911±¬ÁÏÍøºìÁì½í

Doctorate of Social Work

Category
Contact

Jennifer O’Neil, Ph.D., LCSW, M.S.W. 
Director School of Social Work and Graduate Programs in Social Work
joneil4@une.edu

For program and curricula questions, as well as application information, please contact Online Social Work Enrollment at the College of Professional Studies at 1 (877) 863-6791 or locally at (207) 221-4143. We can also be reached via email at socialworkonline@une.edu.

Degree name
Social Work, D.S.W.
Sections

Mission

The mission of the DSW program is to advance the profession of social work by preparing experienced professionals to become visionary leaders, educators, researchers, and administrators who drive social change and promote social justice. Rooted in the values and ethics of the social work profession, our program is dedicated to excellence, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and lifelong learning.

Vision

The vision of the DSW is to be a national leader in social work education, research, and administration, fostering excellence, community, and belonging. We aspire to educate ethical and inclusive leaders who drive positive change, promoting equity and social justice through innovative practice, research, and policy advocacy. With a commitment to community collaboration, mentorship, and lifelong learning, we aim to shape the future of the social work profession and empower the next generation of leaders to make a lasting impact on individuals and communities.

Accreditation

REGIONAL ACCREDITATION

All programs at the 911±¬ÁÏÍøºìÁì½í are accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

SPECIALIZED ACCREDITATION

N/A

Program Description

The DSW with an emphasis in Interprofessional Leadership is a forty-five (45)-credit hour program that provides a comprehensive and advanced curriculum designed to equip social work professionals with the specialized skills needed for leadership and practice in interdisciplinary settings. The program emphasizes an IP approach to address complex social issues through the integration of social work principles alongside insights from diverse fields. Students engage in coursework and simulation experience covering advanced social work practice, interprofessional collaboration, organizational leadership, education, and research methodologies. The curriculum is structured to foster critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and effective communication across disciplines.

Program Goals

  • Equip graduates with advanced leadership skills to effectively guide organizations, communities, and systems in addressing complex social issues and promoting social change.
  • Prepare graduates to excel as educators in higher education, employing innovative teaching methodologies and fostering inclusive environments.
  • Develop graduates' capacity to conduct rigorous, practice-informed research that contributes to the evidence base of social work and informs policies and practices.
  • Instill a commitment to ethical decision-making and interprofessional collaboration, ensuring that graduates lead with integrity and foster partnerships across diverse disciplines and sectors.

Curricular Requirements

Program Required CoursesCredits
800 – Preparation for Doctoral Journey & Scholarly Writing2
801 – Policy, Advocacy & Social Justice3
802 – Advanced Clinical Theory & Practice3
803 – Use of Technology is Social Work Practice and Leadership3
804 – Integrating Social Work Research & Practice I3
805 – Integrating Social Work Research & Practice II3
806 – Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in IP Leadership3
807 – Social Work & Interprofessional Ethics in SW Leadership3
808 – Interprofessional Leadership in Complex Systems3
820 – Doctoral Proposal Building & Defense3
821 – Doctoral Capstone Project Seminar I3
822 – Doctoral Capstone Project Seminar II4
Three (3) Electives with the Prefix DSW9
Minimum Total Required Credits45

Learning Out