The Fate of the Master’s in Social Work (MSW) Degree: Will the Practice Doctorate Replace It as the Profession’s Flagship Credential?

Abstract

ABSTRACT As the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) begins to approve accreditation standards for programs granting practice doctorates, it is unclear as to what implications accreditation of these programs will have on the Master’s in Social Work (MSW) degree. This article examines threats to the MSW by comparing the evolution of social work education to that of allied professions, as well as identifying market conditions of supply and demand that have dramatically increased the competition for students. Universities will be likely to view practice doctorate (DSW) programs as ways to distinguish themselves in order to attract more students. Recognizing the DSW as the terminal practice degree could elevate the educational requirements of social workers to be comparable to allied professionals, as well as improve public perceptions of social workers’ education and training. There likely will be high demand for DSWs in the future as social workers look to distinguish themselves, and universities seek new sources of revenue. Hence, it is an important juncture in the history of social work education and decisions must be made carefully. There are valid concerns about the prospective value and utility of MSW degrees once DSWs proliferate. In this context, recommendations for DSW accreditation standards are provided and suggestions for the future of social work education are presented.