DSW of Social Work
Learning Mode:
- Online
Morgan State’s Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program is designed for experienced MSW practitioners ready to lead change. Focused on urban communities, the program equips you with advanced clinical, administrative, and policy skills to tackle complex social and mental health challenges at the intersection of race, class, and gender.
Transform Lives with the Doctor of Social Work (DSW) at Morgan State University
Morgan State University's DSW program empowers experienced MSW professionals to become visionary leaders in urban social work practice. Through our innovative, justice-centered curriculum, you’ll gain the tools to confront complex issues at the intersections of race, class, and gender—and drive meaningful change in underserved communities.
Deepen your expertise through advanced clinical, administrative, and policy-focused learning in a dynamic online format.
Take 15 core courses and complete a capstone project grounded in real-world impact
Pursue one program track that blends theory and practice in leadership, policy, and clinical intervention
Study in a flexible, fully online format designed for working professionals
Complete your degree in just 36 months
Why Morgan?
![MSU Grad - Logo - Best HBCU]()
![MSU Grad - Logo - National Treasure]()
In 2018, Morgan became a Carnegie-classified R2 doctoral university with high research activity. We are dedicated to supporting students and faculty with innovative research projects.
1st
In the state, we rank first for master’s and doctoral degrees awarded to African Americans, ranging from bioinformatics to engineering and social work.
Advance in Your Professional Career with a DSW from Morgan State University
There’s never been a more urgent time to elevate your practice in social work—a field dedicated to equity, healing, and justice. Whether you're ready to deepen your clinical expertise, expand your leadership capacity, or drive policy change, Morgan State’s Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program will bring you closer to your professional and academic goals.
Designed for experienced MSW practitioners, our DSW program prepares you to address the most pressing challenges facing urban individuals, families, and communities today. With a curriculum grounded in anti-oppressive, community-focused practice, you’ll emerge ready to lead change in agencies, academia, and beyond.
Learn In-Demand Skills to Lead Change
Build on your foundation in social work and gain the advanced knowledge needed to take meaningful action in urban communities. At Morgan State University, the DSW program equips you with the most relevant and sought-after skills in today’s evolving social work landscape—empowering you to be a transformative voice for equity, healing, and justice.
Develop expertise in:
Social Welfare Policy and Urban Systems
Advanced Statistics for Social Work and Human Services
Urban Family Theory and Human Behavior
Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods
Whether you’re aiming to lead an organization, shape policy, or drive evidence-based practice, our DSW program prepares you to make a lasting impact where it matters most.
Secure Your Ideal Career in Social Work Leadership
Earning your Doctor of Social Work (DSW) from Morgan State University positions you for high-impact leadership roles across the human services landscape. With a strong focus on racial, economic, and gender justice, you’ll graduate ready to apply a transformative framework to the complex realities of urban communities.
Professionals with a DSW can earn $85,000 or more annually, and are in high demand across sectors that value advanced clinical expertise, strategic leadership, and applied research.
Explore diverse and rewarding career paths such as:
Nonprofit Director
Executive Director
University Professor or Lecturer
Child Welfare Specialist
Applied Researcher
Human Services Administrator
Engage in Community Programs
Make a difference in Northeast Baltimore neighborhoods while advancing your career. The Morgan Community Mile is a university-community partnership that improves the area’s quality of life and economic prosperity.
Contribute to Our Legacy of Excellence
At Morgan, student success is our top priority. Our goal is to provide an exceptional learning environment in which your academic, intellectual, and personal growth excel far beyond your expectations and long after graduation. Known for our achievements in the humanities and social sciences, we have a strong history of guiding students toward success no matter what the challenge. Just like our distinguished alumni before you, you can accomplish the unimaginable. We are confident you will become part of our legacy of excellence.
Financial Support Makes Things Possible
Choosing the right social work doctoral program is a big decision—and we are here to help you navigate the options available for funding your education. Whether you are an in-state, out-of-state, or international student, you may be eligible for Graduate Funding. We also offer two types of Graduate Assistantships: Teaching Assistantships (TAs) and Research Assistantships (RAs). Both provide special learning opportunities in exchange for a stipend/salary and Tuition Award. In addition, by simply filing your FAFSA each year, you will be able to participate in the Federal Plus Loans and Federal Direct Loan Programs. With proper planning, going back to graduate school is more than possible. We are committed to breaking down barriers and opening doors for all future students. Contact us to learn more about affordability at Morgan’s School of Graduate Studies.
Graduate Fellowships and federal Title III Graduate Fellowships provide a stipend and Tuition Award
Teaching Assistantships offer you the chance to teach and assist with undergraduate courses
Research Assistantships give you research experience with faculty-led or external projects
Federal Direct Loan Programs include the Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized Loans
Additional Grants and Scholarships from external sources award free money—so apply early
Discover the DSW of Social Work
Find meaningful success—both personally and professionally—with the Online DSW of Social Work. If you are ready to learn valuable skills for a more rewarding career, why wait? Request more information today and we will reach out to you with all the details.