DSW

The DSW degree requires the completion of 12 credit administered by the DSW Governance Committee, which monitors the program, recommends changes in policies and procedures, and serves as the Admissions Committee. The DSW Governance Committee is composed of three SP2 standing faculty members, one DSW adjunct faculty member, the Director of the DSW Program, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, the Associate Dean for Enrollment Management, and two student representatives.

The DSW degree requires the completion of 12 credit units (CU’s) and the dissertation. Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 for all courses applied to the degree. Failure to maintain a 3.0 will result in dismissal from the program.

Core Course

The core curriculum consists of five courses:

• Clinical Social Work Theory I
• Clinical Social Work Theory II
• Foundations of Clinical Research
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Applied Statistics

Dissertation Seminars

In the first and third years, students complete a series of dissertation seminars that accompany their dissertation work. In the second year, students work individually with their dissertation advisors.

Course Modules

There are thirteen (13) modules and 4 (four) proseminars that cover topics related to the practice and teaching of clinical social work.

In collaboration with their Dissertation Mentor, students begin developing a dissertation topic in the first semester of the DSW program. The dissertation is an original work of scholarship that makes a contribution to the clinical social work literature and knowledge base.

Academic Standing

Students must be in satisfactory academic standing.

The minimum standard for satisfactory work for students in the DSW Program is a B average in each academic semester. A student whose record falls below the B (3.0) average after any semester will be put on academic probation. If the cumulative GPA is not raised to above a 3.0 at the end of the subsequent semester, the student will be dismissed from the program.

Meet dissertation deadlines.

Important Dates

Be in close communication with your chair about these dates:

April of Year 1: Meet with DSW Director to discuss selection of your chair

By January 31 of Year 2: Preliminary draft of dissertation proposal submitted to chair

By March 31 of Year 2: Revised, final draft of dissertation proposal submitted to chair

By April 30 of Year 2: Dissertation proposal approved by dissertation committee.

By mid-May of Year 3: Complete defense of dissertation (exact date varies each year)

By early June of Year 3: Deposit final version of dissertation to Scholarly Commons

Dissertation Committee

Each student will be required to have a dissertation committee of at least two members with one member designated the chair of the committee.

Every committee must have a standing, lecturer, or associated faculty member from the University of Pennsylvania serving on the committee. Standing* or Associated** or Lecturer faculty of the University may serve as chair. The dissertation chair could also be a tenure-track/tenured faculty member at a college or university other than Penn, with prior approval from the DSW Program Director.

*Standing Faculty includes all University of Pennsylvania tenure-line faculty and clinician-educator faculty.

**Associated Faculty are those with Research, Adjunct, Clinical, or Visiting appointments at the University of Pennsylvania.

The other committee member(s) may be a scholar or practitioner/expert external to the University of Pennsylvania with a doctoral degree, i.e., must be a qualified individual but is not required to hold a faculty rank at a college or university. Students must receive approval from the committee chair before inviting external members to serve on their dissertation committee.

At least one person on the committee should be a University of Pennsylvania faculty member or associated faculty.

The final dissertation must be approved by the University of Pennsylvania faculty member on the committee.

Dissertation Preparation

In the first year, the cohort will meet four times (September, November, January, and May) to discuss possible types of dissertations.

Dissertation Writers’ Workshop

This workshop, for third-year students, will provide momentum to move forward toward completion through a peer review process and instructor feedback. Four meetings will be held from September through December.

Meeting #1—Q&A with the Director and Assistant Director, students sharing experiences of successful progress and problem-solving barriers, and more detailed instructions for the following meetings

Meetings #2-#5—facilitated by the Director; students will submit 2-10 pages of written portions of their dissertations that they want feedback on and ideas for direction. These written documents can come from their literature review, methods, findings, or discussion sections.

Possible Dissertation Approaches

Systematic/Scoping Reviews

A systematic review aims to comprehensively locate and synthesize all research on a particular topic, using an established protocol of organized, transparent, and replicable procedures with some method of synthesis of either the quantitative (ideally meta-analysis) or qualitative (meta-synthesis) research.

