Capella University · Minneapolis, Minnesota

Doctor of Social Work at Capella University

DSWOnlineResidencyCSWE candidacy

What Should You Know About Doctor of Social Work at Capella University?

Doctor of Social Work is a practice doctorate (DSW) at Capella University in Minneapolis, Minnesota, offered online (two intensive virtual residencies). It requires 71 quarter credits (14 courses) and takes 3.5 to 4.5 years. Final project: capstone: an applied research project on a real-world social work problem. The school caps total tuition at $45,000. CSWE status: candidacy.

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How Doctor of Social Work Works

Degree
DSW
Format
Online
Residency and class meetings
Two intensive virtual residencies
Schedule
Part-time study offered
Credits
71 quarter credits (14 courses)
Length
3.5 to 4.5 years
Final project
Capstone: an applied research project on a real-world social work problem

Admission to Capella University's DSW

Degree you need
Master's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited institution, minimum 3.0 GPA
Practice experience
Two or more years of post-master's social work practice experience
GRE
GRE and GMAT not required

What Capella University's DSW Costs

Tuition
$1,020 per quarter credit for coursework; capstone $3,060 per quarter; $45,000 tuition capProgram tuition, per credit, 2026-27. Source: capella.edu, reviewed October 10, 2026.
Estimated tuition
$45,000The school's published tuition cap, before fees.

Add fees and federal loans to the Capella University DSW estimate

From capella.edu, reviewed October 10, 2026. Check start dates, deadlines and current tuition with the school before you apply.

How Doctor of Social Work Compares

  • Estimated tuition of $45,000 is the 10th lowest of 19 practice doctorates on this site with an estimate (median $45,000).
  • Its 71 credits compare with a median of 48 across practice doctorates that state credits.
  • It asks for 2 years of post-master's practice; the median among practice doctorates that state a figure is 2.
  • It doesn't require the GRE, like 13 of the 38 practice doctorates on this site.
  • It ends in an applied capstone, as do 29 of the 38 practice doctorates on this site.

Is Doctor of Social Work at Capella University CSWE-Accredited?

Capella University's practice doctorate is in CSWE candidacy (directory captured September 30, 2026): it is working toward accreditation and is not yet accredited.

Every CSWE-accredited and candidate DSW program

Similar DSW Programs at Other Schools

Practice doctorates sharing a format with this one, closest in estimated tuition first.

Doctor of Social Work at Capella University: Common Questions

How Much Does Doctor of Social Work at Capella University Cost?

$1,020 per quarter credit for coursework; capstone $3,060 per quarter; $45,000 tuition cap (2026-27).

How Long Is Doctor of Social Work at Capella University?

3.5 to 4.5 years, 71 quarter credits (14 courses), according to the school's program page.

What Do You Need to Apply to Doctor of Social Work at Capella University?

Master's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited institution, minimum 3.0 GPA. Two or more years of post-master's social work practice experience.

Does Doctor of Social Work at Capella University Require the GRE?

GRE and GMAT not required, according to Capella University's admissions information.

Is Doctor of Social Work at Capella University Online?

Yes. It is offered online: two intensive virtual residencies.

Is Doctor of Social Work at Capella University CSWE-Accredited?

Capella University's practice doctorate is in CSWE candidacy (directory captured September 30, 2026): it is working toward accreditation and is not yet accredited.

Compare Programs Like This One

Sources

  1. capella.edu: Doctor of Social Work program page, reviewed October 10, 2026
  2. Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), practice doctorate program directory, captured September 30, 2026

Every program on this site was checked on the school's own website in October 2026. CSWE status for practice doctorates comes only from the Council on Social Work Education's own directory, and program size from U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS) doctoral completions. Sponsored listings are labeled as ads and never change which programs we list or how we rank them. How we verify programs