As a social worker with a master’s degree, you can expect to earn a mean annual salary of $60,300 per year throughout your career. The income for this occupation is predicted to grow 17% by the year 2022, which is much higher than the national average. According to Payscale.com, social workers in small cities are paid less than those living in big cities. Social workers typically work over 40 hours per week and have to deal with emotionally difficult situations on a daily basis. A master’s degree in social work requires two years of full-time coursework, with an emphasis on research methods, advanced statistics and advanced social work theories
Social worker salary with phd. So your heart yearns for working in social services? You’re not alone! There are millions of people who want to become a social worker and help others, however, often times, it is hard to understand how much you will make and how the pay varies. I did a little research and put together this guide to help you navigate the often complex world of social work salaries in the US.
social workers are in demand because they are dedicated to helping individuals and families improve their lives. If you have earned a Masters Degree in social work with a specialty in case management, you will earn an average salary of $36,192 .
The median annual wage for social workers was $43,700 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $27,200, and the highest 10
Social worker salaries vary depending on the type of social work you do and your level of education. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a social worker with a master’s degree was $61,910 as of May 2017. The top 10% earned more than $94,000 per year and the bottom 10% earned less than $39,600 annually.
Social workers with doctoral degrees make even more money: The median annual salary for this group was $68,140 in 2017. This article aslo discusses how long does it take to get a doctorate in social work, doctorate in social work programs.
Social worker salary with phd
Do you want to become a social worker? Do you have a Bachelor of Social Work degree or even a Master of Social Work degree? If so, congratulations on your achievements. But now you have another challenge ahead of you: making good money as a social worker.
We all know the worth of a social worker. The role that these professional plays in everyone’s lives is invaluable. They help people from all walks of life and to serve the humanity.
If you are on the path toward earning your social work degree, then you will want to know how it will impact your salary throughout your career.
Social workers are in high demand in the United States and around the world. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that employment for social workers will grow by 19% between 2016 and 2026, which is much faster than average for all occupations. Social workers also have a median annual salary of $48,390.
Social work is a broad term that covers a variety of different roles, including clinical social work, psychiatric socialwork, school social work, public health social work and geriatric social work.
The majority of jobs in this field require a master’s degree in social work (MSW), as well as licensure or certification as a professional clinical counselor (LCSW).
For those looking to advance their careers, earning a doctorate in social work (DSW) can help you pursue higher-level positions or leadership roles within your organization.
how long does it take to get a doctorate in social work
It takes about four to six years to complete a Ph.D. in social work. Two years are typically spent doing coursework and the others are spent on research, writing and defending a thesis, dissertation or similar project.
doctorate in social work programs
Online DSW degrees may allow students to access a wide range of well-known institutions of higher learning. An online DSW degree typically takes about three years to complete and may require a Master of Social Work (MSW) for admission to the program.
Here is a list of all online Doctorate of Social Work programs:
| University | Location | Length of Program | GPA and GRE Requirements |
| Barry University | Miami Shores, FL | 3 Years | Minimum GPA of 3.5GPA Between 3.3 and 3.49 Considered on Individual BasisNo GRE Required |
| Capella University | Minneapolis, MN | 4-5 Years | Minimum GPA of 3.0No GRE Required |
| Kutztown University | Kutztown, PA | 3 Years | No GRE Required |
| Simmons University Sponsored Program | Boston, MA | Complete the program full time in less than two years or part time in less than three years. | No GRE RequiredGPA of at least 3.0 or higher in MSW coursework |
| Southern Connecticut State University | New Haven, CT | 3 Years | Minimum Undergraduate GPA of 2.5Minimum Graduate GPA of 3.0 |
| Tulane University | New Orleans, LA | 3 Years | Minimum GPA of 3.3 |
| University at Buffalo – The State University of New York | Buffalo, NY | 3 Years | GRE Required |
| University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 3 Years | Minimum GPA of 3.0No GRE Required |
| University of Kentucky | Lexington, KY | 2-3 Years | Minimum GPA of 3.0 |
| University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA | 2-3 Years | No GRE Required |
| University of Tennessee | Knoxville, TN | 3 Years | Minimum GPA of 3.0GRE Required |
| University of Southern California (USC) Sponsored Program | Los Angeles, CA | Accelerated Track: 28 MonthsStandard Track: 36 Months | Minimum GPA of 3.0No GRE Required |
| University of St. Thomas | St. Paul, MN | 3 Years | Minimum GPA of 3.0 |
| Walden University | Minneapolis, MN | 2.5 Years | N/A |
This table was last updated in September 2021. For the most up-to-date information, visit the university’s website.
