phd in social work vs dsw

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Home / Social Work Degrees / Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) Degree Programs Online / DSW vs. Ph.D. in Social Work

DSW vs. Ph.D. in Social Work: What’s the Difference?

If you hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree or are a current MSW student, you may be considering earning your Doctor of Social Work (DSW) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in social work. While both are doctoral degrees that may help advance your social work career, they have some differences. This guide discusses the DSW versus the Ph.D. in social work and the roles you may expect to take on with either degree.

What Is the Difference?

The difference between a DSW and a Ph.D. in social work lies in the tenets of the program: practice versus theory.  A DSW program focuses on social work practice, supervision and applied research, whereas a Ph.D. program’s emphasis is scholarly and theoretical research and educational practices. While it is common for Ph.D. programs to focus on rigorous research methods, a DSW program may or may not include some research elements.

Which Degree Is Right for Me?

Your personal and professional goals may help inform whether a DSW or a Ph.D. degree in  social work  is right for you. 

The ideal candidate for a DSW may seek to extend their work as a licensed social worker in the areas of social service leadership and management. A DSW may provide you the knowledge and skills to work in different roles such as social work administrator, social and community service manager, or advanced practice clinical social worker. 

A potential candidate for a Ph.D. program is one who may desire to influence the future of social work through education and research. This doctoral level of education may offer you opportunities to conduct research on real-world issues and teach tomorrow’s social workers. 

As a licensed social worker with a doctoral degree, whether it be a DSW or Ph.D., your fight for social justice and the improvement of the lives of people and communities around the globe is crucial for the welfare of society today and generations to come. The  need for social workers continues to rise , as evidenced by a projected growth rate of 13% from 2019 to 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). 

Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)

For students seeking a DSW degree, schools of social work may offer on-campus DSW programs. However, if you cannot attend on-campus classes or need flexibility in your schedule, there are several  online DSW programs  that you can complete in two to three years. Though ideal career paths may vary from student to student, specializations may include addiction and social work, clinical expertise, criminal justice, family studies,  medical social work , social work policy, and  social work administration , as well as disaster, crisis, and intervention. It may be worthwhile to review each specialization and see if it could align with your objectives.

Although requirements for entry into a Doctorate of Social Work program vary, they may include:

• A  master’s in social work  from an accredited institution (Some programs permit students with a master’s in an associated field like psychology from an accredited college.)
• Transcripts 
• G.P.A. of a least 3.0
• Letters of recommendation
• Field-related work experience

Coursework will likely vary from program to program. However, students can expect to use existing research and data, social work best practices, ethical decision making and advanced theory to promote prevention or intervention strategies that address the needs of a social group or social problem as they progress their education. Some programs offer various specializations, such as criminal justice and policy practice, that may help you meet your goals. A DSW dissertation, capstone research project and in-person residency are components that students are often required to complete. 

Simmons University

Simmons school of social work (ssw).

Simmons University offers an online Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) — MSW required; no GRE required. The program prepares you to become a well-rounded scholar-practitioner through a curriculum focused on three key areas: inclusive leadership, advanced clinical practice, and teaching and education.

• Complete in less than two years full time or less than three years part time 
• MSW required; three years post-MSW work experience required
• No GRE scores required

info SPONSORED

Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (Ph.D.)

A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in social work may be an ideal pathway for students interested in a career in research or academia. Though  social work career paths  vary person to person, this degree may offer specializations such as mental health, children and families, or substance abuse. The choice is yours to make:Ensure you review the types of specializations available to see if they may align with your career goals or ideal job placements. Like the DSW, you can find  Ph.D. in social work degree programs  offered as on-campus or online formats. Whether you attend full time or part time, you may spend three to five years completing your degree.

Requirements for admission to a Ph.D. in social work program vary; however, the following are common:

• A master’s degree in social work from an accredited school (Some programs accept a master’s in a related field from an accredited institution.)
• Transcript and GPA
• Resume and relevant work experience
• Writing samples

The curriculum of a Ph.D. in social work program varies between schools. However, students may expect a Ph.D. program to focus on advanced research methods and applying those skills in the real world. Some may offer research opportunities with faculty and institutes in nearby areas to focus on topics including child welfare, poverty, mental health services, addiction, gambling, health, and violence against women and children. Typical coursework may include policy, teaching methods, theory, proposal development and statistics. A dissertation is sometimes a requirement for a Ph.D. in social work.

Once you understand the differences between a DSW and a Ph.D. in social work, you can begin to ascertain what career options interest you. However, you may still have questions. We’ve covered some below for your research.

A Ph.D. in social work may allow a graduate to specialize in an area of interest and take on a role as researcher, educator, administrator or policy-maker. As a Ph.D. holder, your education and experience prepare you to shape the future of social work through an advanced position in higher education or a research-oriented or nonprofit organization.   

DSW graduates may find employment in health care facilities, clinical settings and social work organizations, among others. Professionals with a Doctor of Social Work degree may pursue careers such as social work administrators, social or community service managers, advanced practice social workers or nonprofit directors.

Education is an investment of both time and money. It is you who must decide the value of a Ph.D. in social work. While not an ideal path for all students, you should only consider accredited institutions to ensure their programs meet the highest level of quality and hold to rigorous practice standards for those who opt for this advanced degree.

Last updated in December 2020.

Earning A Doctorate In Social Work

Updated: Jan 2, 2024, 5:52am

Earning a doctorate in social work offers opportunities to advance your career by gaining further training in a specific area. In this article, we discuss the difference between a Doctor of Social Work (D.S.W.) and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in social work, discuss specializations available for doctorate programs and provide examples of social work career options.

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Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for a Ph.D. in social work or a D.S.W. vary depending on the school and program. Doctorate programs typically require applicants to hold a master’s degree in social work and/or have up to three years of related post-graduate professional work experience. Doctoral applicants are commonly required to submit all postsecondary transcripts, GRE scores, letters of recommendation and meet a minimum GPA.

Ph.D. in Social Work vs. a D.S.W.: Which is Right for You?

Both a Ph.D. in social work and a D.S.W. can help advance your career and potentially increase your salary as a social worker . The fundamental difference between the two is the focus of the programs.

A D.S.W. program focuses on supervision, applied research and social practice at the leadership and/or management level. A Ph.D. program emphasizes scholarly and theoretical research and educational practices. Deciding which is right for you depends on your professional career goals and research interests.

