DSW Program
Explore the DSW Program
Our Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) program was developed with practitioners in mind. This high-quality, rigorous program prepares practitioners to navigate the complexities of a contemporary practice landscape by providing education and experiences congruent with advanced practice proficiency among specialized populations.
Our DSW program utilizes an innovative Core Plus model that offers students a flexible, affordable, and efficient way to earn their degree. Courses are taught online through asynchronous models with the exception of residency week during the summer which is taught synchronously. An asynchronous option is offered for those who cannot be in attendance. The Core Plus approach offers flexibility, allowing learners to progress through the program at their own pace, while the cohort model and residency week foster support via concentrated time with classmates and faculty. Beyond the core curriculum, students will select one of five concentrations: Administrative Leadership, Clinical Social Work, Social Work Education, Military Behavioral Health, or Sport Social Work.
Social workers with DSW degrees are often leaders in the profession in areas of practice, policy, and scholarship and are well-qualified to serve in higher-level administrative positions. Many also assume academic positions and make substantive contributions to the knowledge base of the profession. Graduates from our DSW program are uniquely poised to excel and advance in a competitive job market and make the most of forecasted growth within the social work profession.
From start to end, students can complete the DSW degree full-time in two years, or part-time in three years. The preparation will contribute to fostering the development of a cadre of practitioners adeptly trained to address social challenges in the Commonwealth and beyond. An online DSW is also available to fit your schedule needs.
THE UK DIFFERENCE
Anytime, Anywhere
Courses are taught online through asynchronous models with the exception of residency week during the summer which is taught synchronously. An asynchronous option is offered for those who cannot be in attendance.
Centers and Labs
CoSW is home to several unique research centers and labs, including the Training Resource Center, Interdisciplinary Research Center on Children and Families, Kentucky Kinship Resource Center, Self-Care Lab, Suicide Prevention and Exposure Lab, and Military Behavior Health Lab. DSW students can leverage these entities for unique learning and research opportunities.
Capstone Project
The work for this project is embedded in the course work and is conducted under the supervision of a Capstone Mentor.
Efficient
Using an innovative Core Plus Model, our DSW program affords students an efficient and affordable way to earn their degree. From start to finish, students can complete the DSW degree in two to three years, depending on full-time or part-time status.
DSW Program
by the numbers
100%
ONline
5
Concentration options
2
Year Program
Explore the DSW Program
Our Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) program was developed with practitioners in mind.
WHAT'S NEW AT CoSW?
Calendar of Events
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4 events,
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Keeping Families Strong provides foster parents insight on how to keep partnerships, families and friendships strong while providing care to out of home children. It will also provide strategies for
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CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education) Session 5 -- Understanding and Managing Youth’s Challenging Behaviors – Part 1 November 3rd, 2025 -- 6:00 PM–8:00 PM EST (Via Zoom) Melanie
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Helping Your Child to Succeed in School will increase the ability of foster/adoptive parents to understand educational challenges faced by foster/adopted children. It will give resource parents the tools for
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ASK-VIP Support Group for Foster/Adoptive Parents of Teens is specifically designed for foster/adoptive parents who are caring for teenagers or those considering fostering and/or adopting teenagers. This support group offers
Free
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3 events,
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Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention determined that in 2021, there was an average of 1 suicide death every 11 minutes. Suicide prevention aims to reduce the
$120
The Gathering Spot is a great NEW way to meet other kinship caregivers from the comfort of your own home and has been redesigned to be a spot where you
Free
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ASK-VIP LGBTQ+ Foster/Adoptive Parent Support Groups are specifically designed for foster/adoptive parents who identify as LGBTQ+ as well as foster/adoptive parents who are caring for children or teens who identify
Free
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2 events,
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Angela Jamison, MSW, CSW, LCW 1.5 credit hours This training will provide foster parents with information about adverse and positive childhood experiences and how each affect the developing child. Information
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Transracial Parenting: Ages 0-5 explores the unique experiences of transracial families and examines developmental stages of racial identity development in young children. It offers strategies to create an environment that |
1 event,
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Interested in a career with the ATF? Representitives will be on Campus Thursday October 30th to discuss their position and the work they do in an open panel. Learn about |
1 event,
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Interested in earning course credit while exploring Panama? Join the UK College of Social Work for an info session to learn more about the upcoming Alternate Spring Break in Panama |
0 events,
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1 event,
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Compulsive Lying explores why a child may lie compulsively. It identifies strategies and offers resources designed to assist children and their families dealing with this issue. After completing this training, |
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2 events,
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CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education) Session 6 -- Understanding and Managing Youth’s Challenging Behaviors – Part 2 November 10th, 2025 -- 6:00 PM–8:00 PM EST (Via Zoom) Melanie
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Join our comprehensive training designed specifically for foster and adoptive parents to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively support children affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders |
4 events,
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
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Celebrate being a first-gen student with us at the First-Gen Fiesta! Drop by on Tuesday, November 4th, from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM in the 600 Patterson Office Tower for
The Gathering Spot is a great NEW way to meet other kinship caregivers from the comfort of your own home and has been redesigned to be a spot where you
Free
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Join us for an engaging session with Dr. Billy Bible, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, retired U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, and Adjunct Professor. Dr. Bible brings a wealth of experience from |
7 events,
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a 
Turn Your Goals into Reality Explore our Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) program during an online info session. Registration link is at the end of the event listing, under 'Website'. 
