A DSW is a doctorate of social work—a fairly new degree designation that is focused on social work practice rather than research. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) recently started the process of accrediting DSW programs in the United States. Please note that research doctorates (i.e., PhD) are not accredited by CSWE.
In Texas, there are three active DSW programs as of November 2026.
Angelo State University
Angelo State University is in San Angelo and is the first school to offer a DSW in Texas. The school offers both an online and in person. The application deadline for the fall cohort is February 15, 2027. There is no spring or summer enrollment for the DSW program.
Prerequisites include:
• A GPA of 3.0 or higher in an M.S.W. program
• M.S.W. degree in Social Work from a CSWE accredited program of Social Work (or an M.S.W. degree program in candidacy status with the CSWE).
• Post M.S.W. Practice Experience. For more information, please contact Dr. Joel L. Carr at 325-486-6881 or joel.carr@angelo.edu.
• A social work license in any state at the master’s level is preferred (e.g., LMSW, LCSW, LICSW, etc.) but not strictly required.
For more information, contact program director Joel Carr, PhD, LCSW-S, LPC-S, LCDC at joel.carr@angelo.edu.
Stephen F. Austin State University
Stephen F. Austin State University is located in Nacogdoches, Texas. Their DSW is a three-year, 54-credit-hour program.
They state that their DSW is, “…an advanced, post-master’s degree focused on preparing clinical experts for leadership roles, health care administration, and university-level teaching.”
To apply, applicants must:
• achieve a 3.0 GPA or higher on all completed graduate coursework.
• hold a completed master's degree in social work from an accredited higher institution.
• and have three or more years of post-master's practice experience.
Required courses are listed here.
University of Texas at Arlington
University of Texas at Arlington’s DSW program is offered online only. This is a 45 credit degree that is completed over a three year period. You can find the curriculum here. A teaching practicum is also a part of the DSW program.
The school’s web site states that their DSW is, “…an advanced, post-master’s degree focused on preparing clinical experts for leadership roles, health care administration, and university-level teaching.”
The minimum requirements for applicants include:
• an MSW or MSSW from a CSWE accredited institution (International MSWs will be considered if recognized through CSWE’s International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service or covered under a memorandum of understanding with international social work accreditors.)
• three or more years of post-MSW graduation practice experience
The DSW program director is Karen Magruder, DSW, LCSW-S. If a DSW isn’t for you, UTA also offers a PhD in Social Work.