What is a Ph.D. in Social Work?

Earning a Ph.D. in social work is suited for those interested in working for research-oriented organizations or in higher education. Some social workers holding a Ph.D. end up involved with community organization, policy or working for nonprofit organizations. However, earning a Ph.D. might limit your job prospects if your career goals shift beyond the realms of research, scholarship and education. A Ph.D. in social work requires a large time commitment and often takes between three to four years to complete.

What is a D.S.W.?

A D.S.W. is an applied degree that spends more time training students with advanced clinical application of social work practice. This degree assists professionals in developing and improving their practice, including working at the leadership or management level.

Specializations for Doctorate in Social Work Programs

Doctorate programs in social work provide advanced training in specialized areas of practice and may focus on a specific population, such as children, women or refugees, or on particular social issues such as trauma, poverty or housing. Below are some examples of specializations available for candidates to choose from:

Advanced Clinical Practice and Supervision

The advanced clinical practice and supervision specialization allows candidates to develop their leadership skills and prepares them for advanced clinical supervision, instruction and practice management. These advanced practitioners play a critical role in delivering the best care across various social work settings and work environments.

Social Work Education

Ph.D. programs can be well-suited for social workers interested in working within the education sector, especially those interested in becoming a researcher or educator. An education specialization provides opportunities to learn quantitative analysis, teaching methodologies, and survey and research methods.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse

A specialization in mental health and substance abuse prepares social workers who work with clients who have substance and behavioral addiction and/or mental health-related issues. Students can expect to learn the best practices and techniques for assisting their clients, addiction psychology and treatment, and family studies.

Disaster, Crisis and Intervention

A disaster, crisis and intervention specialization allows students to learn about the theories and strategies available for addressing various societal challenges and meeting the basic needs of a community in an emergency. Study of psychological disorders, crisis intervention and counseling, and an examination of behaviors and actions following disaster are just a few examples of themes this specialization emphasizes. Doctoral students often develop solution-oriented and action-driven projects to address hypothetical and/or real situations affecting communities.

Career Options for a Doctorate in Social Work

Social worker.

Social workers work with individuals, groups and communities to provide the support they need to overcome and improve difficult situations. They assist their clients in facing various challenges, such as substance addiction, unemployment or abuse.

Clinical Social Worker

Clinical social workers handle the prevention, assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mental illness and emotional and behavioral-related problems. Treatment modalities include individual and group or family therapy. While social workers’ and therapists’ roles differ, clinical social workers can provide counseling treatment and certain types of therapy under the supervision of a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist.

Clinical Director

The role of a clinical director can vary depending on the work setting; however, their job responsibilities often encompass a combination of administrative management and human resources. They provide leadership to healthcare teams and oversee facilities to ensure organizations run effectively and efficiently.

Clinical directors develop, implement and supervise patient care programs and administrative operations. They strategize outstanding service and growth opportunities according to the organization’s standards and manage budgeting and resourcing responsibilities.

Social Work Professor

Experienced professionals interested in imparting the knowledge and insight they’ve accumulated throughout their career to aspiring social workers can become a professor after obtaining their doctoral degree. A critical component of being a professor is consistently publishing work in peer-reviewed scholarly journals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between d.s.w. and ph.d..

A D.S.W. program prepares students for careers in advanced social work practice, applied research and leadership. A Ph.D. prepares students for careers in academia and focuses more on research methods and teaching methodology. A D.S.W. is an applied degree, whereas a Ph.D. is an academic degree.

What are the benefits of getting a doctorate in social work?

Earning a doctorate in social work is a highly respected distinction that provides advanced training in a specialized practice within your area of interest. Obtaining a doctorate in social work can expand your career opportunities, increase your earning potential and qualify you for leadership and advanced administrative roles.

How long does it take to earn a D.S.W.?

It can take between two to five years to earn a D.S.W. The length of D.S.W. programs can vary depending on the program and school, and the course load taken each semester.

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What is the difference between a DSW and a Ph.D. in social work?

If you hold an MSW, or a master of social work degree, you may be interested in taking the next academic step and pursuing a doctorate in social work.

Social work doctoral programs are typically offered in two formats:

• Ph.D. in social work
• DSW (doctor of social work)

The Ph.D. and DSW are both social work doctoral programs that allow graduates to gain more specialized knowledge in the field and pursue different job opportunities.

Students may struggle with deciding which of these two doctoral degrees in social work is the better option.

By laying out the basics, we can discover the difference between them and determine which program is the right fit for you.

What is a Ph.D. in social work?

A Ph.D. in social work is a doctoral program focused on research, education, social work policy, administration, and planning.

With a Ph.D. in social work , graduates are well-equipped to contribute to the ongoing academic conversation around social work through in-depth research and leadership skills.

A Ph.D. in social work elevates professionals in the field and develops key skill sets. Ph.D. programs in social work often maintain a focus on:

• Evaluating social work methodologies
• Conducting personal research in social work
• Applying public research to contemporary issues
• Assessing and synthesizing social work practices, interventions, and theories

Common career paths for graduates with a Ph.D. in social work include:

• Training and development manager
• Social work educator or professor

What is a DSW, or doctor of social work?

A doctor of social work degree, or DSW, offers students advanced training and practice in the field of social work. This education may involve research work but typically focuses on the application of social work principles and theory into leadership roles.

Common career paths for graduates with a DSW include:

• Human services director
• School social worker
• Social work administrator
• Advanced practice social worker
• Nonprofit executive or administrator

The difference between a DSW and a Ph.D. in Social Work

While both result in doctoral degrees, there are some key distinctions between a DSW and Ph.D. in social work, including:

• A Ph.D. in social work focuses more on developing students as researchers in the field. In contrast, a DSW is more practice oriented, focusing on clinical practice or social work applications.
• A DSW prepares the student for administrative and leadership roles in the field, while a Ph.D. prepares the student for roles in academia in social work.

While both degrees hold many similarities, these are the most fundamental differences between them. Understanding these differences—and the most common resulting career paths—can help a student make the best choice for their education.

Interested in pursuing a graduate degree in social work? Saybrook University’s Integrative Social Work Ph.D. program combines the time-honored traditions of social work with the values of social justice and social transformation. Learn more here.

Should I Seek the MSW, PhD or DSW for a Career in Social Work?

