Doctor of Social Work

Elevate your practice. Empower our communities.

You’ve dedicated your career to helping others. Now, it’s time to expand your impact. Chaminade’s Doctor of Social Work (DSW) is designed for experienced social workers ready to take the next step as leaders and advocates. As a scholar-practitioner, you’ll connect your field experience with advanced knowledge, research, and evidence-based practice to tackle complex challenges and create meaningful change.

Whether you see yourself leading an organization, shaping programs and influencing policies, supervising and mentoring future social workers, or advancing more equitable and inclusive communities, a DSW can help you get there.

Terms & Deadlines

Online Accelerated Fall Term Begins:
October 2027

Application Deadline:
August 2027

A program built around you.

Designed to fit your professional schedule and life responsibilities, the DSW program allows you to immediately apply what you learn in real-world settings. Through advanced coursework, applied research, and close faculty mentorship, you’ll strengthen your role as a clinical leader while contributing to the profession’s growth and the well-being of families across Hawai‘i and beyond.

100% Online
(synchronous classes)

54 total credit hours

Finish in 3 years

Accelerated 10-week terms
(four terms per year)

Cohorted program with networking opportunities

Program Details

Integrate social work’s core values and ethical principles into advanced leadership practice.
Apply advanced theoretical knowledge and evidence-based models to address complex social problems within diverse communities.
Utilize applied research and data-driven decision-making to improve practice effectiveness and advocate for social justice.
Critically analyze culturally-grounded strategies to promote equity and inclusion.

DSW Courses (54 credits)

DSW 701: Advanced Clinical Theory and Practice Models
DSW 721: Applied Research Methods for Practitioners
DSW 702: Evidence-Based Practice and Clinical Decision Making
DSW 711: Executive Leadership in Human Services
DSW 703: Advanced Assessment and Intervention Strategies
DSW 712: Organizational Development and Change Management
DSW 704: Trauma-Informed and Culturally Responsive Practice
DSW 713: Financial Management and Resource Development
DSW 722: Program Evaluation and Quality Improvement
DSW 731: Adult Learning and Social Work Education
DSW 723: Implementation Science in Social Work
DSW 732: Clinical Supervision and Professional Development
DSW 791: Applied Doctoral Project I
DSW 792: Applied Doctoral Project II

General Admission Requirements

Completed Chaminade application
Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
Possess a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited institution (or international equivalent)
Minimum graduate GPA of 3.0
(Preferred) At least three (3) years of post-MSW practice experience in clinical, community, policy or leadership settings
Preference for applicants with LCSW or demonstrated leadership experience in human service organizations
Current professional resume/CV
Statement of purpose
Contact information for two (2) professional or academic references
Interview

Visit the Graduate Admissions website for more information.

Cost of Attendance

Please visit the Graduate Cost of Attendance webpage for tuition rates and fees.

Additional Resources

WASC Senior College and University Commission

Chaminade University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

NEXT STEPS

Request Information

Join a Virtual Info Session

Start Your Application

If you have any DSW program questions, please contact Associate Dean Darren Iwamoto, EdD, LMHC, at [email protected] or (808) 739-4604.

If you have any admissions questions or need assistance, please contact Admissions at [email protected] or (808) 739-8524.

Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

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Where Social Work Meets Social Impact