An Evaluation of the University of Pennsylvania’s Practice Doctorate (DSW) Program

Abstract

This article reports on an evaluation of the University of Pennsylvania’s doctorate in social work (DSW), the first of the newly emerging practice doctorates. The study sample was current students and program alumni. Data were from program records and from an online survey of DSW alumni with an 81.6% response rate. Overall, the program is achieving its explicit and implicit goals. Current students and alumni are being hired part-time and full-time to teach in BSW and MSW programs. Moreover, graduates have found that the degree enhanced their recognition and respect by colleagues and professionals from other disciplines and resulted in greater confidence from clients.

KEYWORDS:

• doctoral education
• DSW
• practice doctorate