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Unlike many fields, social work has several graduate degree options. Many applicants considering careers in social work wonder which degree is right for them. 

MSW Careers

While bachelor's degree holders in social work are employed in social work settings and work alongside social workers in many therapeutic roles, they must be supervised by MSW-level supervisors.  In this sense, the MSW is the standard entry requirement for most social work positions. Advancement to supervisor, program manager, assistant director, or executive director of a social service agency or department requires a graduate degree, at minimum an MSW, and experience. With an MSW a social worker may engage research, advocacy, and consulting. Social workers who go into private practice require, at a minimum, an MSW, supervised work experience, and state certification.

MSW Programs

Master’s degree programs in social work prepare graduates for work in a specialized field, such as with children and families, adolescents, or the elderly. MSW students learn how to perform clinical assessments, supervise others, and manage large caseloads. Master’s programs generally require 2 years of study and include a minimum of 900 hours of supervised field instruction or internship. A part-time program may take 4 years. Seek programs that are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education to ensure that the graduate program you choose will provide an appropriate education and meet state requirements for licensure and certification. The Council on Social Work Education accredits over 180 master’s programs.

Doctoral Social Work Programs

Social work applicants have two choices of doctoral degrees: the DSW and the Ph.D. A doctorate in social work (DSW) prepares graduates for the most advanced jobs, such as administration, supervision, and staff training positions. Generally speaking, the DSW is an applied degree in the sense that it prepares DSW holders for roles in practice settings as administrators, trainers, and evaluators. The Ph.D. in social work is a research degree. In other words, similar to the PsyD and  Ph.D. (degrees in psychology) , the DSW and Ph.D. differ with regard to an emphasis on practice vs research. The DSW emphasizes training in practice, so graduates become expert practitioners, whereas the Ph.D. emphasizes research, training graduates for careers in research and teaching. College and university teaching positions and most research appointments generally require a Ph.D. and sometimes a DSW degree.

Licensure and Certification

All States and the District of Columbia have licensing, certification, or registration requirements regarding social work practice and the use of professional titles. Although standards for licensing vary by State, most require completion of an exam plus 2 years (3,000 hours) of supervised clinical experience for licensure of clinical social workers.  The Association of Social Work Boards provides information about licensure for all states and the District of Columbia.

In addition, the National Association of Social Workers offers voluntary credentials to MSW holders, such as the Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW), the Qualified Clinical Social Worker (QCSW), or the Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW) credential, based on their professional experience. Certification is a marker of experience, and is particularly important for social workers in private practice; some health insurance providers require certification for reimbursement.

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The difference between a PhD in social work and Doctor of Social Work

January 11, 2017

What’s the difference between a PhD in Social Work and a DSW?

Generally speaking, a PhD prepares you to teach, while a professional doctorate is more geared toward a professional career.

If you currently hold a Master’s of Social Work (MSW) degree and are wondering how you can make a bigger impact, you may be considering a PhD or a doctorate. So which is right for you? The following information may help you decide.

What’s the difference?

PhD in Social Work :  A doctor of philosophy heavily emphasizes research and educational practices. Graduates of PhD in Social Work programs typically seek careers as an academic researcher or professor.

Doctor of Social Work : A professional doctorate emphasizes social work practice, applied research, and leadership. DSW graduates typically seek careers as social service leadership and administration or as an extension of their social work practice as a licensed social worker.

Many universities offer either the DSW or the PhD in Social Work.

Capella university’s DSW program

Capella offers a  Doctor of Social Work program , one of the few DSW degree programs available online. It’s designed around national doctoral social work guidelines, and offers a strong focus on leadership, advanced practitioner skills, and the growing use of technology to expand the reach and effectiveness of social service programs.

The program includes coursework, in-person residencies, and a capstone project.

Online coursework –  Curriculum teaches critical thinking, research methods, and the integration of degree knowledge with practical experience. Core courses include:

• Advanced Social Work Practice: Theoretical Perspectives
• Leadership and Management in Complex Social Systems
• Advanced Social Work Policy and Practice
• Clinical Theories of Social Work Practice 1 & 2
• Advanced Social Work Practice with Diverse Populations in Complex Systems
• Advanced Social Work Practitioner as a Leader of Social Change

Doctoral research seminars with in-person residency –  As part of the program requirements, you’ll complete two doctoral research seminars. These seminars are designed to prepare you for your capstone early in the process. Each begins with an online course, followed by an in-person residency, where you’ll engage with faculty and peers to develop your research plan.

Capstone –  A doctoral capstone is intended to extend or apply research to solve a real-world problem and advance the practice in the field. Although similar in scope and rigor to a dissertation, the final deliverable can take various formats.

Learn more about Capella’s Doctor of Social Work degree program .

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College of Social and Behavioral Health: Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

• College of Social and Behavioral Health
• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
• Master of Social Work (MSW)
• Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

Learning Outcomes

Minimum degree requirements, course sequence.

• Doctoral Writing Assessment

8-Year Maximum Time Frame

• PhD in Social Work
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• MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• MS in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
• MS in School Counseling
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Program Website  

The Doctor of Social Work (DSW) is a postgraduate program designed to prepare students as advanced practitioners who employ action research to design, implement, and assess social work and social welfare programs and policies for suitability for the diverse needs of families, communities, and society. This program may prepare students to design culturally and contextually relevant social services; mentor others in their efforts to provide social services to individuals, communities, and society; and provide leadership and advocacy in the social work profession regarding needs of individuals and communities with schools, governments, health services, criminal justice systems, and mental health organizations.

The DSW program specifically differs from the PhD in Social Work because the development and training in the DSW is focused on providing advanced development for the practitioner-scholar. The PhD program is focused on developing scholar-practitioners for service as researchers, agency leaders, policy analysts, and educators.

At the end of this program, graduates will be able to:

• Identify social work practice gaps through the use of theory, current research, and best practices.
• Demonstrate the ability to employ a variety of research approaches to understand or address social work practice problems.
• Synthesize research related to social work interventions, social programs, and the social work practice knowledge base.
• Critically evaluate social problems and social work practice gaps from a culturally aware, ethical, and empirically driven perspective.
• Demonstrate the ability to collaborate with a variety of stakeholders to advocate for social change.
• Demonstrate the ability to collaborate with a variety of stakeholders to advocate for policies and practices that advance the economic and social well-being of culturally diverse clientele.
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge and skill in a specialized area of social work practice.
• Professional Development Plan
• Foundation course (3 credits)
• Core courses (25 credits)
• Research courses (15 credits)
• Specialization courses (15 credits)
• Building Doctoral Socialization and Competency (1 credits per term for five terms)
• Doctoral Study Action Research Project (5 credits per term; taken continuously until completion)
• Quarter Plans
• One residency

Foundation Course (3 credits)

Core courses (25 credits), research courses (10 credits).