A scoping review is similar to a systematic review in aim and process but is used to determine the state of the research for a nascent topic.

Case Studies

Through the use of multiple sources of data and an evidence-based empirical approach, the case study provides “an in-depth description, exploration, or explanation of a particular system or phenomenon through quantitative and/or qualitative methods data collection and analysis. The case study aims to generate or test a theory in its particular social, cultural, and historical context” (Lee, Mishna, & Brennenstuhl, 2010. p. 682).

Medical narrative: A creative non-fiction approach to the case study as an illustration of a particular social phenomenon.

Quantitative Intervention Studies: Pilot RCT or Quasi-Experimental Designs

A randomized control trial is an empirical study that collects numerical data to test hypotheses on the effectiveness of an intervention using random assignment to conditions. Pilots assess the feasibility and acceptability, as well as preliminary effectiveness of interventions.

A quasi-experimental study is an empirical study that collects numerical data to test hypotheses on the effectiveness of an intervention using methods other than random assignment to control threats to internal validity, including nonequivalent groups or times series designs.

Observational/Correlational Study

A quantitative study that examines the predictors/explicators (e.g., risk and protective factors) of a phenomenon.

Online survey

Treatment Manual Developed and/or Tested with the Use of Data

This format involves the development of a treatment or practice manual that provides specific guidelines for a planned, systematic intervention with a client population addressing a particular problem or issue. Data are collected as part of manual development and/or manual evaluation for acceptability, practicality, feasibility, cultural sensitivity, and/or preliminary effectiveness.

Qualitative Studies

An empirical study that makes use of language, words, and narrative as data and often involves focus groups and/or in-depth interviewing of people with the lived experience of a phenomenon.

Dissertation Formats

Traditional book length

2 related, publishable articles – needs to have introduction and conclusion and that tie both articles together

Empirical articles – reporting on the results of a research study

Conceptual/Commentary

• Conceptual articles provide a “new theoretical perspectives or integrate existing theoretical views, address innovative—new or adapted—procedures or techniques, discuss current professional issues or professional development (position papers),” (Watts, 2011, p. 308).
• Commentary: Social Work defines as an opportunity to present critical observation on a current professional issue, social problem, or policy matter, and/or offer well-reasoned reactions or responses to previously published articles.

Two milestone evaluations must be passed by all DSW students:

1. Dissertation Proposal: All students are expected to submit the final dissertation proposal to the dissertation chair by March 31 of year two, for approval by the dissertation committee by April 30. Upon acceptance of the proposal, the student enters doctoral candidacy.
2. Dissertation Defense: An oral examination on the contents of the doctoral dissertation is required. Upon successful defense of the dissertation, completion of all other degree requirements and submitting the final dissertation manuscript to Scholarly Commons, the DSW degree is conferred.

Timeline for Completion Dissertation Proposal

• January 31 of Year 2: Submission of preliminary dissertation proposal draft to dissertation Chair.
• March 31 of Year 2: Final, revised draft of dissertation proposal submitted to chair.
• April 30 of Year 2: Full dissertation proposal approved by dissertation committee.

Students in the regular-length (14, 10, and 7-session) courses receive letter grades with shorter courses typically pass (P)/fail (F). The letter grade system consists of grades of A, B, C, D, and F with pluses and minuses possible for A, B, or C. The mark of I is used to designate “incomplete.”

Overall GPA

Grade Point Averages (GPAs) are tabulated at the end of each semester of the first academic year and at the end of the first academic year on a cumulative basis. The minimum standard for satisfactory work for students in the DSW Program is a B average in each academic semester. A cumulative GPA below 3.0 after completion of the core courses is considered lack of acceptable academic progress and may result in dismissal from the program.

Timelines

Students are expected to complete coursework and dissertation in three years. The maximum time allowed for completing all degree requirements is five years. Students who do not successfully complete all course work and the dissertation within five years will be withdrawn from the program unless they have requested and received an extension from the DSW Program Director.

