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Flexibility: Two entry terms, part-time or full time.

Individualized: You will be assigned a faculty advisor to guide you through academic studies, mentor your career growth, and help you develop a research agenda. 

Personal Attention: Classes are intimate and encourage close interaction with faculty, guest lecturers and peers. A writing center for Wurzweiler students is available at no additional cost.

Ethics: Founded on a profound respect for individual beliefs and Jewish social philosophy, Wurzweiler fosters tolerance and trains you to support the spiritual and emotional needs of clients. 

World-Renowned Educational Experience: Wurzweiler's students come from diverse ethnic, religious, and generational backgrounds, and represent a broad spectrum of professional experience and levels of practice. 

DSW Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does a DSW stand for?
DSW stands for Doctorate in Social Welfare. Upon successful completion of all coursework Wurzweiler School of Social Work will confer the DSW in clinical social work.

What is the focus of the Wurzweiler DSW program?
The Wurzweiler DSW is a clinically focused doctoral program designed for experienced social workers seeking to deepen their practice expertise, strengthen their leadership skills, and expand their professional impact. The program combines advanced clinical theory, applied research, and scholarly inquiry to prepare practitioners to lead, teach, and contribute to the advancement of the profession.

How is the DSW different from a PhD in social work?
The DSW emphasizes advanced clinical practice, applied scholarship, supervision, and leadership in agency and community settings. A PhD is typically research intensive and oriented toward academic research careers. The DSW is ideal for clinicians who want to elevate their impact in practice, policy, supervision, or higher education while remaining grounded in clinical work. Unlike most PhD programs, the DSW does not have dissertation. Instead, students finalized their program with a grand challenge project which is the culminating independent project in the program. 

Why pursue a DSW if I already have an MSW?
The MSW prepares clinicians for professional practice. The DSW supports the transition from advanced practitioner to clinical leader and scholar. It strengthens theoretical integration, evidence informed decision making, supervision skills, and professional writing. Graduates are positioned for roles such as clinical director, supervisor, consultant, educator, or organizational leader.

What makes the Wurzweiler DSW distinctive?
The program is designed for the working professional.All classes are conducted in the evenings via a live virtual classroom (zoom) platform. Students can choose to do full-time 4 year or part-time 3-year study. In addition, students receive individualized advisement throughout the program. Faculty mentors work closely with each student to shape their scholarly focus, refine clinical expertise, and develop a meaningful final project aligned with professional goals. This personalized mentorship model ensures that doctoral work is directly connected to each student’s practice setting and career trajectory.

Is there a culminating project or capstone requirement?
Yes. Students complete an advanced scholarly project, the Independent Grand Challenge, that demonstrates integration of clinical knowledge, leadership skill, and applied research. This project is designed to contribute meaningfully to the field and may serve as the foundation for publication, presentation, or program development.

Does the program include preparation for teaching or supervision?
The curriculum supports the development of advanced supervision, consultation, and teaching competencies. Graduates are prepared to mentor clinicians, supervise teams, and pursue adjunct or full time academic teaching opportunities.

How many credits are required to complete the DSW?
The program consists of 45 credits and is typically completed in three years to four years.

Can I continue working while enrolled?
Yes. The program is structured for experienced working professionals. Coursework and advisement are designed to integrate with ongoing social work practice. The course work is on a virtual platform either one or two nights a week depending on your curriculum roadmap.

What professional experience is required for admission?
Applicants must hold an MSW from a CSWE accredited program or international equivalent and have a minimum of three years of supervised post MSW clinical experience. Professional licensure is required.

Is the GRE required?
No. GRE scores are not required for admission. 

Can I pursue this DSW outside of New York?
Yes, you can pursue the DSW degree at Wurzweiler from another state. The classes are held via zoom and do not require attendance in-person. 

Are international applicants eligible to apply?
Yes. International applicants are welcome to apply. Applicants whose studies were conducted outside of the U.S. and English-speaking Canada will be required to submit a course-by-course evaluation of their degrees from a NACES evaluator. Applicants who studies in a country where English is not the primary language of instruction will be required to submit the TOEFL or IELTS exam. Visa sponsorship for this program is not provided as classes are not in-person.

What academic qualifications strengthen an application?
Successful applicants typically demonstrate strong academic performance in their MSW program, meaningful post graduate clinical experience, and a clear articulation of advanced professional goals. For a complete list of admissions requirements, please visit the admissions website.

Are scholarships available?
Applicants are automatically considered for scholarships as part of the admissions review process. No additional paperwork is required. If admitted, applicants are notified of their scholarship award directly in their letter.