• Students may take this as a non-degree course.

And  choose one course from the following:

Advanced Research Course (5 credits)

• Students may take this a non-degree course.

Specialization Courses (15 credits)

These courses are dependent upon the particular specialization. Please see the course list on each specialization page. Changing specializations may increase a student’s expected time-to-degree completion and cost.

Specialization in Advanced Clinical Practice and Supervision

Specialization in impact leadership in social work administration, specialization in social work education, specializations not currently accepting new students, specialization in addictions and social work (not currently accepting new students), specialization in clinical expertise (not currently accepting new students), specialization in criminal justice (not currently accepting new students), specialization in disaster, crisis, and intervention (not currently accepting new students), specialization in family studies and intervention (not currently accepting new students), specialization in medical social work (not currently accepting new students), specialization in policy practice (not currently accepting new students), specialization in social work administration (not currently accepting new students), residency requirements.

• Complete one residency as soon as you begin your program;  required before you begin your second research course (RSCH 8210 OR RSCH 8310).

Completion of the Doctoral Capstone Research Project

Building doctoral socialization and competency.

(5 credits; continuously enrolled in 1 credits per term for a minimum of five terms until completion)

Capstone Research Course

(5 credits per term for a minimum of three terms; taken continuously until completion)

Students undertake courses in the following sequence.

*Students take this course for a minimum of three quarters and are continuously enrolled until completion of their dissertation with final chief academic officer (CAO) approval. In general, students are continuously registered in the dissertation course until they complete their dissertation, and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation course shell.

Students who start or readmit to doctoral programs at Walden University in the university catalog for academic year 2017 or later will complete the university’s required  doctoral writing assessment . Designed to evaluate incoming doctoral students’ writing skills, this assessment aims to help prepare incoming doctoral students to meet the university’s expectations for writing at the doctoral level.

Students have up to 8 years to complete their doctoral degree requirements (see  Enrollment Requirements  in the student handbook). Students may petition to extend the 8-year maximum time frame, but an extension is not guaranteed.

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• PsyD vs PhD

Social Work DSW vs PsyD Degree Differences

The MSW or Master of Social Work is typically considered a terminal degree in social work, but there are two major choices for social workers who want to obtain a doctoral degree: Doctor of Social Work (DSW) or  Psy.D., which is a doctoral degree in psychology . Both degrees provide you with the skills to help people with a variety of personal and mental health problems. But there are some differences between the degrees that we should highlight here.

What Is a Doctor of Social Work?

At the top of the social work, the profession is the DSW. This degree allows students almost unlimited choices in the human services field, and especially in social work agencies. No other type of social work degree provides you the same prestige, versatility, and recognition of status, or the ability to make a large income. With a DSW, you generally have your choice of the agency to work in and in which leadership role. This is a professional doctorate that stresses social work practice, applied research and leadership. DSW graduates usually want social service leadership roles.

SEE ALSO:   5+ Online DSW with No GRE Requirement

If you are interested in studying social work in a clinical setting, having the DSW gives you the credibility that you need to build a staff of researchers and to develop your own research program. If you desire to teach in college, having your DSW will help you to train the next generation of up and coming social workers.

Some of the potential occupations you may work in with a DSW are:

• Mental health social worker
• Clinical social workers
• Social and community service manager
• Nonprofit director
• Social work administrator
• Human services administrator
• Professor of social work
• School or university social worker

With a DSW, you have the training of a clinical social worker, which gives you the skills to treat mental, health, behavioral and emotional disorders. They offer individual, group, family and couples therapy. A difference between a DSW holder and a Psy.D. holder is you will typically refer your clients to other resources in the community, including support groups and other mental health professionals.

Remember, social workers, focus on working with families and individuals to improve life quality. They need to have a complete understanding of human development and behavior to work with their patients, with the goal to build a stronger community. Social workers with a DSW help their clients to overcome their personal challenges to help them to hone skills they need to succeed in life.

Salary and Job Demand  for Doctor of Social Work

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median salary for social workers is $47,980, but note that the top 10% with a master’s or doctoral degree can earn more than $79,700 per year. ( BLS.gov ). Payscale.com states the average salary for a DWS holder is $100,000 per year. ( Payscale.com ). Some of the specific jobs and salaries that site lists with a DSW are:

• CEO of Nonprofit Organization: $127,300
• Executive Director, HR: $128,000
• Program Director, Nonprofit: $99,500

SEE ALSO:  Salary Outlook with Ph.D. in Social Work

The Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports strong job demand for people with advanced social work degrees. Overall employment in this field will rise by a strong 16% through 2026. Strong demand for healthcare and social services will increase demand for social workers. Plus, demand for healthcare social workers will rise by 20% through 2026, which is much faster than average. Healthcare social workers are needed to assist aging populations and their families to adjust to new medications, treatments and lifestyles. ( BLS.gov ).

What Is a Psy.D. of Psychology?

The Doctor of Psychology degree, known best as a Psy.D., is a professional practice doctoral degree that prepares you to practice psychology in a private setting so you can become a licensed counseling or clinical psychologist. After licensure, they are qualified to deliver psychological services to groups, individuals and organizations. The majority of Psy.D. programs require you to prepare a dissertation.

SEE ALSO:   Best Accredited Online PsyD Degree Programs

The Psy.D. differs from the Ph.D. in that the former is an applied degree that is focused clinically and stresses counseling and therapy to help people in a counseling or clinical setting. The Ph.D. is largely focused on academic research and scholarly publications.

As with social workers, a psychologist works with people who are having problems in their lives, but they tend to work more with individual patients, rather than families and groups. When you see a psychologist, you may undergo extensive psychological testing and counseling. The major goal of the psychologist is to do diagnostic testing for mental illness and to offer psychotherapy services.

Salary and Job Demand for Psy.D.

