DSW Admissions

The Doctor of Social Work (DSW) Program is an advanced practice doctorate that leverages UMB’s nationally recognized strength in interprofessional education and promotes skills in clinical treatment methods, supervision of social work practitioners, leadership, and classroom teaching.

• Successful completion of a Master of Social Work degree (MSW) from an accredited (CSWE) School of Social Work with a GPA of 3.0 or better
• Advanced practice licensure, LCSW-C (Maryland), or a comparable license is preferred
• Minimum of 2 years of direct practice experience post MSW
• Three letters of recommendation from professional references who can speak to an applicant’s qualifications for doctoral study
• A writing sample: an original, social work–related document that showcases your writing and communication skills.
• Responses to two brief essay questions that will help us understand how your interests align with the opportunities offered by our curriculum
• Transcripts
• Résumé information will be submitted as part of the application form

Application Fee Waivers are available to the following: 

• Americorps
• Peace Corps
• Veteran/Active Military
• Current Employees of the UMB School of Social Work – including adjunct instructors who have taught a course within the past 3 years

Please reach out to Tay Johnson, DSW Program Coordinator at dsw@ssw.umaryland.edu prior to submitting your application if you are eligible for a fee waiver to receive a code. We are not able to process refunds.

• Applications open on October 28^th
• Applications are due February 15^th
• Applications will be reviewed: February 15^th -  April 1^st
• Virtual 30-minute interviews with finalists: April 6^th – May 15^th
• Applicants will be notified of final decisions by mid-June

1. Advanced clinical treatment skills (such as psychopharmacology, Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, family therapy, EMDR, and other cutting-edge evidence-based practice skill models)
2. Supervisory skills to guide and train students and social work practitioners in the field
3. Teaching pedagogy for academic classroom instruction
4. Leadership/administrative skills to support agency administrative roles
5. Social justice and health equity advocacy
6. Applied clinical research training and program evaluation

The DSW requires the completion of 60 credit hours that can be completed over a three-year period. Courses are delivered in-person, with classes held one weekend per month, Friday through Sunday. Each core educational component is supported by a lab or practicum experience.

View the DSW program curriculum.