Simmons University Doctorate of Social Work | Online

Complete Your Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) in Less Than Two Years

Gain the highest level of training in your field and prepare to create positive systemic change for communities and organizations.

Get Admission and Tuition Information

Answer a few quick questions to get more information about the program.

Become Part of Progress

Three Start Dates

January, May, September

First School

Of clinical social work in the nation

100+ Years

Educating social work changemakers

Two Program Options

Full or part time to fit what works best for you

Committed to Core Social Work Values

SocialWork@Simmons keeps the National Association of Social Workers’ core values front of mind within its curriculum and community. Our doctoral students also demonstrate these core values in all areas of their work, whether leading practice or healing individuals in their communities.

Our Three Areas of Focus

Leadership

Build and sustain organizations that live up to the core values of social work and the values of the communities they serve.

Advanced clinical practice

Learn emerging practices that aim to support diverse clients.

Teaching and education

Translate new teaching skills to both traditional academic and other diverse educational contexts.

Advance Your Leadership in Social Work

As an online DSW student, you'll gain the leadership, clinical practice, and teaching skills you need to develop your professional identity, hone your areas of expertise, and create positive change in the field.

Prepare to lead organizations

Develop emerging clinical practice skills

Support diverse clients and communities

Learn to teach in various educational contexts

Two Years

Program duration

Capstone Project

To assert your expertise in your area of interest

MSW Required

From a CSWE-accredited institution

Faculty Spotlight

Our faculty dedicate themselves to research, teaching, and real-world practice. They know that advanced clinical social workers need a similarly wide range of training to succeed — and they share their extensive knowledge and experience with students.

Jacqueline Dyer

DSW Program Director
Associate Professor of Practice
PhD, MSW, MA Urban Ministry

As a social worker for more than 25 years, Dr. Jacqueline Dyer has worked in direct mental health counseling practice, community outreach and advocacy, program development and leadership, and in academia. Her research and scholarly interests include clergy compassion fatigue, historical trauma, and intimate partner violence in faith communities. She presents professionally and in the community on the intersections of mental health and faith and maintains a community-based private practice.

Vanessa Robinson-Dooley

Associate Professor
PhD, MSW, MPA

As a social worker and licensed clinician, Dr. Robinson-Dooley has experience treating adolescents, adults, the aging, and couples in general practice. She has a range of experiences that include private practice psychotherapy, community health, nonprofit administration, youth development, and intimate partner violence intervention. Dr. Robinson-Dooley’s research focuses on coping and self-management strategies for those dealing with chronic disease and behavioral health. She also has an interest in the intersection of youth sports and mental health.

Be Part of Our Social Work Legacy

Simmons School of Social Work was founded in 1904 to break down barriers in education for aspiring and rising social workers. As the first school of clinical social work in the nation, we empower students to advance the field through inclusive leadership, advanced clinical practice, and evidence-based education.

Get Admission and Tuition Information

Answer a few quick questions to get more information about the program.