How Long Does it Take to Get a Doctorate in Social Work?

Now the time it takes to get a Ph.D. in social work is what’s being discussed here.

If you have a second degree or master’s and want to obtain a third in social work, you’ll need to know the time investment required to complete the program.

So, are you ready to learn? Let’s begin!

Social Work Doctorate Degree Duration

Obtaining a doctorate in your chosen study path isn’t a mean feat. That is because it takes several years of study, sweat, and sacrifice to attain such.

Social work is one of several sub-fields within the social sciences where obtaining a Ph.D. is possible.

DSW Vs. Ph.D. in Social Work: What’s the Difference?

Often, people get confused with the terms doctorate in social work (DSW) and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.).

Are there differences? If so, what are they? First, it’s important to note that both are doctoral degrees that help advance your career as a social worker.

While that is true, there are critical differences between them. A doctorate in social work (DSW) has more to do with social work practice.

This involves applied research and supervision. A doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) program in social work, on the other hand, tends to lean towards scholarly and theoretical research.

How Long it Takes to Obtain a Doctorate in Social Work

The time sacrifice needed to obtain a doctorate in social work largely depends on your mode or type of study. There are part-time provisions in some institutions for social work.

This usually serves the needs of persons unable to commit due to their jobs or other personal endeavors.

Full-time Ph.D. study tends to be the most common.

Here, your commitment level will largely influence the time spent getting a doctorate in social work. So, to be exact, it will take between 3 to 6 years to complete a doctorate in social work.

Based on explanations made, it takes longer to study part-time as opposed to full-time study.

As a part-time doctoral student, you’re likely to spend as much as six years, while it takes a shorter time to complete for full-time students.

Before applying for a doctorate in social work, you’ll need to assess your personal and professional obligations. This enables you better choose your preferred type (part or full-time) of study.

Some institutions provide long-distance learning for persons interested in remote learning options.

Basic Requirements

Having discussed the length of time necessary to complete a doctorate study in social work, it’s also essential to look at the basic requirements.

To be considered for the program, your least qualification should be a master’s in social work. With this base requirement met, you will need other things.

Other affiliated equivalents to a master’s in social work can also be accepted. Most schools also require proof of internship or practice for a set duration to get admitted to the program.

Aside from having a master’s degree in social work or other related fields, you’ll need to include your resume, transcripts, personal statements, letters of recommendation, GRE scores, and writing samples that showcase your knowledge of the field of social work.

Does Time Taken to Obtain a Doctorate in Social Work Affect the Degree Any Way?

Sometimes, people assume that time spent studying for a doctorate in social work might affect the degree’s type or authenticity.

Such are only speculations that have no iota of credibility. The same degree is issued to all social work students irrespective of time spent studying.

Also, there is no such thing as a Ph.D. classification. You either get the degree, or you don’t. Based on this reality, all you have to do is choose your preferred mode of study.

Of course, you’ll need to find out the minimum qualification requirements.

We’ve discussed such above.

Where do you wish to Study?

When applying for admission into a doctoral program in social work, you may notice slight variations between different institutions. This is influenced by what country the school is in.

This wouldn’t be a problem for persons applying within their countries.

However, if you wish to study abroad, you’ll need to make your findings on the exact study duration. This way, you’re able to make adequate preparations for admission.

You’re only a click away from knowing all there is to know about your preferred course of study.

In our discussion, we’ve focused on providing vital information regarding the study duration for a doctorate in social work. We’ve seen that your mode of study influences time spent studying.

For example, part-time study lasts longer (about six years) than full-time study.