Prime Highlights
- The University of Maryland School of Social Work will start a DSW program in fall 2026 to prepare MSW graduates for advanced leadership and teaching roles.
- Dr. Ed Pecukonis said the program will strengthen clinical, teaching, and supervisory skills for social work professionals.
Key Facts
- Applications open October 28, 2025, for the three-year, 50-credit in-person program held one weekend per month in Baltimore.
- Over 50% of U.S. residents and 1.17 million Marylanders lack access to mental health professionals, highlighting the program’s importance.
Background
The University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW) will launch a new Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program in fall 2026, creating more opportunities for social work professionals to assume leadership roles. Applications for the program will open on October 28, 2025.
The DSW program is intended for Master of Social Work (MSW) graduates who have at least two years of post-graduate practice experience. It focuses on preparing practitioners for advanced positions in academic, agency, and private practice settings.
“This program will enhance participants’ clinical skills while promoting expertise in teaching and supervising social work students,” said Dr. Ed Pecukonis, professor of social work and director of the DSW program.
The three-year, 50-credit program will be offered in-person at UMSSW’s Baltimore campus. Classes will take place one weekend per month, allowing professionals to balance work and study.
According to the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis, over 50% of people in the U.S. reside in regions lacking adequate mental health professionals. In Maryland, approximately 1.17 million individuals encounter similar shortages. “Licensed clinical social workers deliver the majority of behavioral health services and are highly sought after,” Dr. Pecukonis noted.
The program supports UMB’s mission to meet Maryland’s behavioral health needs and aligns with new Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) standards for DSW accreditation.
With the addition of the DSW, UMSSW now offers a complete academic pathway—from bachelor’s to master’s to doctoral degrees, preparing the next generation of social work leaders and educators.
Founded in 1961, UMSSW continues to strengthen its legacy as a top institution advancing social work education and practice across Maryland.
