If you're an experienced social worker weighing a DSW vs. a PhD, you're not alone—it's one of the most common questions prospective doctoral students ask. To help you sort it out, we sat down with Kim Freeman, PhD, MSW, executive associate chair of the Department of Social Work and Social Ecology and director of Loma Linda University's online Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program. Below, Dr. Freeman explains how a practice doctorate differs from a research doctorate, what students complete instead of a dissertation, and what makes an applicant stand out.
What's the actual difference between a DSW and a PhD in social work?
The biggest difference is the purpose of the degree. A PhD is a research doctorate designed to prepare scholars for careers in research, theory development, and academia. A Doctor of Social Work (DSW) is a practice doctorate designed for experienced social workers who want to become stronger leaders, educators, and innovators in practice settings.
At Loma Linda University, our DSW focuses on translating research into practice. Rather than asking students to spend years producing original research for publication, we prepare them to identify complex problems in behavioral health, implement evidence-informed solutions, evaluate outcomes, and lead meaningful systems change. Our graduates become scholar-practitioners who strengthen organizations and improve care for the people and communities they serve.
Who is the DSW built for?
Our program is designed for experienced MSW-level social workers who are ready to take the next step in their careers. Applicants typically hold an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program and have several years of post-MSW practice experience. Most of our students are already experienced licensed clinicians who aspire to become supervisors, managers, program directors, or faculty members. They are passionate about improving behavioral health services and want the knowledge and credentials to lead at a higher level.
The DSW is ideal for professionals who enjoy working directly with practice, organizations, and communities and want to create lasting change within the field they love.
Does a DSW require a dissertation?
Instead of a traditional dissertation, students complete an Applied Doctoral Project. This is one of my favorite aspects of the program because students work on projects that have immediate value to their professional goals, organizations, and communities.
Projects might focus on implementing an evidence-based intervention, evaluating a behavioral health program, improving organizational processes, enhancing clinical models for varied populations, or addressing complex system-level challenges. Some of my favorite examples are on our program page—you can browse recent Applied Doctoral Projects to see what's possible. Whatever the focus, students learn to integrate research, leadership, and evaluation into a project that produces meaningful, real-world impact that can also add to the professional literature.
Can you earn a DSW while working full time?
Absolutely. In fact, that's exactly who we designed the program for.
Our fully online cohort model combines synchronous and asynchronous learning so students can continue working while earning their doctorate. The curriculum is rigorous, and students should expect a significant time commitment, but because assignments are closely connected to their professional roles, many find they can immediately apply what they are learning in their own organizations.
What does "clinical leadership" mean at Loma Linda University specifically?
Clinical leadership goes beyond supervising clinicians or managing a department. It means leading change that improves clinical practice, strengthens behavioral health systems, and ultimately produces better outcomes for clients and communities.
At Loma Linda University, clinical leadership integrates advanced clinical expertise with organizational leadership, implementation science, data-informed decision making, program evaluation, teaching, and ethical leadership. Our graduates learn how to bridge the gap between research and practice while remaining grounded in social work values, cultural humility, social justice, and Loma Linda University's mission of whole person care.
What can you do with a DSW?
Our graduates are prepared for advanced leadership roles across behavioral health and healthcare systems.
Many serve as clinical directors, behavioral health administrators, program directors, supervisors, consultants, faculty members, and leaders within public agencies, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, integrated healthcare systems, and higher education. Others use the DSW to expand consulting practices, teach future social workers, or lead innovative programs that expand access to care for those who need it most.
What makes a strong applicant, and what's your advice for someone applying?
Strong applicants bring much more than a strong GPA. They demonstrate professional maturity, curiosity, leadership potential, and a genuine commitment to improving practice. We look for individuals who are reflective, collaborative, and excited about using evidence to solve real-world problems.
My advice is to be authentic. Use your personal statement to tell us not only what you've accomplished, but why this next step matters to you. Help us understand the challenges you've faced, the populations you are passionate about serving, and the impact you hope to make as a doctoral-prepared social worker.
Finally, don't wait until the last minute. Take time to prepare a thoughtful application, choose recommenders who truly know your work, and reflect on how a DSW fits into your long-term professional goals. The strongest applicants are those who have a clear vision for how they will use the degree to advance both their careers and the profession of social work.
For the full list of GPA, essay, and recommendation requirements, see the DSW admissions requirements.