Launch your social work career through your practicum experience—formerly known as field education. Attend an information session to learn about the process, opportunities, and support available as you prepare for 
Explore our Master of Social Work (MSW) program during an online info session. Registration link is below, under 'Website' The UK Difference Our MSW program is an Advanced Generalist program
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Join us for the College of Social Work’s inaugural event dedicated to supporting first-generation MSW students! Led by MSW Program Director Dr. Amanda Brown, this session offers a space for |
5 events,
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
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Looking to finish your bachelor’s degree in criminal justice without leaving home? Join us for an exciting event to learn all about the new partnership between UK and UCSK, offering
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A Guide to Coping with Allegations explores the prevalence of false allegations of abuse and neglect amongst foster homes and reasons such allegations may arise. Strategies for preventing false allegations
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This training empowers foster and adoptive families to understand and respond to the effects of trauma with empathy and sensitivity. Participants will learn strategies to create a safe, supportive environment
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ASK-VIP Support Groups are expressly designed to meet the needs of foster and adoptive parents in an inclusive, safe, and compassionate environment. They are led by seasoned facilitators who have |
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2 events,
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New Placements: Preparing & Adjusting Family Roles will help foster and adoptive parents introduce new placements into their existing family units. It gives ideas and strategies on how to prepare
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Developmental Stages & Children’s Responses to Grief defines grief and explores how children process and express grief at different developmental stages. It offers insight into the unique experiences of grief |
1 event,
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Understanding the Brain and Fear Responses in Traumatized Children provides an overview of brain development and how fight/flight/freeze fear responses may manifest in children who have experienced trauma. In addition, |
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3 events,
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Sibling Attachment & Adoption provides parents with tools to promote healthy sibling relationships in foster and adoptive families. Parents will explore different ways in which families are formed and learn
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CORE TEEN (Critical On-going Resource Family Education) Session 7 -- A New Suitcase of Parenting Knowledge and Skills November 17, 2025 -- 6:00 PM-8:00 PM EST (Via Zoom) Melanie Parsons,
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Understanding a Case Through the Child Welfare System will provide foster and adoptive parents knowledge on how a case progresses through the child welfare system. Each case may include removal, |
6 events,
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
The Gathering Spot is a great NEW way to meet other kinship caregivers from the comfort of your own home and has been redesigned to be a spot where you
Free
Please join us as we discuss the upcoming Master of Science in Criminal Justice program! This info session will be held virtually over Zoom. Please register by using the link
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ASK-VIP LGBTQ+ Foster/Adoptive Parent Support Groups are specifically designed for foster/adoptive parents who identify as LGBTQ+ as well as foster/adoptive parents who are caring for children or teens who identify 
This group is an opportunity for kinship caregivers to come together to find support, community, and resources in the care of relative and fictive children. This group will focus on |
3 events,
Launch your social work career through your practicum experience—formerly known as field education. Attend an information session to learn about the process, opportunities, and support available as you prepare for Social Work students are invited to attend our informal monthly meeting. This is a great opportunity to connect with other students, ask questions to your advisor, and meet with program
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Participants will delve into the recognition of positive adoption language and its vital importance in nurturing a nurturing and affirming environment for children. By understanding the impact of language on |
1 event,
Are you passionate about making a difference through learning to conduct and disseminate social work research? During this session, you will have the opportunity to meet our PhD program director, |
2 events,
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
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Helping Foster & Adopted Children Cope with Holiday Stress is designed to assist foster and adoptive parents in learning and understanding how stressful holidays can be for foster/adopted children. It |
0 events,
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1 event,
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Recognizing the Signs of Adoption Disruption & Dissolution will teach foster/adoptive parents about adoption disruption and dissolution by equipping them with information regarding factors that contribute to disruption/dissolution, statistics on |
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3 events,
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Attachment: Connecting Littles (& Bigs) in Foster Care November 17, 2025 6:00 PM-7:30 PM EST Via Zoom Lora Buth, MS, OT/L 1.5 credit hours Attachment is a lasting emotional bond
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Attachment & Bonding with your Foster & Adopted Child equips parents to enhance their relationship with foster/adopted children by teaching them the basics about bonding and attachment. This training also
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A Child’s Education: Rights & Responsibilities will inform parents of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The training informs foster and adoptive parents of the processes used to determine eligibility requirements for children with |
8 events,
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
Turn Your Goals into Reality Explore our Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) program during an online info session. Registration link is at the end of the event listing, under 'Website'.
