Both programs lead to a doctorate degree. The Clinical DSW Program is geared toward clinical practice and prepares students for advanced clinical practice and teaching. The PhD is focused on social welfare and prepares students for careers as researchers and scholars.

Penn’s Clinical DSW Program is the first and only social work professional practice doctorate of its kind in the country. The program is designed to allow students to complete all degree requirements, including the dissertation, within three years and without career disruption.

14 CUs. Each CU equals one course.

During the fall and spring of the first year of study, classes are scheduled one evening a week from 3:00pm to 8:30pm.

In the second and third year of study classes are scheduled in once-a-month sessions from September through June; classes begin on Thursday afternoon and end Saturday afternoon.

Click here for complete tuition information.

The Clinical DSW does not offer any scholarships or fellowships. However, the University of Pennsylvania is committed to helping students meet the costs of receiving a Penn education through other means. Students are encouraged to apply for federal student aid and other loans to help finance tuition and living expenses. For information about how to apply for loans, click here.

Students begin planning their dissertation during the first year of classes, and complete the dissertation during the last semester of the three-year program.