Georgia State University Receives Approval for State’s First Doctor of Social Work Degree

ATLANTA - Following unanimous approval by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents at its Oct. 6 meeting, Georgia State University will offer the state's first Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree.

Housed in the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies' School of Social Work, the program is expected to begin in 2027. The hybrid program, with both in-person and online modalities, will offer experienced professionals advanced preparation to lead human service organizations, apply research to practice and educate future social workers.

"This degree opens a new pathway for social workers who want to extend their impact through leadership," said Thomas J. Vicino, dean of the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies. "By creating Georgia's first Doctor of Social Work program, we are expanding opportunities for experienced professionals to advance their careers while strengthening the organizations and services our communities depend on."

According to the Board of Regents proposal, no Georgia institution currently offers a practice doctorate in social work. Professionals seeking that credential must turn to programs based outside the state. Nationally, the Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education in Social Work reported 39 DSW programs among its member institutions as of April 2025.

The new degree responds to a need for leaders who can improve service delivery and support workforce retention. The proposal identifies significant gaps in Georgia's behavioral health workforce, particularly in rural communities, and emphasizes the role of organizational leadership in strengthening the state's social service infrastructure.

Addressing these needs is part of the Andrew Young School's strategic plan, which includes strengthening Georgia's workforce and creating pathways for lifelong learning and career progression. It offers experienced social workers a way to build on their expertise while continuing to serve their communities.

"A master's degree prepares social workers for professional practice. The DSW builds on that foundation, helping experienced practitioners use evidence to improve how organizations operate and how services reach people," said Y. Joon Choi, a professor and director of the School of Social Work. "That means their impact can extend beyond the individuals they serve directly to the teams they lead, the programs they design and the future social workers they teach."

The practice-focused doctorate will emphasize executive leadership, organizational change and applied research. Students will connect their coursework to challenges in their professional settings and complete an applied capstone project designed to produce measurable organizational, community or policy impact.

The program builds on the School of Social Work's existing graduate education and community partnerships, expanding opportunities for working professionals seeking advanced leadership and teaching roles.

Vicino credited Choi and the School of Social Work's faculty and staff with developing the program, alongside colleagues in the Andrew Young School, the Office of the Provost and The Graduate School.

"This milestone reflects a tremendous collaborative effort across Georgia State," Vicino said. "We are grateful for the support that made it possible and excited about what our graduates will contribute to Georgia's communities."