Doctor of Social Work FAQs

In both degrees the students take similar amounts of credits and complete dissertations. However, the DSW emphasizes applications to field practice in the community. 

DSWs can become faculty in colleges and universities. DSWs can also hold leadership roles such as executive director, private consultant, development director and program evaluator.

The program is designed to be completed in three years, but some students have proposed 4- or 5-year plans. The program must be completed within 5 years.

There are 48 credits in the program, 14 required courses + 2 electives.

The DSW program has a combined emphasis on leadership and teaching. This allows students to develop a well-rounded skill set for a variety of practice application.

Each year, there are 3 weekend residencies in January, May and August starting from Friday at 5pm and ending Sunday at noon/12pm for fall residency and Saturday and Sunday only for spring and summer residencies. August residency is the only face-to-face residency during the year. We strongly encourage all students to prioritize this weekend because it brings students together with faculty and their peers. This intensive weekend facilitates a strong bond between students which enables them to be very successful in the program. We find that cohorts who are bonded to each other do significantly better in the program. Students who make a stroner connection to the faculty tend to be less nervous, do better in their coursework, and get ideas about which faculty they would like to be the chair of their dissertation.

GREs are not required.

Yes, applicants must have an MSW from a CSWE accredited program. Applicants need 2 years of post-MSW practice experience.

No, applicants do not need teaching experience. 

Review the instructions on the DSW website https://www.millersville.edu/socialwork/dsw/application-process.php  

 

Then apply to the graduate school here: 

https://applygrad.millersville.edu/apply/  

 

There is a rolling deadline with priority given to applicants who submit prior to March 1st. Once one cohort is filled, applicants will be informed whether they have been accepted into the following cohort.

Review the instructions on the DSW website https://www.millersville.edu/socialwork/dsw/application-process.php 

Once a student is accepted, the DSW Director will provide guidance for registration.

Tuition & Additional Costs for 2024-2025 

• PA Residents: $671/credit ($4,026 per semester plus fees)  

• Non-Residents: $1006/credit ($6,036 per semester plus fees) 

• Software provided by Millersville: SPSS and/or NVivo  

• Costs not included in tuition: books, travel and housing for the August residency 

For the information on costs, see https://www.millersville.edu/osa/tuition-fees/grad-costs-current.php  

Graduate tuition can be found on the Office of Student Accounts website:  

https://www.millersville.edu/osa/tuition-fees/grad-costs-current.php  

Students who have been accepted and enrolled in classes can apply for a Graduate Assistantships (GA). Full Time GAs work 20 hours per week (on average), Earn $6,000 annual stipend, Receive 18 credits of tuition waiver for the academic year. 

• For more information and to apply, see the Graduate Studies & Adult Learning website: https://www.millersville.edu/gsal/graduate-assistantships/ 

Resources for DSW grants can be requested through the Office of Grants, Sponsored Programs & Research (OGSPR).  

https://www.millersville.edu/spra/student-resources/student-research-grants.php