Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

Our Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program is founded on a trauma-informed approach that acknowledges the widespread impact of trauma on individuals and their behaviors. Our goal is to create a safe and supportive environment that fosters healing and empowerment.

The DSW degree is specifically designed for MSW practitioners seeking a practice-focused doctoral degree in Trauma-Informed Leadership and Practice. This unique approach emphasizes the importance of understanding the unique needs and experiences of individuals who have experienced trauma. Our program prioritizes safety, trust, choice, and collaboration in all aspects of service delivery.

Our graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to become experts in trauma-informed clinical practice, program and organizational management. They are also prepared to disseminate practice-based knowledge to both the professional practice community and Social Work Program.

Our gold-standard curriculum immerses students in trauma-informed leadership and practice. Our distinguished faculty members conduct cutting-edge practice research, present at international conferences, and even hold elected office. Our student-centered approach ensures that you will be treated as a human being, not just a number, with caring professors and advisors who are dedicated to your success.

Our program offers a variety of opportunities to connect with peers and network with professionals in the field. This includes participation in our DSW Student Association, virtual holiday reception, peer networking group, and in-person DSW Symposium.

The DSW is a part-time, online program that is convenient for working professionals.

The DSW Program’s is guided by five program goals. Graduates are expected to:

1. Establish expertise in the development, validation, and dissemination of advanced neuro-responsive, trauma-informed social work
2. Cultivate a culture of scientific rigor that integrates empirical data with neurobiological insights, ensuring that service delivery is both evidence-informed and responsive to the complex impact of trauma.
3. Graduate practitioner-scholars who are ethically committed to designing and influencing systemic policy and organizational change and can leverage their leadership to dismantle structural barriers and achieve anti-racist, diverse, equitable, and inclusive outcomes.
4. Prepare graduates for executive-level and advanced clinical leadership, equipping them to initiate strategic change that fosters resilient, trauma-informed organizational climates within human services and higher education.
5. Facilitate the production of innovative, practice-ready scholarship that advances the profession through neuro-responsive, trauma-informed clinical interventions and organizational leadership.

The objective is to build a cadre of advanced social work leaders, practitioners, and educators who are exceptionally educated and skilled in advanced trauma-informed social work leadership and practice.

DSW students are required to complete their Doctoral Capstone, a 20-30 page practice advance manuscript reviewing existing literature on the students' area of interest, gaps in the literature, as well as gaps in related micro, mezzo, or macro practice, and proposing an innovative strategy to address the identified gaps ("practice advance"). Guided by their Capstone Committees, students draw on three years of knowledge and skill development through the Trauma-Informed Leadership and Practice focus of the curriculum.

Students are required to submit their Capstones as formal manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals for publication and dissemination. Lastly, the students are required to present and defend their Capstones in front of their Capstone Committee (virtually). Please see examples of Capstone topics and abstracts below.

The DSW Student Association, also known as the Doctor of Social Work Student Association, serves as a vital platform at Barry University. With a primary objective of offering governance, programming, and assistance, the organization caters to the specific needs of DSW students. Its mission is to ensure that graduates are equipped to become proficient in trauma-informed clinical practice, program and organizational management. Furthermore, they are encouraged to share their expertise and disseminate practice-based knowledge among the professional practice community and other Schools of Social Work. By providing essential support and fostering a collaborative environment, the DSW Student Association plays a pivotal role in the academic and professional journey of Barry University DSW students.

At BarryU, our tuition is competitive, affordable and still promises all the perks of a private school education. Our cost per credit is in-line with other institutions, but we offer a mission-driven educational experience and provide our students with small class sizes, personalized attention, and academic excellence. Scholarships, graduate assistantships, and financial aid can also be explored to help offset overall costs.

Barry University participates in the full array of federal and state financial aid programs. At Barry, we are committed to doing all we can to help you finance your education.

For the 2024-2025 academic year, the tuition cost of the DSW degree is $700 per credit.

The DSW degree is affordable considering the growing need for advanced practitioners and leaders in social work. This investment equips graduates with expertise to address complex societal challenges, pursue academic or administrative roles, and advance the profession while ensuring substantial career and leadership opportunities.