DSW Frequently Asked Questions

The focus is dual: both leadership and education.  We prepare educators who can lead and leaders who can teach.

The program is designed to be completed in three calendar years.

Graduates may work as faculty in universities, colleges, and community colleges.  They may serve in public and private agencies in such leadership capacities as executive director, program evaluator, private consultant, and development director.

Yes, applicants must possess an MSW degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program.

No, there is not an entrance exam requirement for the DSW program.  Application requirements are listed on the Application Process webpage. 

Please begin by filling out the graduate application. 

The personal essay should be written with forethought and careful attention to the focus of the program.  While the topic of the academic essay is the choice of the applicant, the essay should be a formal review of available professional literature including critical analysis of current journal articles, books, etc., regardless of the topic, written in proper APA style.

The DSW is an applied degree.  Research topics are directly related to the needs of the practice community and an optional field work or praxis experience is part of the program.  KU DSW students complete the program in 3 years.  The KU DSW and the PhD programs are similar in that students experience similar numbers of credits and both complete the dissertation process.

No; however a minimum of two years post MSW clinical experience is required.

The praxis is a field work opportunity for students to work in an academic or agency setting of the student's choice.  Students complete an approved project that is needed in the setting.  Hours in the setting are not counted; rather the project and reflections related to it provide assessment measures.

Once you have accepted the admission offer the Department of Social Work will assist you in registering for the program.

Each semester begins with an intensive weekend residency (8 total in 3 years).

An intensive residency is an opportunity to meet faculty and classmates, to learn about program expectations, to gain assistance in meeting personal expectations and to begin studies with a face-to-face classroom experience for each of that semester's classes.  Residencies are held on weekends at the beginning of each semester: fall, spring, and summer. Once accepted you will receive more information about the intensive residencies.

Hampton Inn & Suites is located within blocks of the Kutztown University campus. You will be notified of any other options prior to the residency.  Please check with the department regarding specific room block options which may be available.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.  Once the current year's cohort is filled, successful applicants may be offered admission into the following year's cohort.

• Fee and tuition information

For financial aid contact information visit: https://www.kutztown.edu/about-ku/administrative-offices/financial-aid.html 

For information on the types of financial aid that may be available visit: https://www.kutztown.edu/about-ku/administrative-offices/financial-aid.html

Kutztown University is pleased to offer payment plans to help make paying for college easier and more affordable. For more information visit: https://www.kutztown.edu/affordability/bills-and-paying-your-tuition/payment-plans.html 

Students who are entitled to reimbursement of tuition from their employers may request an Employer Reimbursement Deferment (ERD).  For more information visit: https://www.kutztown.edu/affordability/bills-and-paying-your-tuition/employer-reimbursement-deferments.html 

The program consists of 48 credits.

Beginning Fall 2024, the DSW program at Kutztown University will be an independent program able to collaborate with any other academic programs.