Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Walden University's Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program with a specialization in Medical Social Work is designed to prepare you to create and implement advanced social work programs for the benefit of ill, disabled, and hospitalized patients. You will have the opportunity to explore the history of clinical social work as well as the latest developments in the field. As the program progresses, you could gain the skills needed to design health-promotion and disease-prevention programs. The Medical Social Work specialization focuses on topics such as crisis intervention, discharge planning, chemical dependency assessments, and medical terminology. With the exception of a residency component, all courses can be taken online.

What Are the Prerequisites?

If you are considering the DSW program with a specialization in Medical Social Work, your career goals should include functioning as a vital member of a healthcare team by developing policies and assessing their effectiveness. You must possess a Master of Social Work and should have at least three years of relevant work or academic experience. As an applicant to Walden University's programs, you should be at least 24 years old and have a high school diploma or GED equivalent; you may need to complete additional requirements for some programs.

What Are the Course Requirements?

The program requires completion of 77 quarter credit hours. The curriculum includes core and specialization courses, a clinical seminar, and a research project.

Course Requirements

• Foundations of Graduate Study
• Advanced Social Work Theory and Practice
• History and Development of Social Work
• Clinical Seminar I
• Contemporary Issues, Social Change, and Social Policy
• Program and Practice Evaluation
• Action Research Methods in Social Work
• Diversity and Multiculturalism
• Medical Social Work I
• Survey Research Methods
• Clinical Seminar II
• Medical Social Work II
• Action Research Project
• Contemporary Gerontology/Geriatric Psychology

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Options

After graduation, you may have the necessary qualifications to explore high-ranking employment options in medical settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, mental health clinics, and drug rehabilitation facilities. Potential job titles could include:

• Social services program director
• Evaluator of social work agencies
• Social work organization supervisor

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.