The career path for Psy.D. holders is also excellent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics or BLS reports the median wage for all psychologists is $77,000. The top 10% with a postgraduate degree earn more than $124,000 per year. ( BLS.gov ). Payscale.com also reports the average psychologist’s salary is $74,566, with a range of $46,000 to $112,000. ( Payscale.com ).

The job outlook for all psychologists is also strong, with 14% growth expected through 2026, which is faster than other professions. Demand for clinical and counseling psychologists will rise as people are continuing to turn to psychologists for help with their mental health problems as they age. ( BLS.gov ).

Both the DSW and Psy.D. are excellent postgraduate degree programs. The DSW is focused on helping the individual, family and group on a larger social context, which the Psy.D. is centered on providing individual clinical or counseling therapy to help that individual to overcome their problems. Both are worthy goals and careers that pay well. The choice comes down to which type of psychological approach that you prefer in your career.

• Social Workers. (2017). Retrieved from  https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm
• Social Worker Salary. (2017). Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm#tab-6
• Psychologists Salary. (2017). Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm#tab-5
• 17 Best Things You Can Do with an MSW Degree. (2019). Retrieved from  https://psydprograms.org/best-things-to-do-with-an-msw-degree/

Four Questions To Ask Yourself Before Pursuing a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) Degree

Photo credit: BigStockPhoto/Dzmitry Dzemidovich

Back to School Cost

by Melissa Hagan-Nelson, MSSW, Quentin Powell, MSW, LCSW, LCASA, and Amee Ramsey, MSW, LCSW

     Pursuing an advanced degree can be extremely aspirational. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2022), the median annual wage for social workers was $50,390 in May 2021. The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides additional insight that the lowest 10 percent of social workers earned less than $36,520 while the upper 10 percent earned more than $82.840. Pursuing a doctoral level degree in social work can increase a person’s income even further.

     Having more income is great, but is that a true reason to pursue an advanced degree? For social workers, it is just as important to understand the why when considering furthering your education, as well as other aspects that this article will offer in the form of questions. The four questions were developed based on our experiences and are derived from the concepts of purpose, type of education, feasibility, and affordability. We believe they are worth considering before pursuing a post-graduate degree, specifically with a DSW in mind.

Question 1: Why Do I Want a DSW?

     What is your why for pursuing a DSW degree? Some people who pursue their DSW think about working in higher education, with the goal of either tenure or non-tenure track positions. Some people think about working for their local government or directing nonprofit organizations. No matter what a person’s career path is, having a purpose for pursuing your DSW can make a difference in how successful you feel as you make your way through a DSW program.

     Looking at the purpose of a DSW program is important, too. Will the program support your purpose of making mental health accessible to all people, determining best practices for children in vulnerable communities, or exploring the impact of casinos on communities? It does make a difference what type of education you receive if you know why you are pursuing a DSW degree.

Question 2: Is a DSW Right for Me?

     Your personal and professional goals will help you decide whether you should pursue a DSW or a PhD in social work. Although both a PhD and a DSW program will lead to a doctoral degree, the path you choose will determine what future careers you will be able to pursue after graduation (Middleton, 2022).

     If you want to shape the future of social work via instruction and designing and conducting research, a PhD may be the best choice for you. A DSW degree, on the other hand, is more practical in nature. Rather than emphasizing philosophy, ideology, and research, a DSW degree is focused on enhancing your clinical and/or social work leadership abilities. Professionals with a DSW may pursue careers such as advanced practice social workers; nonprofit directors; and social work administrators in health care facilities, institutions, clinical settings, and social or community service organizations. A DSW will enable you to take your Master of Social Work (MSW) education and skills to the next level.

Photo credit: BigStockPhoto/iqoncept

     Depending on your chosen track, clinical or leadership and administration, DSW coursework is tailored to fulfill your personal and professional goals (The Dissertation Success Coaching Team, 2022). At the end of your program, you will be required to demonstrate the expertise acquired from your studies. The university that you attend will determine the final demonstration of knowledge.

     Examples of final projects may include a dissertation or a capstone project. A dissertation is a lengthy piece of scholarly writing based on an identified research question that the student develops, implements, and evaluates. Abbreviated material from the dissertation may be submitted to journals for publication.

     A capstone project is a research assignment that is similar to a dissertation, but the goal is to use or extend the research to provide a solution to a real-world problem. As you explore universities and programs, take note of which culminating project you will be required to complete, as one may be more feasible for you. Remember that your blood, sweat, and tears will go into this project, so be sure you are in a program that is best suited for you.

Question 3: Do I Have the Time To Go Back to School for a DSW?

     It is now time to consider the commitments involved with obtaining a DSW degree. You will offer your time, talent, and treasure for the entirety of the program. Let’s start with time and talent. Social workers who consider a DSW program will most likely have employment obligations. Social workers also have obligations to important relationships and their communities. These obligations are an investment of time. A DSW program is going to add obligations and take time.

     Remember all the requirements you experienced in an MSW program—they will increase. There will be reading, writing, researching topics, attending class, participating on discussion boards, social justice advocacy, and other requirements the school of social work determines to ensure rigor in academic and professional pursuits. Did we mention reading? There is a lot of reading. We also commit to offering our talents to our DSW programs.

     Social work is a demanding discipline. Most social workers strive to set healthy boundaries around work. A DSW program is about expanding our practice of social work, so our practice will be in more environments lending to feeling stretched.

     A final consideration, regarding feasibility, is the delivery of the program. Will the program be online only, in-person only, or a hybrid model? Is there an in-person residency requirement? Depending on life circumstances, one of these may be a better fit for you. We must make sure we are ready to offer our time and talents to a DSW program. A critical reason to make sure we are ready is that there is a commitment of our treasures.

Question 4: Can I Afford a DSW?

     Social workers who have obtained an MSW are aware that higher education has costs, in many ways. There is a financial burden to returning to school. A prospective student can expect total tuition to range from $38,000 to $90,000 (Middleton, 2022). If we are attempting to pay off previous student loans, the thought of additional educational costs can seem overwhelming. Social workers must decide if the cost-benefit analysis works in their favor. It is helpful to implement critical thinking skills when determining the benefits of a DSW. 

     There are avenues for financial support. Higher education institutions may offer school-based scholarships, teaching fellowships, and/or graduate assistantships to help reduce the cost of tuition. We encourage you to explore tuition reimbursement from your employer. Another consideration is the varied costs between online-only programs, in-person, and hybrid programs. As you set forth to offer your time, talent, and treasure, it is imperative to find the program that is right for you. Being mindful of the cost is especially important because you will be extending yourself and it will deplete you.