Late Registration and Absence

Neither late registration nor absence during the term shall entitle the student to a reduction in fees.

Voluntary Academic Leaves

Students must be continuously registered every fall and spring terms until all degree requirements have been met. Students who wish to suspend their studies for a period of time for any reason must submit a request for a leave of absence using the online form. Leaves of absence are normally approved for up to one year. The grant of a leave of absence does not automatically change the time limit for degree completion.

Leave of Absence Request Process:

• Meet with your Director, Doctorate in Clinical Social Work to discuss the reasons for taking a leave.
• Submit the online request form; you will receive email confirmation when the form is sent.
• Review all items on the LOA checklist (below) and follow up with the appropriate offices as necessary.
• The SP2 Registrar will email you with confirmation once the leave has been processed.
• DSW students approved for a leave of absence will not have access to the Penn Library system while on leave.

All requirements for the degree must be completed within five years of the date when the student first registered for the degree. Students are responsible for tuition charges and other financial obligations to the University incurred before the effective date of the leave. Students may not earn credit for courses taken at another institution while on leave of absence.

Leave of Absence Checklist

Tuition – if the leave is requested before the end of Add/Drop as posted on the SP2 Academic Calendar, students will receive a full refund of tuition and fees. If the leave occurs after Add/Drop, partial refunds may apply. Leaves processed after the 6th week of classes are not eligible for any tuition refund.

Student Bills/Financial Aid – check your student account; any outstanding balance will result in late fees and your account will be placed on hold. Students who have borrowed from the Federal Loan Program must complete the online exit loan counseling session – http://www.sfs.upenn.edu/loans/loans-exit-interview.htm. Please note that depending on the length of the leave, students may be required to begin repayment of loans before returning to Penn.

Return from Voluntary Leave of Absence

Students notify the SP2 Registrar with the request to return to their studies.

For a fall semester return, requests should be made before the end of March. For a spring semester return, requests should be made in September. Late requests to return from leave may result in limited course selection.

Students must contact the Director, Doctorate in Clinical Social Work prior to registering for courses.

Withdrawals

Students are considered to have withdrawn from the program when, in accordance with a written request prepared by them and accepted by the Director of the DSW Program, a request to terminate active status is granted. A student who has withdrawn may reapply for active status. If the application is accepted, previously completed work shall be evaluated, and the student will be expected to fulfill all requirements in effect for active students at the time of re-admission.

Terminations

Students will be terminated from “candidate” status for the doctoral degree if any of the following occur: (1) they do not meet the required course GPA; (2) they do not complete the dissertation requirements within 5 years of entrance into the program; or (3) they are dropped from the Program for other reasons (such as plagiarism, unethical or criminal behavior).

In addition, students may terminate their connection with the Program by requesting such action on their own initiative, in writing, and their request is granted.

A student who has been terminated may apply for re-admission. The student must complete all application requirements. If re-admitted, previous work completed will be considered for credit, in light of course requirements at the time of the student’s re-admission and time since completion. Those applying five years after termination will have to retake all courses.

The University of Pennsylvania has a well-articulated set of policies and procedures pertaining to the academic and professional conduct of graduate students. These policies and procedures are published biennially in the University’s Graduate Academic Bulletin, available online, at the Office of University Relations, and the Bookstore. Doctoral students are required to obtain a copy of the Graduate Academic Bulletin. Violations or infractions of these policies, including violations of the Code of Academic Integrity, will be processed in accordance with these policies and procedures by the Graduate Group Chair and the Committee on Academic Standing. Students who are found to violate the Code of Academic Integrity may be terminated from the program.

In some cases students may apply to the program while a doctoral student in another program. If admitted, these students will receive credit for doctoral level courses taken elsewhere after consideration by the DSW Program Director. These students will then join the program at the appropriate stage. No more than two (2) courses can be transferred in from other doctoral programs.

The Assistant Director, Melanie Masin-Moyer, serves as each student’s advisor until the program is completed.

