I had a conversation with a DSW graduate, Dr. Taylor, who shared the following: "One distinction I would make is that most DSW programs do emphasize the aspect of research being apart of social work practice. Ph.D programs focus on careers in academia while the DSW program focuses on the social worker becoming a research-practitioner. Another thing is that as a research-practitioner , social workers are able to take real-world problems encountered in social work practice, apply research methodologies, to come up with real-time solutions. While some traditional research methods are used, one research approach that has been gaining increased attention is Action Research or better known as Participatory Action Research (PAR)."
When I applied to PhD programs, my priority was not taking on debt and when I applied to DSW programs, my goal was keeping my job (and coin lol)! Priorities change and that's okay.
Gennie Samala you’re welcome! One thing I did as part of my research was talk to people in both PhD and DSW programs so I can hear what programs won’t tell me and both were happy with their experience. I have a friend who just graduated in 2020 with her DSW from USC and just landed a faculty position at a school of social work so the possibilities are endless!
It feels like the DSW is more for me however I want to do a lot of research to specialize my niche. So as I’m researching but still feels like I can excel at this with a DSW program. I’m also a mom of small children and a PhD might be harder to complete. I’d rather not spend 5-7 years of my children’s life stressed lol!
Hey Niketa, I am glad to hear that you have narrowed down your options for doctoral applications. A practice-based doctoral program is def. working parents friendly, which is important for me, too. Nonetheless, make sure that whatever programs you choose will allow you to gain the desired skills. If you want to conduct practice-based research, then a practice based doctorate makes sense. If your research is more theory based, then perhaps the PhD is better for you and maybe the timing is later when your kids are older or you have more support with your family. Either way, I'm wishing you all the best!
Hi! Thank you for the helpful information! How do we know if the institution is teaching or research-based? I’m interested in teaching however less on the theory/research piece. I’m more interested in the concept that DSW offers about researching for solutions to problems.
Great question. Their website should mention it or you can google each school you're interested in. Nonetheless, each DSW program will have an emphasis that is described on the program's webpage. You can also gain a greater sense from reviewing the courses and course descriptions.
Excellent video! Thanks! I was just curious, for people who do not have a MSW and have a BA only or different Masters, can they still pursue the DSW if they want to provide counseling or therapy? Wondering if the DSW besides the MSW route can also prepare one for LCSW licensure?
CSWE, the accrediting body for Social Workers is recommending that DSW programs admit only MSW graduates with a minimum of 2 years post MSW experience. The answer to the second part of your question is no. Licensure is determined by individual states which would require the MSW and the additional hours to get your C. The MSW remains the terminal degree for Social Work.
I had a conversation with a DSW graduate, Dr. Taylor, who shared the following:
"One distinction I would make is that most DSW programs do emphasize the aspect of research being apart of social work practice. Ph.D programs focus on careers in academia while the DSW program focuses on the social worker becoming a research-practitioner.
Another thing is that as a research-practitioner , social workers are able to take real-world problems encountered in social work practice, apply research methodologies, to come up with real-time solutions. While some traditional research methods are used, one research approach that has been gaining increased attention is Action Research or better known as Participatory Action Research (PAR)."
I wholeheartedly agree with your assessments.
When I applied to PhD programs, my priority was not taking on debt and when I applied to DSW programs, my goal was keeping my job (and coin lol)! Priorities change and that's okay.
Thanks for the insight Donzell!!
Thank you so so much. I’ve been trying to get a feel for what is the next potential route after spending some time as an LCSW
Gennie Samala you’re welcome! One thing I did as part of my research was talk to people in both PhD and DSW programs so I can hear what programs won’t tell me and both were happy with their experience. I have a friend who just graduated in 2020 with her DSW from USC and just landed a faculty position at a school of social work so the possibilities are endless!
Good video, Donzell. Love, Anatta 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿
Thank you!
Concise, informative and useful. Thank you.❤️👏🏾
You are so welcome! Thanks for watching!
It feels like the DSW is more for me however I want to do a lot of research to specialize my niche. So as I’m researching but still feels like I can excel at this with a DSW program. I’m also a mom of small children and a PhD might be harder to complete. I’d rather not spend 5-7 years of my children’s life stressed lol!
Hey Niketa, I am glad to hear that you have narrowed down your options for doctoral applications. A practice-based doctoral program is def. working parents friendly, which is important for me, too. Nonetheless, make sure that whatever programs you choose will allow you to gain the desired skills. If you want to conduct practice-based research, then a practice based doctorate makes sense. If your research is more theory based, then perhaps the PhD is better for you and maybe the timing is later when your kids are older or you have more support with your family. Either way, I'm wishing you all the best!
Hi! Thank you for the helpful information! How do we know if the institution is teaching or research-based? I’m interested in teaching however less on the theory/research piece. I’m more interested in the concept that DSW offers about researching for solutions to problems.
Great question. Their website should mention it or you can google each school you're interested in. Nonetheless, each DSW program will have an emphasis that is described on the program's webpage. You can also gain a greater sense from reviewing the courses and course descriptions.
I’m also interested in theory but I feel like I can do this with a DSW ✨
I agree that you can learn more about theory in a DSW program!
Excellent video! Thanks! I was just curious, for people who do not have a MSW and have a BA only or different Masters, can they still pursue the DSW if they want to provide counseling or therapy? Wondering if the DSW besides the MSW route can also prepare one for LCSW licensure?
CSWE, the accrediting body for Social Workers is recommending that DSW programs admit only MSW graduates with a minimum of 2 years post MSW experience. The answer to the second part of your question is no. Licensure is determined by individual states which would require the MSW and the additional hours to get your C. The MSW remains the terminal degree for Social Work.
Can I do MSW after ba history?
Absolutely!