Doctor of Social Work

The Walla Walla University Wilma Hepker School of Social Work and Sociology offers a Doctor of Social Work degree that is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. The program emphasis is on social work education and leadership with a mission to develop experienced social work practitioners into outstanding educators and leaders who engage in the dissemination of scholarly knowledge that will invigorate social work practice and advance social justice.

 

DSW Learning Objectives include:

• Engage in systematic inquiry that adheres to scholarly conventions.

• Critically evaluate and use evidence-based practices.

• Develop and disseminate practice-relevant knowledge through a variety of channels, such as teaching, administration, scholarship, professional presentations, and mentoring.

• Develop and maintain substantive expertise in teaching and leadership in social work.

• Assess the roles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in shaping human experiences and develop intervention strategies.

• Apply ethical decision-making and professional practices.

 

ADMISSION: Applicants must first meet the minimum expectations outlined in the Graduate Bulletin admissions requirement. Additionally, all applicants must meet the qualifications listed below:

1. Hold a Master’s of Social Work degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) or a CSWE-recognized international program.

2. Minimum of two years of excellent post-MSW direct, full-time practice experience, or its equivalent.

3. Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 at the graduate level and 3.0 in undergraduate studies.

4. Professional level skills in the use of technology and have reliable internet access.
   Note: An active license in clinical social work is preferred but not required.

Applications should demonstrate a commitment to teaching and leadership in social work. The DSW admissions committee may request an interview. Those who meet the admissions requirements are required to submit the following:

1. Completed WWU Graduate School application.
2. Transcripts from all academic programs attended.
3. Current curriculum vitae/detailed resume.
4. Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s professional and academic abilities.
5. Criminal background check.
6. Recent professional writing sample.
7. An admissions essay that includes the following:
   1. A discussion of your professional experiences and the factors that led to the decision to apply to the Doctor of Social Work program at Walla Walla University.
   2. A description of a situation in a professional role and how you used practice knowledge, skills, and values to intervene successfully.
   3. A statement of your future professional vision and how the pursuit of a DSW degree will aid you in achieving your goals.
   4. A discussion of an area of in-depth study that you might pursue in this doctoral program and how this subject area would aid the field of professional social work.

TRANSFER STUDENTS: Students who wish to transfer from another doctoral program must provide a letter of good standing from their current school. A maximum of twelve quarter credits will be accepted for transfer, and these courses must be approved by the department to determine they are equivalent and relevant to the DSW curriculum.  Students accepted for transfer must complete a minimum of 56 doctoral-level credits at Walla Walla University

Doctor of Social Work (D.S.W.)

DSW students must complete 68 quarter credits, including 64 credits of core requirements, and 4 credits of electives. Classes are taught in real-time using videoconferencing, online asynchronous course work, and two on-campus week-long summer residencies. Students will engage in professional activities appropriate to doctoral-level candidates, including but not limited to critique, research committee work, research project defense, and collaboration with department faculty. No academic credit may be awarded for life or work experience.

Core Requirements

SOWK 610	Ethics and Social Responsibility	2
SOWK 611	Introduction to Teaching and Leadership in Social Work	4
SOWK 612	Leadership Theory	4
SOWK 613	Teaching Pedagogies: Theory and Practice	4
SOWK 614	Challenging Oppression and Confronting Privilege	4
SOWK 615	Data-Driven Decision Making	4
SOWK 616	Social Work Curriculum Development and Instruction	4
SOWK 617	Program Evaluation and Quality Improvement	4
SOWK 630	Research Methods I	4
SOWK 631	Research Methods II	4
SOWK 632	Peer-Reviewed Scholarship	4
SOWK 634	Diversity, Oppression, and Change	2
SOWK 636	Innovations in Social Work Education and Practice	4
SOWK 638	Organizational Behavior and Leadership	4
SOWK 639	Strategic Management	4
SOWK 650	Capstone Research Project I	4
SOWK 651	Capstone Research Project II	4
	Electives	4
Total Credit Hours:		68

Select one class form the following list of electives:

SOWK 660	Teaching Practicum	4
SOWK 662	Leadership Practicum	4
SOWK 669	Advanced Study	4
SOWK 696	Social Work Seminar	4