Doctor of Social Work (DSW Online)

The Doctor of Social Work (DSW) Program admits one cohort of 8 to 10 students each Fall. Applicants are encouraged to submit materials early for fullest consideration.

Priority Deadline: December 15
Applications submitted by this date receive priority for interview scheduling and admission decisions.

Final Deadline: February 15
Complete applications received by the final deadline will be reviewed as space permits.

Deadline Extensions:
If additional seats remain after the final deadline, the program may extend the application window. Any extensions will be posted on this webpage.

Non-Discrimination in Admissions

As representatives of the University, the School of Behavioral Health, Department of Social Work and Social Ecology, and the DSW Program, have expectations of students, faculty and staff in the areas of conduct and behavior while they are on campus or involved in Program, Department, and School or University activities. Following University policies, the School, Department, and Program is committed to equal education and employment opportunities for individuals of all races; and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of veteran status, handicap, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, or national origin in its educational or admissions policies, financial affairs, employment, student life and services, or in any of its programs. The enrollment of students in School programs is not conditioned on their political or sexual orientation; in these areas the School’s policy is directed toward conduct or disruptive behavior, not orientation. In support of this position, we expect our students, faculty, and staff to demonstrate unwavering respect for the diversity of others and interact with integrity, never forgetting the standards that guide professional actions. Further, we expect all programs through their faculty to develop competent, compassionate, ethical professionals who possess the knowledge, skills and values necessary for a life dedicated to service to all those in need regardless of their lifestyles.

Standard Admittance Criteria

Admission to the program is competitive and limited to 10 students per cohort. To be considered, applicants must submit a complete application by the published deadline; incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Applicants must meet Loma Linda University and School of Behavioral Health admissions requirements; and give evidence of academic ability, professional comportment, and mature judgment. The DSW curriculum represents advanced study over and above the MSW degree. Admission is based on an integrated evaluation of the following criteria:

• MSW degree (or equivalent e.g., MSSW) from a program that is accredited by the CSWE
• A minimum of four years of professional social work experience following receipt of the MSW degree
• A minimum GPA of 3.5 is required; applicants with a GPA between 3.3-3.49 may be considered for admission under exceptional circumstances, with evidence of advanced academic ability and readiness for doctoral-level study
• License to practice clinical social work, or documented progress toward licensure, is required
• U.S. citizenship
• Structured essay
• Personal statement
• Structured Zoom interview, including a brief writing sample completed during the session
• Three letters of recommendation (academic and/or professional)

Transfer Admittance Criteria

There is no advanced standing in the DSW program. Transfer students who have taken courses in a DSW program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education may transfer up to 20% of the 79 units required for the DSW degree at LLU. The 20% transfer of units is limited to credits THAT HAVE NOT ALREADY BEEN APPLIED TO A DEGREE and for which a B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better has been recorded. Evaluation of all courses are conducted on a case-by-case basis where course outlines, transcripts, and course catalog entries are reviewed to assure adequate equivalency. The DSW Doctoral Committee evaluates these equivalencies. If approved, the student initiates an academic variance which receives final approval from the dean. The grades of courses transferred do not calculate into a student’s earned GPA acquired while matriculating through the program at Loma Linda University.

Limited transfer credit may be given to individuals with a doctor's degree for equivalent courses taken that apply to another degree in the areas of research methods and statistics if the content and area of study demonstrates appropriate compatibility with expertise and skills required for professional social work clinical leadership. These requests are assessed by the DSW Doctoral Committee to meet the equivalency requirements previously described.

No academic credit is given for life experience, continuing education units and/or previous work experience for any part for the DSW program.

Procedures for Reviewing Transcripts and/or Other Materials to Determine Course Equivalency

Evaluation of all courses are conducted on a case-by-case basis where course outlines, transcripts, and course catalog entries are reviewed to assure adequate equivalency. The DSW Doctoral Committee evaluates these equivalencies. If approved, the student initiates an academic variance which receives final approval from the dean. The grades of courses transferred do not calculate into a student's earned GPA acquired while matriculating through the program at Loma Linda University.

