Doctor of Social Work (DSW) Admissions

UTA’s School of Social Work is thrilled about your interest in the Doctor of Social Work program. This program is designed for experienced professional social workers with a passion for leadership and guiding the next generation of social workers.

Applications are now open! The deadline to apply for Fall 2026 is June 17 for the initial application and June 24 for submission of all required documents. Spring 2027 DSW Application deadline is Sept. 15.

Our DSW program accepts the best and brightest students with:

  • an MSW or MSSW from a CSWE accredited institution (International MSWs will be considered if recognized through CSWE’s International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service or covered under a memorandum of understanding with international social work accreditors.)
  • three or more years of post-MSW graduation practice experience

Applicants must also meet the following criteria:  

Once applications open, submit the following to UTA Office of Admissions, Records, and Registration:

  • All official transcripts of undergraduate and graduate work 
    • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0+ in the last approximately 60 hours of university level credits
    • Master’s GPA of 3.4+ 
  • Completed Application Form

UTA School of Social Work's DSW program also requests the following application materials: 

  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Curriculum Vitae or Resume 
  • Statement of Purpose (750 - 1,000 words, APA 7 style) to include:
    • Summary of length, depth, and breadth of social work practice experience, including any teaching experience
    • Rationale for your decision to pursue a DSW
    • Reason for choosing UTA
    • What research question or topic you would like to develop expertise in through your coursework and capstone project
    • Career goals
    • Aptitude for online learning and plans to ensure academic success
  • TOEFL iBT total score if applicable. Applicants whose native language is not English must meet the University's proficiency in English requirement as described in the University Catalog.
  • GRE not required

Ready to Apply?

Fall 2026 applications due June 17th.


Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

Q&A Sessions

DSW Director Dr. Karen Magruder is offering two live online Q&A sessions for Fall 2026 applicants:

  • Friday, August 7 from 12:00pm-1:00pm CST
  • Wednesday, August 12 from 6:00pm-7:00pm CST
  • Tuesday, September 1 from 6:00pm-7:00pm CST
Additional Q&A sessions will be scheduled for Spring 2027 applicants; check back for updates.
Register Here