Evaluations of the student’s work for the courses and dissertation seminars should be provided to the student at appropriate intervals during each term. Such evaluations should be made in relation to course content, clinical practice competency, and general performance at the doctoral level. Students whose work does not meet program expectations should be notified in writing as soon as possible. Faculty should indicate the areas of identified weakness and specify the requirements to satisfy course/ rogram requirements. In such situations, a copy of this notification should be sent to the student’s advisor and the Director of the DSW Program.

The minimum standard for satisfactory work for students in the DSW Program is a B average in each academic semester. A student whose record falls below the B (3.0) average after any semester will be put on academic probation. If the cumulative GPA is not raised to above a 3.0 at the end of the subsequent semester, the student will be dismissed from the program.

Students must meet the following deadlines to maintain satisfactory academic standing:

• January 31 of Year 2: Submission of preliminary draft of dissertation proposal submitted to chair.
• March 31 of Year 2: Revised, final draft of dissertation proposal submitted to chair.
• April 30 of Year 2: Dissertation proposal approved by dissertation committee.

Students are expected to complete coursework and dissertation in three years. The maximum time allowed for completing all degree requirements is five years. Students who do not successfully complete all course work and the dissertation within five years may request an extension from the Director of the DSW Program.

In some cases, students may apply to the program while a PhD student in another program. If admitted, these students, after consideration by the Director of the PhD program, may transfer up to eight (8) courses for credit and the student will join the program at the appropriate stage.

Registration & Billing

The SP2 Registrar will register students in the DSW program for the appropriate courses prior to the beginning of each term. Students can check their registration and their academic record on Path@Penn (PennKey and password required).

Billing is managed through the University’s Office of Student Financial Services. Please consult their website on Billing and Payment to view payment options.

Students who owe tuition for a previous semester’s work and are placed on financial hold will not be registered for the next semester unless special arrangements for payment have been made with the Student Financial Services. Students who owe tuition or any other university related fees (such as library fees) will be excluded from graduation lists.

Please contact the SP2 Registrar with any questions regarding registration and billing.

Failure to Pay

All University bills for tuition and fees are due before or during the registration period each term, as specified. The University reserves the right to withhold registration material, transcripts, and all other information regarding the record of any student who is in arrears in the payment of tuition, fees, or other charges, including student loans, and to exclude such a student from classes and examinations. The student will be held accountable for all absences resulting from the operation of this rule. For continued delinquency in the payment of debts, the student may be permanently dropped from the University. The enforcement of this penalty shall not relieve the student from the obligation to pay outstanding fees and charges, including those for the term to which the penalty applies.

Refund of Tuition

A student who withdraws (or who is requested to withdraw for failure to maintain a satisfactory scholastic standard) or who is granted a leave of absence from a full-time division of the University during either term of the academic year will be eligible for a refund of tuition general fee in accordance with the conditions set forth below. The effective date of separation from the University is the date on which the student files a request for withdrawal or leave of absence in the Office of the Dean. The amount of refund allowable is as follows:

Course withdrawal time………………percent refund of tuition and fees
Within the Add/Drop period…………………………………100%
Up to two weeks after the Add/Drop period…………………50%
More than three weeks after the Add/drop period ………………0%

A student who is required to withdraw because of violation of University regulation shall receive no refund by reason of such a withdrawal.

Tuition & Fees

View current tuition & fee information here.

It is expected that students and faculty will use their normal contacts in class and individual conferences to resolve any differences that may arise in their work together. Where faculty or students find such normal channels fail to resolve differences that will affect the status of the student, either or both may ask for consideration of such differences by the Director of the DSW Program. The decision of the DSW Director shall stand, unless either or both parties wish to appeal the decision further. If there is such an appeal, the following policies and procedures will prevail.

A written appeal of the DSW Director’s decision may be made through the Director to the Dean of the School of Social Policy and Practice who will determine if a review by the Committee on Academic Standing or the Grievance Committee is warranted.