All applicants must submit their application online. Applicants can also monitor the status of their application online. In addition, the School of Behavioral Health office of admission informs all applicants when their files are complete or if additional information is required. Once complete the file is sent to the department's admissions coordinator reviews all completed applicant files and contacts the candidates for an admissions interviews.

General application status and/or submission questions should be directed to:

School of Behavioral Health Office of Admissions
909-558-8722
[email protected]

Requests for specific information about the program should be directed to the DSW program director at:

Department of Social Work and Social Ecology
Dr. Kimberly Freeman, Program Director
[email protected]
909-379-7589

How Applications are Evaluated

The Doctor of Social Work (DSW) Program uses a thorough and structured review process to ensure fairness, consistency, and alignment with program expectations. Applications are reviewed in partnership with the School of Behavioral Health Admissions Office, the DSW Admissions Committee, and the School of Behavioral Health Dean’s Office.

1. Application File Completion

The School of Behavioral Health Admissions Office determines when an application is complete and ready for review. A file is considered complete when:

• The application form is submitted
• The personal statement and structured essay are received
• All required letters of recommendation are submitted
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended are received
• English proficiency scores (if applicable) are on file

Once complete, the file is forwarded to the Chair of the DSW Admissions Committee.

2. Initial Review of Minimum Requirements

The Chair of the DSW Admissions Committee reviews each file to confirm the applicant meets the minimum criteria for consideration, including:

• MSW (or equivalent) from a CSWE-accredited program
• Minimum GPA requirement
• Required years of post-MSW experience
• All written materials submitted

Applicants meeting minimum criteria are invited to the interview stage.

3. Structured Admissions Interview

Qualified applicants participate in a structured Zoom interview conducted by members of the DSW Admissions Committee. Interviewers are trained to use a consistent format to support reliability and fairness.

During the interview:

• Applicants respond to structured questions
• A timed writing sample is completed
• Professional comportment, maturity, and alignment with program values are assessed

Applicants whose interview raises concerns may be invited to a second interview for further review.

4. Committee Evaluation and Recommendation

After interviews are completed, the DSW Admissions Committee conducts a wholistic review of each applicant. This includes:

• Academic preparation and performance
• Quality of written materials
• Professional experience and readiness for doctoral-level work
• Interview performance and writing sample
• Letters of recommendation
• Fit with the program’s mission and clinical leadership focus

The Committee then recommends admission or denial to the School of Behavioral Health Admissions Office.

5. School-Level Review and Confirmation

The School of Behavioral Health Admissions Office and Dean’s Office review all recommendations to ensure:

• Admissions criteria have been applied consistently
• Any exceptions to minimum criteria are appropriately justified
• All decisions align with institutional and regulatory policies

Once confirmed, the School of Behavioral Health finalizes the admission decision.

How Applicants Demonstrate Readiness for Doctoral Study

Applicants demonstrate readiness for the LLU DSW program through multiple components evaluated together:

Academic Readiness

• MSW from a CSWE-accredited program
• Strong graduate GPA (3.3 preferred)
• Structured essay and personal statement demonstrating advanced writing, critical thinking, and clarity of goals
• Timed writing sample completed during the interview

Professional Readiness

• At least four years of post-MSW professional experience
• Clinical licensure preferred (not required)
• Letters of recommendation confirming professional maturity, competence, and leadership potential

Interpersonal & Professional Judgment

• Professional behavior demonstrated in written materials and interview
• Ability to engage reflectively and communicate clearly
• Maturity, ethical awareness, and readiness for doctoral-level work

Alignment with Program Mission

• Goals consistent with advanced clinical leadership
• Interest areas that align with faculty expertise
• Commitment to contributing to behavioral health systems and communities

Regular Admission Status

Regular status is granted to applicants who meet all program and School of Behavioral Health requirements, including:

• Meeting the stated GPA, academic criteria, and required post-MSW work history;
• Demonstrating readiness for doctoral study;
• Showing alignment between their professional interests and available faculty expertise;
• Submitting all required admissions documentation that meets the stated requirements; and
• Achieving an overall application score at or above the threshold required for acceptance.

