By Jaelon Jackson
School of Social Work
UTA PhD Social Work student gets hooded during Commencement Ceremony
The School of Social Work is preparing to launch a new online Doctor of Social Work program, expected to begin in Spring 2026, pending final approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
The program aims to bridge the gap between practice, leadership, and teaching in the field of social work by providing a curriculum that emphasizes real-world application, innovative teaching methods, and leadership training tailored specifically for social work educators. equipping professionals with advanced skills in education and leadership.
“DSW programs cater to experienced social workers who aspire to transition into academia, teaching the next generation while bringing real-world expertise into the classroom,” said Dr. Karen Magruder, DSW Program Director.
“Our program is specifically designed to meet this need by focusing on social work education, making it one of only two DSW programs in the country with this emphasis. ”UTA’s DSW program will feature a fully online, part-time structure that combines asynchronous coursework with interactive virtual components, such as live discussion sessions, faculty mentorship opportunities, and collaborative group projects to foster engagement among students and instructors.
This allows working professionals to pursue their doctoral degrees while maintaining their careers. The program will incorporate Open Educational Resources, ensuring students can access high-quality, up-to-date learning materials at no additional cost.
Class sizes will be capped at 15 students per course, allowing for deeper engagement and personalized instruction. The program will also integrate innovative teaching methods, such as Learning Circles and a teaching practicum, to prepare students for leadership roles in academia and social work practice.
“Our goal is to empower DSW graduates to become practitioner-scholars who apply research to practice, influence policy, and lead social work education,” said Dr. Regina Praetorius, associate dean for student and academic affairs. “By prioritizing accessibility and academic excellence, this program will help shape the future of social work education.
”Pending approval, the program will open applications in summer 2025. For more information, visit https://www.uta.edu/academics/schools-colleges/social-work/programs/dsw
