Why You Should Pursue a PhD or a Doctorate in Social Work
If you’re someone who likes helping others, social work could be the perfect profession for you. It’s a rewarding industry that will challenge you every day.
There are various programs available, ranging from PhD to DSW. These are great if you intend on immersing yourself in social work, or learning how to teach new students the skills they’ll need to be successful. It is a highly competitive job market, but so is just about every other job industry. The great thing about going for a Doctorate is that you’ll stand out, in a positive way, from other candidates. Studying for a more advanced degree puts you at an advantage for social work employment. Various other opportunities are created, as well, adding to the unique advantages that make getting a Doctorate in social work a great option for today’s aspiring social workers.
This article will outline motivations for pursuing a Doctorate in social work, which will help you make an informed decision on whether it’s for you.
PhD vs. DSW: Aren’t They the Same?
Though both options will result in a Doctoral degree, there are subtle differences, with potential routes to different professions. A PhD is awarded as a ‘Doctor of Philosophy’ degree, which means that these students learned about the theoretical nature of social work. This requires considerable scholarly research, which naturally advances your academic skills. The course is designed for social work instructors, however, as opposed to social work leaders and administrators.
The DSW degree focuses less on theory, research, and philosophy. It focuses on more practical aspects of the field, and equips you with skills you can directly apply to social work. This is a better fit for those who want to work in the social work sector when they graduate, rather than transition into academia to teach social work. This course is usually pursued by people who are seeking the right combination of practical social work skills and managerial concepts to improve employability.
DSW – A Great Option for Industry Leaders
A DSW opens doors which help you advance more quickly through organizations, focusing on the public good. Though it’s beneficial, it’s not required to become fully licensed in the field. Most states require a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree at minimum, but with a Doctorate you’ll separate yourself from the competition and be better equipped for success.
The DSW adds a good deal of information to the graduate level of your education. It also grants students more control over organizational policy and administrative duties. If you ever intend on diversifying your aspirations, a Doctorate will put you in a great position to freely explore alternative career paths. If you want to both practice and lead, a DSW will help you obtain highly desirable skills and ethical guidelines, which will create more opportunities as you climb the career ladder. For future leaders who are interested in the pursuit of valuable knowledge, a Doctorate in social work is absolutely worth it.