SOCW 6301: Introduction to Doctoral Studies
This course introduces students to the DSW identity as a practitioner-scholar and prepares students for success in a DSW program. The course emphasizes ethics and is aimed to develop effective online learning strategies, build a sense of belonging within the cohort, elevate professionalism, and strengthen critical thinking and writing skills, including preparation to write for publication. This course also guides students to begin conceptualizing their final capstone project.
SOCW 6302: Strategies of Inquiry
Explores the foundational paradigms that shape research and theoretical framework development in social work. Students will apply paradigms and theoretical orientations to analyze and conduct research that addresses complex social issues.
SOCW 6305: Social Justice
Focuses on the application of anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) principles to social work practice settings. Students will explore implicit bias, systemic inequality, power dynamics, and strategies to promote social justice in various contexts. Emphasizing interdisciplinary practice, students will develop practical skills to address oppression, foster inclusivity, and advance equity in social work practice, leadership, and education.
SOCW 6304: Applied Research for Evidence-Based Social Work
Provides a survey of research processes relevant to DSW scholars, including formulating research questions, exploring qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches, and developing competencies in research ethics. Students will learn to critically evaluate journal articles, understand research design, and interpret basic statistical methods. The course emphasizes interpreting research findings and translating research into practice, with a focus on evidence-based practice to inform social work interventions.
SOCW 6308: Advancing Grant Writing & Budgeting
Equips students with the skills to develop competitive grant proposals and manage program budgets effectively. The course covers the entire grant-writing process, from identifying funding opportunities to writing compelling narratives and justifying budgets. Students will learn to design program budgets, allocate resources, and monitor financial performance. Practical applications will focus on writing grants for social services, research projects, and community initiatives, with an emphasis on ethical financial management and aligning funding strategies with organizational goals.
SOCW 6322: The Scholarship of Teaching & Learning (SoTL)
This course prepares doctoral students to design, conduct, and disseminate research on teaching and learning in social work education. Students apply rigorous, practice-based research methods to examine student learning, competency development, and educational outcomes across classroom, practicum, and online settings. The course emphasizes the integration of research and andragogy, positioning students as scholars who generate evidence to inform teaching, innovation, and sustainable educational practices in complex professional environments.
SOCW 6309: Advanced Program Evaluation
Provides students with the foundational skills needed to design, implement, and assess social programs. Topics include understanding the principles and types of evaluation, creating logic models, and conducting both formative and summative evaluations. Students will explore needs assessment, data collection methods, survey design, and ethics in evaluation. The course emphasizes analyzing and interpreting data, measuring program impact, and communicating findings effectively. Students will also learn to use evaluation results to improve program design and implementation, ensuring sustainability and accountability.
SOCW 6306: Policy & Advocacy in Higher Education
Provides students with the skills to critically analyze, navigate, and advocate within the complex landscape of higher education policy. Topics include key federal, state, institutional, department, and classroom level policies that shape the academic environment. Students will explore advocacy at multiple levels- in the classroom, in the institution, in the community, and legislative and will be equipped with tools to engage in policy analysis, development, and reform. Special attention will be paid to the intersections of equity, inclusion, access, and social justice within higher education policy, as well as the role of social work educators in influencing institutional and legislative change.
SOCW 6307: Advanced Social Work Supervision & Leadership
This course equips students with practical skills to lead, mentor, and supervise in clinical, educational, and social service agency settings. It covers core leadership principles, supervision models, management techniques, interprofessional collaboration, and strategic planning for organizational development. Through real-world applications, the course emphasizes leadership in decision-making, ethical practice, and technological innovation across social work contexts.
SOCW 6310: Education I: Introduction to Social Work Andragogy & Curriculum Development
This foundational course equips aspiring educators with the knowledge and skills to prepare to teach social work students. The course introduces students to the world of academia as they begin to develop a strong teaching identity as social work educators. Students will explore key concepts such as the history and signature andragogies of social work education, adult learning theories, teaching philosophies, curriculum design, and building inclusive, accessible, & decolonized learning environments. Students will learn to design a comprehensive syllabus and utilize teaching resources and mentorship.
SOCW 6311: Capstone Proposal
This course is designed to guide students through the conceptualization of their two-part capstone project. Students will identify a relevant social work issue, conduct an informal review of the literature, and develop research questions aligned with their chosen area of focus. The course previews the capstone process, project objectives, methodology, and outcomes. By the end of the course, students will produce a formal capstone proposal for parts I and II of their capstone that integrates advanced social work theory, ethics, and practice, preparing them for the next phase of their doctoral project.
SOCW 6313: Education II: Implementing Effective Teaching Practices
This course focuses on practical teaching methods and classroom management strategies for social work educators. Topics include engaging students, building a sense of belonging, and utilizing various teaching methods, such as lectures, discussions, group work, and experiential education. Students will explore giving effective feedback, using technology in the classroom, and managing both in-person and online environments. Emphasizing self-reflection and growth, the course also covers contributing to the field through trainings, publishing, conferences, and preparing for an academic career.
SOCW 6314: Capstone I: Evidence Synthesis
Guides students through the process of conducting a comprehensive and systematic review of the existing literature on a specific social work topic of the student’s choosing. The course focuses on data extraction, evaluating sources, synthesizing findings, and identifying research gaps. Students will produce a complete systematic literature review manuscript.
SOCW 6315: Applied Teaching Practicum
Introduces students to the academic instructor role through in-person or online teaching practice in social work or related field at either the graduate (MSW) or undergraduate level. Students will serve as a real course instructor at UTA or another pre-approved institution.
SOCW 6316: Capstone II: Applied Project
Focuses on the execution of an advanced, practice-based project that addresses a real-world social work issue in a clinical, leadership, or social work education setting. Students will apply research findings and theories from their Capstone I work to develop and implement a significant project within their practice setting. By the end, students will present their applied project in an online showcase, demonstrating mastery as a scholar-practitioner.