. Specialized opportunities include USC’s online Doctorate of Social Work Program (DSW).

   • The University of Southern California is great for students who:

     Plan to pursue career opportunities in the Los Angeles area. Some estimates identify USC as the largest employer in the region as well as a top contributor to the labor market.

   • The University of Southern California might not be the best fit for students who:

     Are seeking a more intimate academic experience. USC is a massive school in an urban environment.

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2. #2

   Bryn Mawr College

   Bryn Mawr , PA

   #14 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #15 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #3 Best Small Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024

   Tuition + fees

   $59K

   Acceptance

   31%

   Graduation

   83%

   Student body

   2K

   Median SAT/ACT

   1387/31

   Career Outlook for Social Work degree at Bryn Mawr College

   Cost of Degree: $52,506

   Expenses: $20,690

   Starting Salary: $77,597

   Cost Recoup Time: 18 years

   Paid back at 15% of annual salary

   What is Bryn Mawr College known for?

   Bryn Mawr College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

   • Literature
   • Anthropology
   • Mathematics
   • Philosophy
   • History
   • Sociology
   • Chemistry
   • Biology
   • Social Work
   • Political Science

   Most Influential Alumni

   • A. S. Byatt
   • Marianne Moore
   • John D. Caputo
   • Drew Gilpin Faust
   • Elaine Showalter
   • H.D.
   • Martha Gellhorn
   • Emily Greene Balch
   • Rosabeth Moss Kanter
   • Katharine Hepburn
   • Olga Taussky-Todd
   • Kathy Boudin

   Bryn Mawr College is noted for its distinctive online PhD in social work program. Students in its Doctoral Program in Social Work (PhD) will conduct research, develop leadership skills, and prepare for roles in higher education.

   • Bryn Mawr College is great for students who:

     Seek a balance between a beautiful campus and a nearby city. Though Bryn Mawr is in a quiet Pennsylvania suburb, it is only a short train ride from Philadelphia.

   • Bryn Mawr College might not be the best fit for students who:

     Do not prefer to attend an all-girls college. While students can take co-educational courses through partnerships with nearby schools like Swarthmore College and the University of Pennsylvania, the Bryn Mawr campus is all-female.

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3. #3

   University of Kentucky

   Lexington , KY

   #13 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2025 #1 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #1 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2025

   Tuition + fees

   $13K

   Acceptance

   95%

   Graduation

   69%

   Student body

   33K

   Median SAT/ACT

   1180/24

   Career Outlook for Social Work degree at University of Kentucky

   Cost of Degree: $14,330

   Expenses: $21,886

   Starting Salary: $72,588

   Cost Recoup Time: 12 years

   Paid back at 15% of annual salary

   What is University of Kentucky known for?

   University of Kentucky’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

   • Mathematics
   • History
   • Anthropology
   • Medical
   • Nursing
   • Business
   • Chemistry
   • Engineering
   • Law
   • Education

   Most Influential Alumni

   • Thomas Hunt Morgan
   • Joe Nickell
   • Wendell Berry
   • William M. Bass
   • Scott Pruitt
   • Story Musgrave
   • William Lipscomb
   • James C. Klotter
   • Pat Riley
   • Walter Hooper
   • David Schweickart
   • Mitch McConnell

   University of Kentucky is a strong draw for PhD candidates, enjoying classification among R1: Doctoral Universities, institutions noted for their very high level of research activity. Kentucky also holds the distinction of offering numerous top-ranked online doctoral programs such as its Doctor of Social Work online (DSW).

   • University of Kentucky is great for students who:

     Are looking to get involved. Students who attend the University of Kentucky praise the extremely wide variety of clubs, activities, and on-campus events.

   • University of Kentucky might not be the best fit for students who:

     Are looking for a quiet, intimate campus. Students note that Greek life and sporting events are a major part of the culture at this large institution.

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4. #4

   University of Tennessee

   Knoxville , TN

   #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #1 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #2 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2025 #2 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2025

   Tuition + fees

   $13K

   Acceptance

   68%

   Graduation

   73%

   Student body

   35K

   Median SAT/ACT

   1250/28

   Career Outlook for Social Work degree at University of Tennessee

   Cost of Degree: $13,620

   Expenses: $20,194

   Starting Salary: $76,218

   Cost Recoup Time: 12 years

   Paid back at 15% of annual salary

   What is University of Tennessee known for?

   University of Tennessee’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

   • Anthropology
   • Mathematics
   • Criminal Justice
   • Earth Sciences
   • History
   • Economics
   • Engineering
   • Medical
   • Business
   • Social Work

   Most Influential Alumni

   • James M. Buchanan
   • Frank Knight
   • Kurt Vonnegut
   • Massimo Pigliucci
   • Van Jones
   • Joe L. Kincheloe
   • Peyton Manning
   • Murray Bowen
   • Dave Ramsey
   • W. I. Thomas
   • Subrata Roy
   • Lee Giles

   The University of Tennessee offers an array of online doctoral pathways into advanced clinical practice in social work including its Doctor of Social Work online program (DSW).

   • The University of Tennessee is great for students who:

     Enjoy a party atmosphere. The Greek system and the school’s football program play a major role in shaping the campus culture at the University of Tennessee.

   • The University of Tennessee might not be the best fit for students who:

     Are seeking a more intimate environment. University of Tennessee is a large campus, which can make it challenging to make friends at first.

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5. #5

   Baylor University

   Waco , TX

   #1 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #4 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #6 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #10 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024

   Tuition + fees

   $52K

   Acceptance

   46%

   Graduation

   81%

   Student body

   23K

   Median SAT/ACT

   1320/30

   Career Outlook for Social Work degree at Baylor University

   Cost of Degree: $41,130

   Expenses: $19,425

   Starting Salary: $74,290

   Cost Recoup Time: 16 years

   Paid back at 15% of annual salary

   What is Baylor University known for?