Denied Admission Status

Applicants are denied admission when their overall application score falls below the minimum threshold required for acceptance into the program.

Process For the Notification of Each Decision Type

The DSW Admissions Committee forwards recommendations of regular or denied status to the Dean of the School of Behavioral Health for confirmation. All applicants are notified by the Dean's office of their admissions status through the University’s electronic admissions portal via email. Accepted applicants are required to use the University’s Online Confirmation System to acknowledge their intention to enroll in the DSW program. This final step helps to assure that registration documents are in order when students are ready to enroll in courses. 

This sample plan of study is provided as a general guide to illustrate the typical sequence of courses for this program. Course offerings, sequencing, and scheduling are subject to change based on curricular revisions, faculty availability, and student progression. Students who take a Leave of Absence (LOA) or enroll on a part-time basis should expect their program completion term to be extended. Students are encouraged to consult with their academic advisor for individualized academic planning.

Course Descriptions

Year 1

Total Year 1 Units: 23 units

Year 2

Total Year 2 Units: 28 units

Year 3

Total Year 3 Units: 28 units

Total Program Units: 79

*The Academic Year begins Summer Quarter. Students entering their programs will begin Fall Quarter and will not have classes during the Summer Quarter of their first year.

The Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program at Loma Linda University is a practice-focused doctorate designed to prepare experienced MSW-level social workers to serve as scholar-practitioners and clinical leaders in complex practice settings. The program emphasizes advanced clinical leadership, applied scholarship, teaching, and system-level improvement grounded in professional ethics and evidence-informed practice.

Rooted in the core values of the social work profession, the DSW program prepares graduates to strengthen clinical practice, enhance service delivery systems, and respond effectively to the needs of individuals, families, groups, and communities within behavioral health and social service environments—locally, nationally, and globally.

The DSW is a practice doctorate, whereas the PhD in Social Work is a research doctorate. PhD programs primarily focus on preparing graduates for careers in academic research and theory development. In contrast, the DSW emphasizes applied scholarship, leadership, and the integration of research into professional practice.

Rather than completing a traditional dissertation, DSW students complete a doctoral practice project that addresses a real-world clinical, organizational, or system-level practice challenge, allowing graduates to directly impact professional practice and service delivery.

Yes. The DSW program is delivered in a fully online format and is intentionally structured to accommodate working professionals. Students typically remain employed while enrolled. The program follows a cohort model with structured coursework and clear expectations, ensuring academic rigor while supporting students' professional and personal responsibilities.

Ideal candidates are experienced social work professionals who hold an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program and demonstrate readiness for advanced professional leadership. Applicants often work in clinical practice, administration, supervision, education, policy, or program development and seek to enhance their ability to influence practice improvement, organizational effectiveness, and professional education.

Graduates pursue advanced roles such as clinical leaders, administrators, supervisors, program directors, consultants, faculty, and practice scholars. The DSW supports professional advancement across behavioral health systems, healthcare organizations, community agencies, higher education, and policy-related settings.

The degree is particularly well suited for professionals seeking leadership roles grounded in advanced clinical expertise, ethical practice, and systems-level understanding.

All doctoral degrees at Loma Linda University are accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) recently established an accreditation process for the Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree. Loma Linda University's DSW program has been designed to align with CSWE's accreditation standards and expectations and has now successfully been granted Candidacy Status* by CSWE—as the initial step toward accreditation.

*Candidacy Status indicates that the program is actively engaged in the accreditation process and is progressing through the required review benchmarks toward initial accreditation.

The program director is Dr. Kimberly Freeman, PhD, MSW. She can be reached at [email protected] or 909-379-7589.