Barry University School of Social Work
Program Name: Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) Degree Online at Barry University
Program Length: 3 years, part time, 48 minimum credits
Specializations: Focus on trauma-informed clinical practice
Admissions Requirements:
- MSW from a CSWE-accredited program
- Three years of post-master’s experience
- Minimum GPA of 3.5
- Academic transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- Three letters of reference
- Personal narrative
- Resume
DSW Program Description:
The online DSW at Barry University is a 48-credit post-graduate program focused on trauma-informed clinical practice with two 20-hour residencies. Students are required to be enrolled in at least six credits each semester, and each online course is eight weeks in length. It takes three years to complete the program.
Capella University
Program Name: Doctor of Social Work (DSW) Program Online at Capella University
Program Length: 4–5 years, part time, 62 coursework credits
Specializations: None
Admissions Requirements:
- Master’s degree from an accredited institution
- Official master’s transcripts
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in master’s coursework
DSW Program Description:
Capella University offers an online DSW program that was designed to meet guidelines of the CSWE. All social work faculty members have earned a doctoral degree and have actively engaged in their professions. There are 14 core courses with two residencies and a capstone.
Kutztown University Department of Social Work
Program Name: Doctor of Social Work (DSW) Program Online at Kutztown University
Program Length: 3 years, part time, 48 credits
Specializations: Focus on leadership and education
Admissions Requirements:
- MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program
- Transcripts from all previously attended universities or college
- Two years of post-MSW experience
- Resume
- Three letters of recommendation
- Five-page statement addressing current knowledge of social work
- Three-page personal statement
DSW Program Description:
The DSW program at Kutztown University is designed in partnership with Millersville University for working professionals. With a focus on leadership and education, the DSW online program is a part-time degree with two courses per session. Online instruction follows cohort learning models with a residency once per session.
Simmons University School of Social Work–Sponsored Program
Program Name: Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) Program
Program Length: Complete the program full time in less than two years or part time in less than three years.
Specializations: Curriculum focused on three key areas: inclusive leadership, advanced clinical practice, and teaching and education
Admissions Requirements:
- Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited institution
- GPA of at least 3.0 or higher in their MSW coursework
- Two years of relevant practice experience following the completion of their MSW preferred
DSW Program Description:
Simmons University offers an online Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) — MSW required; no GRE required. The program prepares you to become a well-rounded scholar-practitioner through a curriculum focused on three key areas: inclusive leadership, advanced clinical practice and teaching and education.
Southern Connecticut State University Department of Social Work
Program Name: Doctor of Social Work (DSW) Program Online at Southern Connecticut State University
Program Length: 3 years, part time, 48 credits
Specializations: Capstone focuses on advanced clinical practice, university teaching, or leadership and management
Admissions Requirements:
- MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate and graduate GPA
- Three years of post-MSW social work practice experience
- 4–5 page essay
- Transcripts from all previously attended universities
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- Essay
DSW Program Description:
The online DSW program at SCSU requires a self-designed externship of 240 hours and a capstone project focused in one of the specializations above. There are two courses per semester during the summer, fall and spring. Coursework in the summer also requires a five-day residency per course.
Tulane University School of Social Work
Program Name: Doctor of Social Work (DSW) Online Degree Program at Tulane University
Program Length: 3 years, full time, 54 credits
Specializations: None
Admissions Requirements:
- MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program
- Minimum 3.3 undergraduate and graduate GPA
- Three or more years of experience at a social service agency or equivalent post-master’s experience
- Personal statement
- Resume
- Transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Optional copies of research or publications
- Optional professional or academic writing sample
DSW Program Description:
At Tulane University, the online DSW is focused on preparing social workers for executive-level positions via a curriculum focused on critical thinking skills tied to designing, evaluating and implementing programs and policies. As a part of the DSW program, students in Tulane’s program are required to attend an immersion weekend in New Orleans.
University at Buffalo School of Social Work
Program Name: Online Doctor of Social Work (DSW) at the University at Buffalo
Program Length: 3 years, part time, 39 credits
Specializations: Focus on trauma-informed and human rights perspective
Admissions Requirements:
- MSW from a CSWE-accredited program
- Preferred 3.0 GPA from undergraduate and graduate programs
- Three years of post-MSW experience
- Valid and active social work license, certification or registration
- Three recommendations
- Transcripts
- Resume
- Personal statement
- Academic writing sample
DSW Program Description:
The online 39-credit DSW program from the University at Buffalo focuses on trauma-informed and human rights practice for current licensed social workers. As a part of the capstone project, students are required to have access to a targeted client population. There is a mandatory on-campus orientation in August before the start of the program.
