Academic Program Proposal

Date Proposal Activated	Institution and Proposal	Degree Awarded	Academic Program Name	Objection Deadline	MHEC Final Action	Final Decision Date
	University of Maryland, Baltimore Proposal	Doctor of Social Work (D.S.W.)	Social Work	9/29/2024	WITHDRAWN	9/30/2024
Social Work Program Description
The University of Maryland School of Social Work (SSW) proposes a new Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree for individuals possessing a master&#39;s in social work (MSW) <br>with at least two years of clinical practice experience. The DSW is an advanced practice doctorate that promotes skills in clinical treatment methods, supervision of social work practitioners, leadership, and classroom teaching. The DSW differs from the Ph.D. in Social Work because it emphasizes the day-to-day practice of clinical social work in the community rather than research and knowledge building (Anastasi, 2012). The DSW <br>aligns with workforce needs, and it is noteworthy that other health professions have already developed clinical doctorates to meet similar training needs. For example, advanced clinical degrees at the doctoral level are seen in nursing (CRNP), occupational therapy (OT), pharmacy (PharmD), psychology (PsyD), physical therapy (DPT), physician assistant (DMSc) and nutrition (DSN). For each of these professions, the need <br>for skilled clinicians and educators is addressed by creating practice-focused doctorates. The DSW will fill this need for the profession of Social Work. In turn, these highly trained <br>social work professionals will provide improved and comprehensive behavioral health care services to Marylanders and excellent educational experiences for social work trainees.