University of Alabama · Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Doctor of Social Work (DSW) at University of Alabama

DSWOnlineResidencyClinicalLeadership

What Should You Know About Doctor of Social Work (DSW) at University of Alabama?

Doctor of Social Work (DSW) is a practice doctorate (DSW) at University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, offered online (mandatory on-campus residencies in early June: 4 days in the first year and 5 days in the second year, plus a capstone presentation before graduation). It requires 45 credits and takes 2 years of coursework followed by a Capstone Project that typically takes a year. Final project: capstone Project: an intervention development, implementation and evaluation; a practice-focused thesis; or a first-authored manuscript in a peer-reviewed journal. At $440 per credit, estimated tuition is $19,800 before fees.

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How Doctor of Social Work (DSW) Works

Degree
DSW
Format
Online
Residency and class meetings
Mandatory on-campus residencies in early June: 4 days in the first year and 5 days in the second year, plus a capstone presentation before graduation
Schedule
Part-time study offered
Credits
45 credits
Length
2 years of coursework followed by a Capstone Project that typically takes a year
Final project
Capstone Project: an intervention development, implementation and evaluation; a practice-focused thesis; or a first-authored manuscript in a peer-reviewed journal
Focus areas
Advanced Clinical Practice Track; Organizational Leadership Track

Admission to University of Alabama's DSW

Degree you need
MSW from a CSWE-accredited program
Practice experience
At least 3 years of post-MSW program experience
License
Applicants for the Advanced Clinical Practice Track should have a current social work license
GRE
No GRE requirement

What University of Alabama's DSW Costs

Tuition
$440 per credit hour, not including additional feesProgram tuition, per credit. Source: socialwork.ua.edu, reviewed October 10, 2026.
Estimated tuition
$19,800$440 per credit times 45 credits, before fees.

Add fees and federal loans to the University of Alabama DSW estimate

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

How Doctor of Social Work (DSW) Compares

  • Estimated tuition of $19,800 is the lowest of 19 practice doctorates on this site with an estimate (median $45,000).
  • Its 45 credits compare with a median of 48 across practice doctorates that state credits.
  • It asks for 3 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 (DSW) at University of Alabama CSWE-Accredited?

Doctor of Social Work (DSW) isn't in CSWE's practice doctorate directory (captured September 30, 2026). CSWE began accrediting practice doctorates only recently: of the 38 DSW programs on this site, 4 are accredited and 11 are in candidacy or pre-candidacy.

Every CSWE-accredited and candidate DSW program

Other Social Work Doctorates at University of Alabama

Similar DSW Programs at Other Schools

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

Doctor of Social Work (DSW) at University of Alabama: Common Questions

How Much Does Doctor of Social Work (DSW) at University of Alabama Cost?

$440 per credit hour, not including additional fees. That works out to about $19,800 for 45 credits, before fees.

How Long Is Doctor of Social Work (DSW) at University of Alabama?

2 years of coursework followed by a Capstone Project that typically takes a year, 45 credits, according to the school's program page.

What Do You Need to Apply to Doctor of Social Work (DSW) at University of Alabama?

MSW from a CSWE-accredited program. At least 3 years of post-MSW program experience. Applicants for the Advanced Clinical Practice Track should have a current social work license.

Does Doctor of Social Work (DSW) at University of Alabama Require the GRE?

No GRE requirement, according to University of Alabama's admissions information.

Is Doctor of Social Work (DSW) at University of Alabama Online?

Yes. It is offered online: mandatory on-campus residencies in early June: 4 days in the first year and 5 days in the second year, plus a capstone presentation before graduation.

Is Doctor of Social Work (DSW) at University of Alabama CSWE-Accredited?

Doctor of Social Work (DSW) isn't in CSWE's practice doctorate directory (captured September 30, 2026). CSWE began accrediting practice doctorates only recently: of the 38 DSW programs on this site, 4 are accredited and 11 are in candidacy or pre-candidacy.

Compare Programs Like This One

Sources

  1. socialwork.ua.edu: Doctor of Social Work (DSW) 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