Whether you're on campus or online, our Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program will give you a taste of New Orleans. Ranked the #10 Online Doctor of Social Work by Forbes, our synchronous online program is highly sought-after by working professionals like you.
Please note that our DSW program accepts applications on a rolling basis. Our admission waitlist fills quickly, so we suggest all applicants complete their applications sooner rather than later.
| Program | Enrollment Options | Term Start | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Degree Type | Modality | Full-Time | Part-Time | Fall | Spring | Summer |
| DSW | Online | ✅ | -- | ✅ | ✅ | -- |
| On Campus | ✅ | -- | ✅ | ✅ | -- | |
Admission to the DSW program is a competitive process. All applicants must have the following qualifications:
- A master's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited school.
- A minimum grade point average of 3.3 in both undergraduate and graduate study.
- Three or more years of relevant post-master's social work experience.
Applicants to the Doctor of Social Work program must submit the following documents with their electronic application:
- Statement of Interest - Three to five double-spaced pages that should address the following:
- The origin and development of your interest in social work as a profession, including any significant influences or experiences.
- What a DSW will do for you as a social worker, including how the degree will impact your career
- The ways in which you engage and will continue to engage in practice-based research during and after this program, including your specific areas of interest
- What you will do for the profession, including how the degree will enable you to impact individuals, your community, and/or your area of interest
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV) - If you are unsure how to format your resume, feel free to reference our guide.
- Official Transcript(s) - One copy of official transcript(s) from each Certificate, Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral level institution you have attended. To be considered official, a transcript (1) must be sent directly from your institution to Tulane School of Social Work and (2) must show completion of coursework required for the degree, the degree earned, and the date of degree conferral.
- References/Recommendations - A minimum of two (2) Letters of Recommendation (LORs) must be received from the recommenders through the application portal. Please note that NO personal references (family, friends, social acquaintances, co-workers) will be accepted. Applicants should select at least two academic or professional references from the following categories:
- Professors
- Academic mentors
- Employers or supervisors
- Optional Materials
- Copies of any publications or research.
- A professional or academic writing sample.
| Fall DSW Programs (Online & On-Campus) | |
|---|---|
| Early Submission Deadline | March 10 |
| Priority Submission Deadline | April 10 |
| Final Submission Deadline | May 10 |
| Spring DSW Programs (Online & On-Campus) | |
|---|---|
| Early Submission Deadline | September 10 |
| Priority Submission Deadline | October 10 |
| Final Submission Deadline | November 10 |
The DSW program does not offer transfer or course credit for work/life experience.
- Official transcripts from the institution where credits were obtained must be submitted in order for credits to be reviewed for transfer. Only credits earned within the previous five years are eligible for transfer.
- Course descriptions and syllabi for courses applicants wish to transfer must be sent to dsw@tulane.edu.
Review our International Student Admission Policy here.
