Does Social Work Need a “Practice Doctorate”?

Understanding Sampling and Recruitment in Social Work Dissertation Research

“…The PhD, with an emphasis on research and scholarship (Kurzman, 2015), remains the dominant doctoral degree in social work. There has been a resurgence in DSW programs for advanced practitioners (Diaz, 2015), but these programs tend to value many forms of scholarship beyond empirical research and may not require a dissertation (Anastas & Videka, 2012).…”

“…The dissertation requires the doctoral student to learn how to manage an individual research project. The dissertation period may last longer than the coursework phase of doctoral studies, shape future research plans, and for some, result in unfinished research and unearned doctoral degrees (Anastas & Videka, 2012). …”

On the Importance of Direct Practice Experience Among Clinical Social Work Faculty: A Recent Graduate’s Perspective

“…direct practice) as a specialization, and the importance of direct practice experience in informing social work education (Anastas and Videka 2012). While many current social work doctoral programs focus on research, de-emphasize practice experience, and create a gateway for doctoral students into full-time teaching, programs offering a practice doctorate seek to enhance expertise in clinical practice for the purposes of improving mastery and service delivery, as well as promoting professional development and career advancement.…”

The “New” DSW Is Here: Supporting Degree Completion and Student Success

“…Richardson (2006) argued for the role of practice doctorates in education as essential in bridging the gap between research and practice, and necessary for creating "stewards of the enterprise." Anastas and Videka (2012) valorized the development of "stewards of the enterprise" in social work, contending that social work should not be perceived solely as a discipline but also as a practice profession. Their position holds that doctoral education requires both "stewards of the discipline"-those who generate knowledge and are responsible for the field of educational study-and "stewards of the enterprise."…”

“…Although very limited degree completion data from institutions currently granting DSW degrees are still not publicly available, existing evidence suggests that successful doctoral degree completion remains a challenge and student attrition continues at high rates (Hartocollis, Cnaan, Ledwith, 2014;Liechty, Liao, & Schull, 2009). For students in practice 102 M. Diaz doctoral programs, who have traditionally funded their studies out of pocket, with little or no institutional or government funding (Anastas & Videka, 2012), identifying diverse support mechanisms becomes crucial. In addition, the need to fill vacancies on the faculties of the increasing number of BSW and MSW programs also has created urgency for doctoral-level graduates.…”