Doctor of Social Work launched at DSU

Prior to the start of the fall 2023 semester, Delaware State University was already the only institution of higher education in the First State to offer associate, bachelor and master’s degree programs in the social work discipline.

“Social Work is the most versatile degree that you can get,” said Dr. Ezekiel Ette, Chair of the Department of Social Work. “Everywhere you go there is misery, and there is work for social workers.”

Now DSU has increased that “corner on the market” with another Delaware first – the launching of its Doctor of Social Work Program.

Begun in the fall 2023 semester, the inaugural cohort has 23 doctoral candidates who are mostly seasoned social workers among which include some DSU graduates. The three-year program consists of eight-week class sessions that are an in-person/online hybrid format.

“These students represent advanced practice social workers with an interest in advancing their careers in the areas of social work education, leadership, and research.” Said Dr. Amy Habeger, DSW Program Director. “Our program is designed to support full-time working professionals and allows students to fully focus on one course before moving on to their next course.”    

According to the DSW webpage: “The Doctor of Social Work Program at DSU supports advanced generalist social work practitioners (with a minimum of three years post-MSW practice experience) in the areas of leadership, social work education, and research as they continue to develop expertise as agents of change within a racialized society.”

Anyone having three years of post-MSW practice experience and are interested in furthering their social work career with a DSW Degree can contact the Dr. Habeger at ahabeger [at] desu.edu to request an invitation to the next DSW Program virtual interest meeting.  Additionally, program information may be obtained at https://wchbs.desu.edu/departments/social-work/social-work-dsw.