   Baylor University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

   • Religious Studies
   • Nursing
   • Social Work
   • Medical
   • Law
   • Philosophy
   • Sociology
   • History
   • Education
   • Business

   Most Influential Alumni

   • Dallas Willard
   • Miguel A. De La Torre
   • Norman Shumway
   • Gary W. Keller
   • Joe Feagin
   • Jeff Dunham
   • Benjamin Ladner
   • Peter A. McCullough
   • James R. Heath
   • Steven C. Currall
   • Rand Paul
   • H. Bentley Glass

   Baylor University is noted for several accredited online programs, including its research-based online PhD in Social Work. Baylor’s program is unique for its emphasis on the development of leaders and educators, as opposed to clinical practitioners of social work.

   • Baylor University is great for students who:

     Are seeking a beautiful campus with thoughtful architecture. Students describe Baylor’s main campus as warm and welcoming.

   • Baylor University might not be the best fit for students who:

     Have financial constraints. Baylor University is a comparatively costly private institution.

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7. #6

   University of Memphis

   Memphis , TN

   #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2025 #3 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2025

   Tuition + fees

   $10K

   Acceptance

   95%

   Graduation

   48%

   Student body

   25K

   Median SAT/ACT

   1080/20

   Career Outlook for Social Work degree at University of Memphis

   Cost of Degree: $11,214

   Expenses: $17,726

   Starting Salary: $58,071

   Cost Recoup Time: 12 years

   Paid back at 15% of annual salary

   What is University of Memphis known for?

   University of Memphis’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

   • Mathematics
   • History
   • Philosophy
   • Medical
   • Nursing
   • Law
   • Computer Science
   • Business
   • Social Work
   • Earth Sciences

   Most Influential Alumni

   • Kenneth T. Jackson
   • Hortense Spillers
   • Leonard Lawlor
   • Mary Jane Irwin
   • Jerry Lawler
   • Derrick Rose
   • Penny Hardaway
   • Tim McCarver
   • Arthur G. Bedeian
   • Robert Morris
   • Carolyn D. Wright
   • Tina Fernandes Botts

   University of Memphis is noted for several excellent online social work programs, including its Online Doctorate of Social Work Program (DSW).

   • University of Memphis is great for students who:

     Are looking for a surrounding area with tons of stuff to do. Students note that the Memphis metro area offers many restaurants, shops, nightlife and cultural opportunities.

   • University of Memphis might not be the best fit for students who:

     Are looking for a traditional residential campus. Many students refer to University of Memphis as a commuter school, where many people leave campus on the weekends.

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8. #7

   Our Lady of the Lake University

   San Antonio , TX

   #19 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #14 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Social Work PhDs (Doctorates) #16 Best Online MBA Programs in Texas #18 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024

   Tuition + fees

   $31K

   Graduation

   38%

   Student body

   3K

   Career Outlook for Social Work degree at Our Lady of the Lake University

   Cost of Degree: $18,498

   Starting Salary: $54,064

   What is Our Lady of the Lake University known for?

   Our Lady of the Lake University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

   • Social Work
   • Criminal Justice
   • Medical
   • Religious Studies
   • Political Science
   • Education
   • Chemistry
   • Business
   • Literature
   • Sociology

   Our Lady of the Lake University is noted for its excellent social work programs, including its Online PhD in Social Work.

   • Our Lady of the Lake University is great for students who:

     Enjoy the intimacy of a small campus. Students speak highly of the modest class sizes and the personal attention they receive from their professors.

   • Our Lady of the Lake University might not be the best fit for students who:

     Require a great deal of administrative support. Students note that some of the student support services are not as fast or responsive as desired.

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Professional Organizations for Social Workers

Networking through professional organizations, is one of the top ways to connect with other professionals in your industry. Networking can be a great way to advance in your career. The following organizations are particularly suited for social workers with a DSW or PhD in social work:

• Association of Oncology Social Work (AOSW): Specifically for social workers who work with cancer patients and their families. Offers networking opportunities and professional development resources.
• American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC): Specifically for social workers who work with abused and under-served childern. Offers networking and education opportunities, access to publications and resources, and discounts on clinics.
• Clinical Social Work Association (CSWA): Provides professional development resources and a jobs board.
• National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW): represents African-American professionals and students.
• National Association of Social Workers (NASW): The largest membership organization of social work professionals in the world. Supports the professional growth and development of social work students and professionals.
• School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA): Specifically for school social workers. Offers training, conferences, and numerous resources.
• Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR): Dedicated to the advancement of social work research. Members include faculty in schools of social work, research staff in public and private agencies, and graduate students.

Scholarships for Doctoral Students in Social Work

There are a number of scholarship opportunities social work students pursuing doctoral degrees. Application requirements vary, so applicants should consult the website for further information. Scholarships include:

• Social Work HEALS Doctoral Fellowship: $17,900
• Eileen Blackey Doctoral Fellowship: $4,000-$6,500
• Jane B. Aron Doctoral Fellowship: $17,900
• National Association of Black Social Workers Scholarships: Varies
• Minority Fellowship Program: Varies
• Doctoral Dissertation Award in the Psychology of Aging: $2,500
• CSWE Scholars Program: Varies
• Leopold Schepp Foundation Scholarship: $9,000

If keeping the cost of your DSW or PhD in social work as low as possible is important to you, check out our ranking highlighting the most affordable PhD programs in social work in the United States.