Value added by the doctorate of social work: professional satisfaction, scholarly leadership, and practice-informed research

ABSTRACT

As social work doctoral programs are undergoing a substantive shift, in the United States, more institutions of higher education are trending towards a resurgence of a doctorate of social work degree (DSW). However, little attention has been given to the experiences of DSW students. The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to explore why students choose DSW education, professional aspirations, and intended contributions to the field of social work. Findings suggest that 85% of participants noted flexibility as a key selling point and that perceived value added includes professional satisfaction, scholarly leadership, and practice-informed research. The DSW offers the added value of producing seasoned clinical professionals who become highly trained in theory, policy, and research.

KEYWORDS:

• Doctorate of social work
• social work education
• practice doctorate
• research
• graduates
• DSW student experience
• United States
• doctoral education
• leadership
• practice informed research

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Samuel Lewis Bradley

Samuel Lewis Bradley, is a faculty member at the Boston College School of Social Work. He is an accomplished musician, community activist, and administrator with extensive experience in fundraising and academic program development. Dr. Bradley has expertise in diversity, equity,  inclusion, and program innovation. He is particularly passionate about utilizing innovation methods as a strategy for developing new programs in higher education.

Sheila Korones Gold

Sheila Korones Gold, is the Executive Director of Admission of the Tulane University School of Professional Advancement. She is a licensed clinical social worker and has professionally practiced in education for over 20 years as both an enrollment professional and school counselor.  Sheila began her career at Tulane University in the Office of Undergraduate Admission and has worked in both the higher education and K-12 arenas.  She has most recently been the Executive Director of Admission at Tulane School of Social Work and prior to that was Lower School Director of Guidance for Isidore Newman School.  She has recently earned her Doctorate in Social Work from Tulane.

Tonya Cross Hansel

Tonya Cross Hansel, is a social worker with expertise in research, statistics, disaster mental health, trauma, and maximizing outcomes for social service agencies. Dr. Hansel’s interest in research began as a United States Peace Corps Volunteer, where she helped coordinate research addressing the social problems associated with transmission of HIV and AIDS in the Gambia West Africa.