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This interactive 1-hour virtual Lunch & Learn session provides social work professionals and students with a foundational understanding of social justice-informed practice. Participants will explore how to integrate social justice
$15
The Gathering Spot is a great NEW way to meet other kinship caregivers from the comfort of your own home and has been redesigned to be a spot where you
Free
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Helping Foster & Adopted Children Transition to a New School will assist foster/adoptive parents in preparing to enroll a child in a new school. It will also provide practical tips |
5 events,
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Clinical supervision is a crucial aspect of social work practice that ensures ethical and competent service delivery. The goals of clinical supervision are to improve the quality of services provided
$120
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Monthly Staff Meeting for Centers & Labs Training Resource Center Staff. The meeting is held the 3rd Wednesday of Each Month at the Training Resource Center. This is an in-person
Launch your social work career through your practicum experience—formerly known as field education. Attend an information session to learn about the process, opportunities, and support available as you prepare for
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Services & Support for Foster & Adoptive Families will inform parents about resources available to individuals with intellectual disabilities through the Michelle P. Waiver Program, which allows eligible individuals to
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This training introduces the foundational principles of Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®), a holistic approach designed to meet the unique needs of children from hard places. Foster and adoptive families will |
2 events,
The University of Kentucky Police Department is hosting a realistic, full-scale training exercise designed to simulate emergency conditions. This event will bring together multiple agencies, departments, and emergency response teams
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The 5 Love Languages introduces parents to the different love languages and discusses ways to use this information to strengthen partner/spouse relationships as well as relationships with children and teenagers. |
2 events,
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
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Preparing Children for Permanency equips foster/adoptive parents with strategies to prepare children for permanency. It offers insight on the thoughts and emotional reactions that a child transitioning to permanency may |
0 events,
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1 event,
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Understanding and Coping with Sensory Processing Challenges provides parents with tools to engage and work with children who display sensory processing challenges. Parents will learn what Sensory Processing Disorder is |
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3 events,
ASK-VIP Support Group for Foster/Adoptive Parents of Teens is specifically designed for foster/adoptive parents who are caring for teenagers or those considering fostering and/or adopting teenagers. This support group offers
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ARC Meetings & IEPs: The Basics will help foster and adoptive parents understand the process of an ARC Meeting and gain a better perspective of what an IEP will look |
4 events,
The Gathering Spot is a great NEW way to meet other kinship caregivers from the comfort of your own home and has been redesigned to be a spot where you
Free
-
ASK-VIP LGBTQ+ Foster/Adoptive Parent Support Groups are specifically designed for foster/adoptive parents who identify as LGBTQ+ as well as foster/adoptive parents who are caring for children or teens who identify
-
Helping Foster & Adopted Children Cope with Holiday Stress is designed to assist foster and adoptive parents in learning and understanding how stressful holidays can be for foster/adopted children. It |
2 events,
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
Launch your career through your practicum education! Attend an information session to learn about the process, opportunities, and support available as you explore hands-on learning in real-world settings. The UK College of |
0 events,
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1 event,
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a |
0 events,
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0 events,
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