     Self-care is vital for social workers. It is so essential that the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) added self-care to the Code of Ethics (2021). The NASW determined that self-care is a part of ethical practice and necessary to support the values of social work.

     A recap of the considerations we hope you take away from this article are:

• In a profession where we often focus more on giving than the money we receive, your purpose for pursuing this degree must always remain top-of-mind.
• Choose a program that will align with your needs and will advance your professional goals.
• You will be adding responsibilities and commitments. It is imperative that you know what you can add to your already full plate.
• Education is an investment. You must weigh the cost and benefits before committing yourself to this endeavor.

     We hope the four questions presented in this article convey the importance of deciding whether pursuing a DSW is the right choice for you. Committing to a DSW program requires sacrifices and perseverance, with the potential to advance your career. The potential does not mean that a DSW is right for everyone. However, if you use these four questions for self-reflection, you love to learn, and you want to improve social work policies and practices, then you may be on the right track. Who knows, this article may prompt you to begin your journey to becoming a Doctor of Social Work.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. (2022).  Occupational Outlook Handbook , Social Workers. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm

Middleton, A. (2022, July 21). PhD in social work and doctor of social work (DSW) degrees: A complete guide. https://mastersinsocialworkonline.org/degrees/phd-in-social-work/

National Association of Social Workers. (2021). Code of ethics .  https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English

The Dissertation Success Coaching Team. (2022, March 22). Capstone vs Dissertation? 5 things to consider before making a decision.  https://dissertationsuccess.com/blog/capstone-vs-dissertation/

Melissa Hagan-Nelson, MSSW, is a Doctor of Social Work student at Spalding University, School of Social Work. She earned her Master of Science in Social Work from the Kent School at the University of Louisville, where she focused on systemic changes to organizations, legislation, and structures rooted in inequities negatively impacting children and families.

Quentin Aaron Powell, MSW, LCSWA, LCASA, works for Lifestance Health as a mental health therapist, Caromont Health as a clinical social worker, and the social work department at Mars Hill University as adjunct faculty. Quentin is a Doctor of Social Work student at Spalding University.

Amee R. Ramsey, MSW, LCSW, is a Doctor of Social Work student at Spalding University School of Social Work. She made the decision to return to school after six years of social work practice. The decision to return was rooted in the desire to create radical change in practice and policy.

All material published on this website Copyright 1994-2023 White Hat Communications. All rights reserved. Please contact the publisher for permission to reproduce or reprint any materials on this site. Opinions expressed on this site are the opinions of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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The goals of the University of Michigan School of Social Work’s PhD in Social Work and Social Welfare are to:

• Prepare the future social work professoriate with a specific focus in the solution of social problems through rigorous scientific methodological and integrative, transdisciplinary social science inquiry.
• To prepare leaders of the social work profession with expertise in social policy and social intervention that is based in rigorous scientific methods and theoretical and empirical inquiry.

The PhD program in Social Work and Social Welfare is focused on developing scholars who are transdisciplinary experts (i.e., masters of a broad array of applicable methods not in a specific to a social science but drawing from an array of disciplines) with the education and training to understand, develop, and evaluate social interventions, including service systems and policies.  The PhD Program in Social Work and Social Welfare applies appropriate transdisciplinary perspectives to focus specifically on problems at the heart of social work: to promote human adaptation, social change, and social justice. The distinctive elements of the PhD program in Social Work and Social Welfare are its transdisciplinary perspective and its greater emphasis on the science of multi-level individual and social change and social justice in a diverse and pluralistic societal context.

The PhD program in Social work and Social Welfare trains students to be able to create and evaluate interventions designed to solve societal problems. As social work is an applied profession, the PhD program in Social Work and Social Welfare prepares students to discover new methods for helping people and society overcome the problems they face. Coursework aligns with this focus and the preliminary examination required for candidacy asks students to synthesize research on practice interventions in their area of research, critique it, identify gaps, and make suggestions on addressing these gaps. 

Beginning in Fall 2024, the program will admit five (5) Social Work and Social Welfare PhD students to start in the Fall of 2025. 

Please note that applicants can apply to both the doctoral program in Social Work and Social Welfare and the SSW Joint Doctoral program in Social Work and Social Science but must complete specific applications for each program. Students are encouraged to thoroughly review materials about both PhD program options to ensure alignment between the program(s) and their research interests and scholarly goals.

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Home / Online Doctorate Programs / Social Work (DSW)

The Simmons University DSW | Online The Simmons University DSW | Online The Simmons University DSW | Online

With social justice values and a multicultural perspective at its core, our innovative online Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) curriculum will prepare you to advance your career as a visionary and inclusive social work leader. With social justice values and a multicultural perspective at its core, our innovative online Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) curriculum will prepare you to advance your career as a visionary and inclusive social work leader. With social justice values and a multicultural perspective at its core, our innovative online Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) curriculum will prepare you to advance your career as a visionary and inclusive social work leader.

Get Admission and Tuition Information

Answer a few quick questions to determine if our online DSW program is a good fit for you.

GRE scores are not required.

• Complete Your DSW in Less Than Two Years  – Gain the highest level of training in your field and prepare to create positive systemic change for communities and organizations.
• Fit Your Degree Into Your Life  – Choose the full- or part- time program option that works best for your schedule and goals.
• Be Part of Our Social Work Legacy  – As the first school of clinical social work in the nation, we empower students to advance the field through inclusive leadership, advanced clinical practice, and evidence-based education.

The online Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) program provides the highest level of clinical training to professionals who aspire to be the next generation of leaders in social work thought, education, and practice. Guided by social justice values and delivered by expert faculty-practitioners in the Simmons University School of Social Work, the program empowers students to  advance the field through three areas of focus: inclusive leadership, advanced clinical practice, and teaching and education.

Graduate in Less Than Two Years

Complete a Capstone Project

Pursue Your Degree Full or Part Time

Start Your Social Work Doctorate in Our Next Cohort

Online program admission.

Applicants to the Doctorate of Social Work online program  must hold an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program. Three years of relevant post-MSW work experience is required .

The program is delivered through  live, online classes in a cohort-based model  that encourages students and faculty to form strong connections. Cohorts begin in September, January, and May, and applications are accepted throughout the year.

