By Thomas Johns
School of Social Work
UTA School of Social Work PhD graduate Aundraea Brown being hooded by Assistant Professor, Dr. Danielle Harrell during Fall 2025 commencement.
(Photo by Jaelon Jackson)
This week the University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work launched its much-anticipated online Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program, with the first cohort slated to begin Fall 2026.
DSW applications are now being accepted for Fall 2026 with a quick turnaround deadline of June 17 for the initial application and June 24 for all required admissions documents to be submitted. Applications for the Spring 2027 cohort are also open with a Sept. 15, 2026, deadline.
The program is designed to bridge the gap among clinical practice, executive leadership, and teaching in the field of social work. Through a curriculum grounded in real-world application and featuring innovative teaching strategies, self-care, and leadership development, the program will equip experienced professionals with advanced skills in education and leadership for executive agencies, clinical, and private practice.
“The launch of our DSW program represents a critical step in strengthening the future of social work education. By preparing experienced practitioners to become impactful educators and leaders, we are investing in a stronger workforce and healthier communities,” said Dr. Kirk Foster, dean of the UTA School of Social Work.
As part of the approval process, the program has undergone several enhancements to strengthen its rigor and relevance.
“The program has been thoughtfully refined, with a dedicated group of faculty members collaborating to ensure courses are engaging and high-quality,” said Dr. Karen Magruder, UTA School of Social Work DSW Program Director.
“Key enhancements include integrating self-care content throughout the curriculum rather than relegating it to a single course, adding a Scholarship of Teaching and Learning course to deepen research and teaching preparation and expanding the capstone project process to support student success.”
She added that content on social work entrepreneurship has been intentionally integrated into the Advanced Leadership and Supervision course, ensuring those topics remain a meaningful and cohesive part of the curriculum.
UTA’s DSW program will offer a three-year, fully online, part-time format that combines asynchronous coursework with interactive virtual components, such as live discussion sessions, faculty mentorship, and collaborative group projects, designed for busy leaders and seasoned professionals.
“As originally planned, the program balances the flexibility of 100% online, asynchronous courses with ample opportunities to connect and engage live with faculty and peers,” Magruder said.
The program distinguishes itself from other national DSW programs for its accessibility and teaching-focused design.
“This DSW program stands out for its fully online format paired with affordable tuition and a fully open educational resources curriculum, meaning no required textbook purchases,” Magruder said.
“It is distinctly teaching-focused, with a built-in teaching practicum that provides hands-on experience preparing graduates for educator roles.”
The program is designed for experienced professionals seeking to advance their careers and make an impact in their field.
“The ideal candidate is a seasoned social work practitioner who demonstrates both depth of expertise and breadth of experience across diverse settings and populations,” Magruder said. “Strong applicants are well-suited for online learning; they are organized, self-directed and proactive.”
Graduates of the program will be prepared for a variety of leadership and educational roles.
“Graduates will be prepared for non-tenure track academic roles, such as clinical faculty or adjunct positions, where the focus is on high-quality teaching, mentorship and service,” Magruder said.
“The program also equips graduates for leadership roles in higher education and in practice settings, including clinical supervisors, program directors, and organizational leaders.”
Class sizes will be capped at 15 students per course to foster meaningful engagement and personalized instruction. The curriculum will also incorporate innovative teaching approaches, such as Learning Circles and AI integration, to prepare graduates for leadership roles in academia and social work practice.
Magruder emphasized the broader impact the program aims to achieve.
“For students, we are helping make social workers’ dreams of earning a doctoral degree come true, while equipping them with the skills, confidence and support to thrive at UTA and beyond,” she said. “Our graduates will be prepared as highly effective, practice-informed educators who can engage, mentor, and develop the next generation of social workers.”
Magruder explained how teaching and leadership skills drive impact across communities, where social workers can serve as leaders in agencies, nonprofits, and private and government organizations, as well as in clinical practice, working alongside physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, and other health care practitioners, and in academia.
“More broadly, by strengthening both teaching and leadership capacity, the program contributes to a more prepared, responsive workforce that can better serve communities and address complex challenges.”
This year will be the only time there is a fall cohort starting. Moving forward there will be two start times each year Spring Semester (January) and Summer Session (June).
Additionally, Dr. Magruder (DSW Program Director) will host live one-hour online Q&A sessions at 6 p.m. CST Tuesday, June 9 and 12 p.m. CST Friday, June 12. To register for a Q&A session, please complete this registration form. There is a comprehensive DSW FAQs webpage.