University of Alabama College of Continuing Studies
Program Name: Doctor of Social Work (DSW) Degree Program Online at the University of Alabama
Program Length: 3 years, 45 credit hours
Specializations: Advanced clinical practice or organizational leadership
Admissions Requirements:
- MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program
- Minimum 3.0 graduate GPA
- Three years of post-MSW program experience
- Statement of purpose
- Current social work placement
- Three letters of recommendation
- Transcripts
- Resume
DSW Program Description:
In three years, social workers can earn their DSW degree online at the University of Alabama with a focus in clinical practice or organizational leadership. There are 21 core credits with six credits of electives and 18 credits in your specialization. An on-campus orientation is required before the start of your program in addition to four or five day visits each summer to The University of Alabama’s Tuscaloosa campus throughout the DSW program.
University of Kentucky College of Social Work
Program Name: Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) Online at the University of Kentucky
Program Length: 2–3 years, full time or part time, 42 credit hours
Specializations: Advanced clinical practice, administrative leadership or military behavioral health
Admissions Requirements:
- MSW from a CSWE-accredited program
- Two years of social work/human service practice experience, post-MSW, is strongly encouraged
- Two reference letters
- Personal statement
- Resume
- Unofficial transcripts from all previous academic work
- Minimum 3.0 graduate GPA
DSW Program Description:
The DSW program online at the University of Kentucky is an asynchronous program with a residency week in the summer. After completing core curriculum, students may choose one of three concentrations: administrative leadership, clinical social work or military behavioral health. The DSW program can be completed as a full-time or part-time student.
University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice
Program Name: Doctorate in Clinical Social Work (DSW) Online Program at the University of Pennsylvania
Program Length: 2–3 Years, full time
Specializations: Clinical social work
Admissions Requirements:
- MSW from an accredited program
- Three years of post-MSW practice experience
- Three letters of reference
- Sample of written work
- Application essay
DSW Program Description:
The online clinical social work DSW program at the University of Pennsylvania can be completed in two or three years and is considered a full-time program. There are two five-day residencies for UPenn DSW students: one at the start of the fall semester and another in the summer following their first year. The online coursework is synchronous, meaning that students in this DSW program log on for two hours twice a week to meet with the rest of the class.
University of Southern California (USC) Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work—Sponsored Program
Program Name: Online Doctorate of Social Work Program
Program Length: Accelerated track: 28 months; standard track: 36 months
Specializations: Coursework focused on three areas: problem definition within the grand challenges for social work, innovative design, or executive leadership in human service organizations and community contexts
Admissions Requirements:
- MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, any master’s degree from a regionally accredited program or any professional doctorate
- Five years of professional employment experience is strongly preferred
- Resume
- Writing prompts
- Letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts
DSW Program Description:
The online Doctorate of Social Work program from USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work prepares professionals from a variety of fields to develop solutions to real-world problems affecting populations worldwide such as homelessness, poverty and domestic violence. Students can complete the program though a 28-month accelerated program or a 36-month standard program.
University of St. Thomas Morrison Family College of Health
Program Name: Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) Online at the University of St. Thomas
Program Length: 3 years, 45 semester credits
Specializations: Focus on preparing social work faculty for university-level teaching and leadership
Admissions Requirements:
- MSW from a CSWE-accredited program
- Minimum of three years post-MSW social work practice experience
- Previous teaching experience in higher education strongly preferred
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 for all previous graduate work
- Three letters of recommendation
- Writing sample
- Personal statement
DSW Program Description:
The University of St. Thomas’ online DSW program helps prepare social workers to become university-level faculty and leaders in their university communities. Comprising 45 semester credits, this DSW program offers coursework focused on curriculum development, history of social work education and pedagogy in social work education. There are on-campus visits required each summer that last two weeks in St. Paul, Minnesota.
University of Tennessee, Knoxville College of Social Work
Program Name: Doctor of Social Work (DSW) Degree in Clinical Practice and Leadership Online
Program Length: 3 years, 48 credits
Specializations: Clinical practice and leadership
Admissions Requirements:
- MSW from a CSWE-accredited program
- Three years post-MSSW/MSW clinical practice experience
- Minimum 3.0 GPA for previous graduate work
- GRE scores
- Transcripts
- Names of three references
DSW Program Description:
The online DSW at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, consists of two courses per semester across eight continuous semesters. Courses are taught via synchronous and asynchronous formats. On-campus visits are required once each summer. The curriculum for this online DSW program is focused on evidence-based practice, clinical leadership, clinical science and applied research.
Walden University School of Social Work
Program Name: Doctor of Social Work (DSW) Program Online at Walden University
Program Length: 3 years, 45 semester credits
Specializations: Advanced clinical practice and supervision, impact leadership in social work administration, social work education
Admissions Requirements:
- MSW with a 3.0 GPA
- Two years of post-MSW practice experience within the last five years
- Resume
- Transcripts
DSW Program Description:
The online DSW at Walden University offers three different concentrations and requires students to attend a four-day residency that focuses on seminars and small groups. The DSW program consists of 58 credits with a capstone research project of five credits per term, for a minimum of four terms, until completed.
