doctor-of-social-work-hero-admissions

We are excited to share that the Doctor of Social Work (DSW) Program at FAU School of Social Work admits a new cohort every Fall semester. Applications are available online.

Upcoming Information Sessions

Applicants are being highly advised to attend one of our DSW information sessions prior to applying to the program. Please email the DSW Program Coordinator, Dr. Dani Groton, at dgroton@fau.edu for dates and registration information for upcoming information sessions. 

Admissions Criteria to the DSW Program*:

  • Master’s of Social Work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. For international applicants an MSW from a school accredited by a CSWE equivalent accrediting organization.
  • A grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher from the applicant’s MSW program.
  • Minimum of 3 years of post-MSW experience.
  • For Foreign Applicants: TOEFL Score of 600 or IBT of 92-93.
  • A personal statement describing the applicant’s goals for the Doctorate in Social Work as well as possible research questions or area of inquiry that the applicant would like to investigate in their proposed capstone project.
  • A current social work license, license eligibility, or registration as a social work intern or its equivalent (in social work only).
  • Three recommendations (which are submitted via the online application process – at least two of the recommendations should be from advanced-level practitioners or educators (i.e., L.C.S.W., Psy.D., D.N.P., Ph.D., Nurse Practitioner, L.M.H.C., L.M.F.T., M.D.).
  • Current résumé or CV.
  • Zoom interview as requested by the admissions committee.
  • Students will have a criminal background check, completed upon admission.

* Meeting minimal standards does not guarantee admission. The total application packet will be considered in making admission decisions. Highly promising applicants who do not precisely meet the GPA admission requirements may petition the DSW Admission Committee for exceptional consideration. 


Cohorts are admitted each year in the Fall semester. The application deadline for the Fall 2024 cohort is February 1, 2024, for international students and March 1st, 2024, for domestic applicants. Notification of admission decisions will begin in May of 2024.

If accepted for admission into the DSW program, all incoming students are required to  complete an asynchronous onboarding program and attend a DSW orientation conducted during the week prior to the beginning of the fall term classes. Failure to complete the onboarding program and attend this orientation session will result in admission deferment to the following year.

For any specific questions about the program or to RSVP for one of the information sessions please contact Dr. Dani Groton at dgroton@fau.edu.


Graduate Admission Advisement

For questions about admission into the DSW program, please contact Damon Davis (Doctoral Program Graduate Advisor) at swcjgradvising@fau.edu or (561) 297-2316.