Adelphi University has officially launched its Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program, designed to equip social work professionals with the advanced leadership and practice skills necessary to address pressing social challenges.
The 54-credit graduate-level program offers a hybrid, low-residency format, enabling professionals to continue working while pursuing their doctorate.
“The field of social work is rapidly growing, and the demand for advanced practitioners who can develop socially just policies and practices is more critical than ever,” said Beth Counselman-Carpenter, PhD ’14, associate professor and director of the DSW program at Adelphi University. “Our program is designed to meet the needs of professionals who are seeking to deepen their practice and take on leadership roles in a field that’s vital to addressing today’s most urgent social issues.”
The demand for social workers is projected to increase in the coming years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field is expected to expand by 7 percent through 2033, outpacing the average growth rate for all occupations. Graduates of Adelphi’s School of Social Work are highly sought after in this growing market.
Flexible and Accessible for Busy Professionals
Adelphi’s DSW program is distinguished by its flexibility, featuring a part-time, hybrid structure designed for working professionals. This format accommodates busy schedules while fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment. Monthly in-person classes at the Hudson Valley campus provide opportunities for students to connect with peers and faculty, while online components allow coursework to be completed on their own time.
“The hybrid approach strikes a balance between the flexibility of online learning and the collaborative, community-based approach that is central to the social work profession,” said Dr. Counselman-Carpenter.
Preparing Leaders With Trauma-Informed Practices and Social Justice Skills
With six specialized courses in trauma-informed practice, leadership, research and social justice, students gain the expertise to address the systemic challenges of oppression, violence and intergenerational trauma in social work. The program prepares graduates to confront structural inequalities and advocate for social justice.
“Social work professionals must be prepared to tackle both individual challenges and the broader issues that affect entire communities,” said Dr. Counselman-Carpenter. “Our program trains social workers to be leaders who advocate for social justice and implement meaningful change.”
The program culminates in a yearlong capstone project, allowing students to apply their learning in real-world settings and advance their professional development. Graduates of the program will be well-equipped to address the complex issues facing social work today. Social workers with doctoral degrees can expect to earn significantly higher salaries, with DSW holders earning an average of $20,000 to $25,000 more annually than those with only an MSW. Whether they are pursuing clinical work, executive leadership or roles as educators, DSW graduates will be poised to make lasting contributions to their communities.
A Vision for the Future of Social Work
As social work continues to adapt to the evolving challenges of the 21st century, Adelphi’s DSW program was created to prepare graduates to lead within this rapidly changing landscape.
“The future of social work depends on practitioners who are not only experts in their field but also deeply committed to social justice and ethical leadership,” said Dr. Counselman-Carpenter. “Our DSW program prepares students to respond to the complex needs of today’s world with a solid foundation of knowledge, skills and compassion.”
Applications are open for the DSW program—prospective students are invited to visit Adelphi University’s website for more details and to submit their applications.
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