Penn · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Doctor of Clinical Social Work (DSW) at Penn
What Should You Know About Doctor of Clinical Social Work (DSW) at Penn?
Doctor of Clinical Social Work (DSW) is a practice doctorate (DSW) at Penn in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, offered hybrid (five-day immersion on the Philadelphia campus at the start of the first semester (late August/early September) and a four-day residency in the fall of year two). It requires 12 course units and takes typically three years; can be earned in as little as two years. Final project: dissertation (traditional chapter-style or two publishable articles) and dissertation defense. Tuition: 2026-27: $7,575 per course unit plus $162 per course unit online services fee. CSWE status: accredited.
How Doctor of Clinical Social Work (DSW) Works
- Degree
- DSW
- Format
- Hybrid
- Residency and class meetings
- Five-day immersion on the Philadelphia campus at the start of the first semester (late August/early September) and a four-day residency in the fall of year two
- Credits
- 12 course units
- Length
- Typically three years; can be earned in as little as two years
- Final project
- Dissertation (traditional chapter-style or two publishable articles) and dissertation defense
- Focus areas
- Clinical practice; Teaching; Supervision; Trauma-informed interventions
- Start terms
- Fall
Admission to Penn's DSW
- Degree you need
- Master's degree in social work from an accredited social work degree program
- Practice experience
- Three years of post-MSW practice experience
- GRE
- Standardized tests are not required
What Penn's DSW Costs
- Tuition
- 2026-27: $7,575 per course unit plus $162 per course unit online services feeProgram tuition, per credit, 2026-27. Source: sp2.upenn.edu, reviewed October 10, 2026.
From sp2.upenn.edu, reviewed October 10, 2026. Check start dates, deadlines and current tuition with the school before you apply.
How Doctor of Clinical Social Work (DSW) Compares
- 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 a dissertation, as do 5 of the 38 practice doctorates on this site.
Is Doctor of Clinical Social Work (DSW) at Penn CSWE-Accredited?
CSWE lists Penn's practice doctorate as accredited in its directory (captured September 30, 2026), one of 4 DSW programs on this site with full accreditation.
Other Social Work Doctorates at Penn
Similar DSW Programs at Other Schools
- Doctorate in Social Welfare (DSW) at Adelphi UniversityGarden City, NY · Hybrid · 54 credits · est. $67,500 · CSWE pre-candidacy
- Doctor of Social Work (DSW) at Southern Connecticut State UniversityNew Haven, CT · Hybrid · 48 credits · est. $48,096
- Clinical Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) at Yeshiva UniversityNew York, NY · Online and hybrid · 45 credits
- Doctor of Social Work (DSW) at Florida Atlantic UniversityBoca Raton, FL · Hybrid
Practice doctorates sharing a format with this one, closest in estimated tuition first.
Doctor of Clinical Social Work (DSW) at Penn: Common Questions
How Much Does Doctor of Clinical Social Work (DSW) at Penn Cost?
2026-27: $7,575 per course unit plus $162 per course unit online services fee.
How Long Is Doctor of Clinical Social Work (DSW) at Penn?
Typically three years; can be earned in as little as two years, 12 course units, according to the school's program page.
What Do You Need to Apply to Doctor of Clinical Social Work (DSW) at Penn?
Master's degree in social work from an accredited social work degree program. Three years of post-MSW practice experience.
Does Doctor of Clinical Social Work (DSW) at Penn Require the GRE?
Standardized tests are not required, according to Penn's admissions information.
Is Doctor of Clinical Social Work (DSW) at Penn Online?
No. It is offered hybrid: five-day immersion on the Philadelphia campus at the start of the first semester (late August/early September) and a four-day residency in the fall of year two.
Is Doctor of Clinical Social Work (DSW) at Penn CSWE-Accredited?
CSWE lists Penn's practice doctorate as accredited in its directory (captured September 30, 2026), one of 4 DSW programs on this site with full accreditation.
Compare Programs Like This One
- Penn Social Work DoctoratesThe school's full profile
- All DSW ProgramsEvery verified DSW program
- CSWE-Accredited DSWAccredited and candidate DSWs
- Clinical DSW ProgramsPractice doctorates in clinical social work
- Leadership and Teaching DSWDoctorates in leadership and teaching
- Social Work Doctorates in PennsylvaniaEvery program in the state, plus online options
- DSW vs PhD in Social WorkPractice vs research doctorate