Doctor of Social Work Program College of Social Work The University of Tennessee

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville College of Social Work

For 70 years, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville College of Social Work has provided comprehensive and cutting-edge social work education. Its undergraduate and graduate programs prepare individuals for careers in social work practice, research, and teaching at the college level.

With emphasis on critical thinking and life-long learning, the college ensures that students acquire in-depth knowledge about social work theory, practice, and policy. In addition, it promotes interdisciplinary research that helps individuals, families, organizations, and communities.

Community outreach is also an important aspect of the school's mission. Faculty members, staff members, and students engage in community service that improves the lives of vulnerable populations and promotes social justice.

Online Doctor of Social Work Program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville

The Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program in the College of Social Work at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville helps social workers strengthen their skills in evidence-based clinical practice and advanced clinical leadership. The DSW is ideal for working professionals because it is an accelerated, online program that enables them to earn their degrees in 3 years without disrupting their careers.

Doctor of Social Work Format

Courses for the Doctor of Social Work program are taught online via synchronous and asynchronous methods. The synchronous method includes interactive video and instructional media that allow for real-time "classroom" interaction at designated times. Conversely, the asynchronous method allows students to use online communication tools to share information outside of virtual class times.

Although students complete courses online, they spend one week during each summer of the program at the university's Knoxville campus to complete intensive knowledge and skills development activities.

DSW Program Outcomes

Students graduate from the program skilled at integrating social work, social and behavioral sciences, and other disciplines to create high-level, evidenced-based social work practices.

They are also equipped to demonstrate professionalism, advocacy, and integrity in advanced social work practice. Moreover, students are capable of leading efforts to develop standards of care for various populations.

In addition, they are fully-prepared to generate client, system, and outcomes research; use technology to improve social work care; and take leadership roles in shaping social work policy for clinical practice.

Innovative Research

Research is an important component of the College of Social Work and DSW program. Therefore, both students and faculty members conduct ground-breaking research that advances the body of knowledge in the field.

Faculty members examine a wide range of topics including aging, caregiver issues, child welfare, ethnicity, environmental justice, health, juvenile justice, social justice, and substance abuse.

In addition, the Social Work Office of Research and Public Service has obtained more than 40 million dollars in funding from state, local, and federal grants and contracts. These funds are used to support training, technical assistance, and research projects.

DSW Curriculum

The DSW curriculum emphasizes advanced clinical practice, practice leadership, and clinical research. It consists of 16, 3-credit courses including 2 capstone courses.

Clinical practice courses include "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy," "Neuroscience for Clinical Practice," and "Psychopathology and Psychopharmacology." Furthermore, practice leadership courses include "Clinical Management" and "Clinical Leadership." In addition, clinical research courses include "Clinical Research" and "Applied Statistics" as well as "Translational Research."

Capstone Courses

For the DSW Capstone I course, students write publishable papers that examine the biopsychosocial problems of specific populations in their current practices. Their papers also review potential evidence-based interventions and their outcomes.

In the DSW Capstone II course, students write publishable papers that report the results of clinical research studies. Students also present oral defenses of both papers.

DSW Requirements

Students in the Doctor of Social Work program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville have masters' degrees in social work. They also have at least 2 years of clinical practice experience or designation as licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs).

Expert Faculty Members

Faculty members in the College of Social Work are innovative teachers who have vast clinical and leadership experience. They are also dedicated to helping their students expand their knowledge and skills in the field and advancing their careers.

Tuition and Financial Assistance

Fees and tuition for the DSW program are the same as those for on-campus graduate programs, except for an additional distance education fee.

Students, however, may be eligible for financial assistance to help cover their expenses. Students may be eligible for in state tuition through the academic common market.

Each student can submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine if he or she qualifies for financial aid such as student loans, grants, and scholarships.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Founded in 1794, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is located in Knoxville, Tennessee, in the southern region of the United States. It is a "research-intensive" institution that provides nearly 28,000 students with more than 300 comprehensive academic programs.

UTK also enhances the state's culture, strengthens its economy, and positively impacts it citizens' lives through research and service.

A leader in public higher education, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville has a ranking within the top 100 public universities on "US News and World Report's" 2012 list of best colleges.

• Degrees Offered
• Major Degree Levels Offered
• Clinical Practice And Leadership Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

• Degrees Awarded
• Master's Degrees Not reported
• Doctoral Degrees Not reported
• First Professional Degrees Not reported
• Other Advanced Degrees Not reported
• * Shows the number of degrees awarded for the last academic year that data was reported.

• Earning Your Degree
• Part-time study available? Not reported
• Evening/weekend programs available? Not reported
• Distance learning programs available? Not reported
• Terminal master's degree available? Not reported

• Degree Requirements
• Master's Degrees Not reported
• Doctoral Degrees Not reported
• First Professional Degrees Not reported
• Other Advanced Degrees Not reported

• Tuition & Fees
• In-state tuition *$8,332
• Out-of-state tuition *$25,174
• International student tuitionNot Reported
• * Tuition for full-time graduate student per academic year
• Fees
• Per-academic year fees$1,162.00
• Per-term feesNot Reported
• One-time feeNot Reported
• * Fees for full-time graduate students
• Financial Support
• Financial award applicants must submitNot Reported
• Application deadlines for financial awardsNot Reported
• Types of financial support availableNot Reported