Learn more about admission and application requirements.

The final deadline for the September 2024 cohort is July 5, 2024.

A Different Kind of Doctorate

Diverse career outcomes, clinical focus.

Simmons offers a unique approach to doctoral clinical social work education by providing the  ability for students to pursue their degrees at their own pace  and the  preparation needed for advanced work in a range of areas and organizations.

Part-Time and Full-Time Options

Many DSW degrees are paced for students to complete in three years. However, our program is designed to welcome clinical social workers with varied work commitments, educational goals, and learning styles. Students can complete the program  full time in less than two years or part time in less than three years.

Built for Diverse Career Paths

The Simmons DSW degree prepares students to pursue various social work career paths that include and extend beyond academia.  Our clinically driven curriculum ensures that whichever route students take — whether teaching, private practice, leadership, or consulting — they will have the clinical perspective and advanced practice methods needed for success.

A Modern Program with a Clinical Legacy

Simmons was founded in 1899 as a small undergraduate institution to provide educational opportunities for women.  These progressive values easily translated to the founding of the School of Social Work — the nation’s first school of clinical social work — in 1904. Continuing into the 21st century with social justice values and a multicultural perspective,  the School of Social Work began delivering high quality online graduate programs in 2014.

Online Doctorate of Social Work Curriculum

Our program curriculum is built by doctorally prepared clinical social workers, for clinical social workers. Informed by their expertise,  the DSW curriculum explores a range of advanced social work competencies while keeping clinical practice at the forefront.

Committed to Core Social Work Values

SocialWork@Simmons keeps the National Association of Social Workers’ core values front of mind within its curriculum and community. Our doctoral students also demonstrate these core values in all areas of their work, whether leading practice or healing individuals in their communities. We pride ourselves on this passionate commitment that permeates our community.

Social justice

Dignity and worth of the person

Importance of human relationships

Our Three Areas of Focus

Students will gain an advanced understanding of leadership theory and practical tools for promoting inclusivity at all levels of an organization. By learning to train and mentor others, develop and evaluate programming, and improve client systems through collaboration, students will emerge as visionary leaders prepared to  build and sustain organizations that live up to the core values of social work and the values of the communities they serve.

Topics of study include:

• Creating inclusive organizational cultures
• Roles and purposes of clinical supervision and mentoring
• Crisis and conflict resolution
• Building adaptive and socially just organizations

Advanced Clinical Practice

Simmons’ commitment to clinical social work enables DSW students to apply advanced, doctoral-level knowledge to hands-on practice in the field. Students will  learn emerging practices that aim to support diverse clients  and graduate prepared to implement novel approaches in social work agencies or their own private practice.

• Emerging practice models
• Inclusive approaches to practice and challenging perspectives
• Clinical flexibility
• Complex clinical presentations

Teaching and Education

Our online DSW program also prepares students for a career path in social work education. With advanced knowledge in learning theory, evidence-based pedagogy, responsive teaching and classroom practices, and knowledge dissemination, students will be able to  translate new teaching skills to both traditional academic and other diverse educational contexts.

• Identity, purpose, and boundaries for educators
• Comparative approaches to social learning theories and teaching strategies, including online pedagogy
• Managing conflict, crisis, and psychological first aid in the classroom
• Creating inclusive educational cultures

Expand Your Social Work Leadership, Clinical Practice, and Teaching Skills

Request more information about the online DSW program today.

Request Information

Online dsw classes and course work.

Students attend live, weekly classes where they can interact face-to-face with classmates and the expert faculty who designed the program. Our sophisticated online platform is also built to support socializing and collaboration outside of class sessions, featuring intuitive tools for group work, providing and receiving feedback, and gaining support. This experience enables students to form meaningful connections and develop a strong professional network.

Students will also complete coursework in the online platform through interactive and multimedia tools. Courses topics in the program include:

Building Positive Organizations

Advanced Practice with Complex and Diverse Client Populations

Power, Passion, and Social Change

Theories and Pedagogical Praxis

Learn more about the DSW curriculum on our  Curriculum page.

DSW Capstone

The DSW curriculum culminates with the capstone project. The capstone provides the opportunity for students to  explore a real-world topic or problem in the field, further establish their identities as advanced social work professionals, and assert their expertise within a specific area of interest.  During the final semester, students will present their capstone to classmates and DSW faculty.

The Simmons DSW capstone project allows students to explore unlimited topics within the field and truly push the bounds of their knowledge. The capstone can apply to any or all of the three curricular focus areas and will challenge students to synthesize what they have learned throughout the program. Students have the liberty to  be creative with the medium and delivery of their project — whether it takes the form of a website or a plan to take their private practice in new and inspiring directions.

Capstone Seminars

Students will attend capstone-specific classes with a small group of peers as they explore their topics and produce their projects. These seminars will serve as a place where students can receive support and feedback as well as gain more focused attention from faculty.

One-on-One Faculty Meetings

Live capstone seminar sessions will allow students to work closely with and receive mentorship from a Simmons faculty member. This faculty member will serve as a guide throughout the capstone experience and help students continuously develop their identities as DSWs. During these meetings, students can discuss their topics, talk through their progress, and receive feedback.

DSW vs. PhD

Both a Doctorate of Social Work and a PhD in social work are terminal degrees that prepare professionals in the field with advanced knowledge and research opportunities. However, there are a number of distinctions between the two. While both are challenging degrees, asking students to rise to the most advanced levels of knowledge within their field, their rigorous curricula typically have different outcomes.

A DSW prepares students to apply what they learn and research to their practice in the field.  A DSW student may take a new approach they learn in class one day and apply it to their work with a client the next day. Graduates of Simmons’ DSW program will emerge as scholar-practitioners who seamlessly apply doctoral-level knowledge and practices to their work in the field.

Alternatively,  a PhD student studies a rigorous curriculum based heavily around the research process.  These students focus on epistemological theory as well as grand theoretical models within social work contexts. PhD candidates may complete their degree without ever working directly with clients or in the field. Rather, they are focused on the research and theoretical components of the social work field of study.

Simmons offers an on-campus PhD in social work that incorporates some of the hands-on aspects of the DSW into a research-centric curriculum. 

Learn more about the Simmons PhD in Social Work here.

