Program Overview
Social Work, DSW
The Tulane University Doctorate in Social Work is ideally suited for social work professionals seeking rigorous training in advanced practice, professional leadership, and applied research.
Overview
The DSW curriculum consists of six semesters of coursework over two calendar years, followed by a final semester of dedicated and independent study on the Advanced Practice.
Program Objectives
The DSW@Tulane prepares students to:
- Apply innovative and critical thinking to pressing social, economic, and environmental problems
- Advance knowledge through research relevant to social work practice
- Collaborate with practitioners in an array of related disciplines
- Conduct action research in partnership with community organizations and groups
- Communicate evidence-informed social work knowledge through teaching and publication
- Continue the legacy of social work through research, leadership, and teaching
Curriculum
During their first two years, students will take courses in social work theory, practice, and methods. Each semester includes two courses and an independent study during which the student will work with an academic advisor to develop their scholarly portfolio and Advanced Practice Project. DSW courses are taught by Tulane School of Social Work faculty as well as select nationally prominent social work scholars.
Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Fall| Credit Hours
SOWK 9010 | Portfolio Planning Seminar I | 1
SOWK 9101 | Leader Evidence Inform Practice | 4
SOWK 9102 | Theory, Models & Methods | 4
| Credit Hours| 9
Spring
SOWK 9020 | Portfolio Planning Seminar II | 1
SOWK 9203 | Hist Policy Social Welfare | 4
SOWK 9204 | Quant Method Research | 4
| Credit Hours| 9
Summer Session
SOWK 9030 | Portfolio Planning Seminar III | 1
SOWK 9200 | Program & Clinical Evaluation | 4
SOWK 9210 | Qualitative Methods & Analysis | 4
| Credit Hours| 9
Year 2
Fall
SOWK 9040 | Portfolio Planning Seminar IV | 1
SOWK 9205 | Pedagogy Development | 4
SOWK 9206 | APP Research Ethics | 4
| Credit Hours| 9
Spring
SOWK 9307 | Applied Social Statistics | 4
SOWK 9308 | Nonprofit Mgmt & Development | 4
SOWK 9450 | Portfolio Dev Seminar V | 1
| Credit Hours| 9
Summer Session
SOWK 9309 | Community Advocacy and Participatory Research for Applied Practice | 4
SOWK 9310 | APP Grant Writing | 4
SOWK 9460 | Portfolio Seminar VI | 1
| Credit Hours| 9
Year 3
Fall
SOWK 9470 | Portfolio Develop Seminar VII | 1
SOWK 9480 | Portfolio Develop Seminar VIII | 1
| Credit Hours| 2
| Total Credit Hours| 56
Immersion
As part of the DSW curriculum, students will complete a 4-day immersion project in New Orleans, Louisiana. The academic residency will occur during the summer semester and provides an opportunity to network with fellow students and faculty. The residency experience is designed to emphasize applied learning and identifying program outcomes in partnership with a local social service agency.
Advanced Practice Project
Students are encouraged to develop a possible topic for their advanced practice project early in their doctoral study. Once a topic has been selected, a three-member committee will review a formal proposal and provide feedback to the student. Final approval of the proposal as fulfillment of a requirement for candidacy for the degree is granted only upon fulfillment of all other requirements for candidacy, including 56 hours of required courses and successful defense of the proposed project.
Program Faculty
DSW courses are taught by Tulane School of Social Work professors and visiting faculty from a variety of social science disciplines, including social work, sociology, urban studies, and psychology. Our visiting faculty are nationally renowned experts in their field, bringing with them expertise in grant-writing, program evaluation, academic publication, and public policy.
Program Details
- Program String and Field of Study: SWDSW_GR, SWK
- Total Credit Hours: 56