Doctorate of Social Work Careers

Our DSW is designed to fit our students’ career aspirations. With a clinical focus yet breadth of curricular topics, the program enables graduates to apply the skills they learn to various career paths, such as:

• Clinically enhanced private social work practice
• Positions in social work academia
• Inclusive and visionary leadership
• Social work consulting and training
• Advising as a social work subject matter expert

Take the Next Step Toward Your Advanced Clinical Practice Career

Learn more about the Simmons online DSW today.

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This community is for social workers and those interested in joining the social work field! It is a place to ask for advice, share your frustrations, receive support, and anything else related to the social work sector.

Can someone explain to me in layman terms the differences between a DSW (Doctorate in Social Work) vs a PhD in Social Work? From what I've read, with a PhD, its research focused and you can teach at a university...but I've also read the same for a DSW. Anyone in either program can shed some light?

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Cringy moves and a white b-girl’s durag prompt questions about Olympic breaking’s authenticity

Australia’s Rachael Gunn, known as B-Girl Raygun, competes during the Round Robin Battle at the breaking competition at La Concorde Urban Park at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin)

Australia’s Rachael Gunn, known as B-Girl Raygun, competes during the Round Robin Battle at the breaking competition at La Concorde Urban Park at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Lithuania’s Dominika Banevic, known as B-Girl Nicka, competes during the B-Girls quarterfinals at the breaking competition at La Concorde Urban Park at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin)

American artist Snoop Dogg stands on stage prior to the breaking competition at La Concorde Urban Park at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin)

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PARIS (AP) — From the Australian b-girl with the meme-worthy “kangaroo” dance move to the silver-medal winning Lithuanian in a durag, breaking’s Olympic debut had a few moments that raised questions from viewers about whether the essence of the hip-hop art form was captured at the Paris Games.

Rachael Gunn, or “b-girl Raygun,” a 36-year-old professor from Sydney, Australia, quickly achieved internet fame, but not necessarily for Olympic-level skill. Competing against some b-girls half her age, she was swept out of the round-robin stage without earning a single point, and her unconventional moves landed flat while failing to match the skill level of her foes.

At one point, Gunn raised one leg while standing and leaned back with her arms bent toward her ears. At another, while laying on her side, she reached for her toes, flipped over and did it again in a move dubbed “the kangaroo.”

B-Girl Raygun competes during the Round Robin Battle on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Gunn has a Ph.D. in cultural studies, and her LinkedIn page notes she is “interested in the cultural politics of breaking.”

“I was never going to beat these girls on what they do best — their power moves,” said Gunn. “What I bring is creativity.”

Clips of her routine have gone viral on TikTok and elsewhere, and many cringed at her moves platformed on the Olympic stage as a representation of hip-hop and breaking culture.

“It’s almost like they are mocking the genre,” wrote one user on X.

Some of it was ‘weird to see’

Many Black viewers, in particular, called out Lithuania’s silver medalist b-girl Nicka, (legally named Dominika Banevič) for donning a durag during each of her battles. Durags, once worn by enslaved Africans to tie up their hair for work, are still worn by Black people to protect and style their hair. They became a fashionable symbol of Black pride in the 1960s and 1970s and, in the 1990s and early 2000s, also became a popular element of hip-hop style. But when worn by those who aren’t Black, durags can be seen as cultural appropriation. Banevič is white.

Lithuania’s Dominika Banevic, known as B-Girl Nicka, competes during the B-Girls quarterfinals. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin)

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Actor Kevin Fredericks responded on Instagram to Banevič donning the headwear by saying it looked “weird to see somebody who don’t need it for protective style or waves to be rocking the durag.”

The 17-year-old breaker ultimately won the silver medal after losing in the final to Japan’s b-girl Ami (Ami Yuasa).

For her part, Banevič has credited the breakers from the 1970s in the Bronx — the OGs — or “original gangsters” in hip-hop who created the dance — for her own success and breaking style.

“It’s a huge responsibility to represent and raise the bar every time for breaking because they did an amazing job. Big respect for the OGs and the pioneers that invented all those moves. Without them, it wouldn’t be possible,” she said. “Without them, breaking wouldn’t be where it is today. So I’m grateful for them.”

Concerns over losing breaking’s roots

Friday night’s slips “may have alienated too many new viewers to garner the anticipated response from our Olympic premiere,” said Zack Slusser, vice president of Breaking for Gold USA and USA Dance, in a text message to the Associated Press.

“We need to change the narrative from yesterday’s first impression of breaking as Olympic sport. There were significant organizational and governance shortcomings that could have been easily reconciled but, unfortunately, negatively impacted Breaking’s first touching point to a new global audience.”

The challenge for Olympic organizers was to bring breaking and hip-hop culture to a mass audience, including many viewers who were skeptical about the dance form’s addition to the Olympic roster. Others feared the subculture being co-opted by officials, commercialized and put through a rigid judging structure, when the spirit of breaking has been rooted in local communities, centered around street battles, cyphers and block parties. Hip-hop was born as a youth culture within Black and brown communities in the Bronx as a way to escape strife and socio-economic struggles and make a statement of empowerment at a time when they were labeled as lost, lawless kids by New York politicians.

Refugee breaker Manizha Talash, or “b-girl Talash,” channeled that rebellious vibe by donning a “Free Afghan Women” cape during her pre-qualifier battle — a defiant and personal statement for a 21-year-old who fled her native Afghanistan to escape Taliban rule. Talash was quickly disqualified for violating the Olympics’ ban on political statements on the field of play.

Refugee Team’s Manizha Talash, known as Talash wears a cape which reads “free Afghan women.” (AP Photo/Frank Franklin)

Both American b-girls were eliminated in Friday’s round-robin phase, a blow to the country representing the birthplace of hip-hop in what could be the discipline’s only Games appearance. B-girl Logistx (legal name Logan Edra) and b-girl Sunny (Sunny Choi) both ranked in the top 12 internationally but came up short of the quarterfinals.

“Breaking for the Olympics has changed the way that some people are dancing,” said Choi, referring to some of the flashier moves and jam-packed routines. “Breaking changes over time. And maybe I’m just old-school and I don’t want to change. ... I think a lot of people in our community were a little bit afraid of that happening.”

The b-boys take the stage on Saturday to give Olympic breaking another chance at representing the culture.

Associated Press Race & Ethnicity Editor Aaron Morrison contributed to this report from New York.

AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games