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The Morgan State University School of Social Work has announced the launch of its Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program, making it the first DSW program in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia, and the first at an HBCU nationally. The program adds to the School's existing Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), Master of Social Work (MSW), and Ph.D. programs. The School's undergraduate social work program was initially formed in 1969 and became one of the first undergraduate programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education in 1975. Adding an MSW and Ph.D. program in 2009 under the leadership of Dean Anna McPhatter, the School has graduated numerous students poised and trained to work with urban communities locally and nationally.

The DSW program joins this tradition. It is designed to equip MSW clinicians with advanced micro, mezzo, and macro social work practice skills, focusing on serving urban families and communities. Its curriculum is grounded in theories that underpin advanced social work practice and emphasizes evidence-based skills to enhance the social work profession's capacity to engage and work effectively with historically marginalized communities.

The program addresses societal problems affecting urban families and communities, disproportionately Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, BIPOC, aligning with Morgan State University's mission. Joining the Ph.D. program chaired by Dr. Jerome Schiele, the DSW program is directed by Dr. Linda Darrell and provides social workers greater access and visibility as leaders in clinical practice and supervision, human service administration, entrepreneurialism, and social policy advocacy.

The launch of the DSW program represents a significant step forward for the Morgan State University School of Social Work, as it seeks to enhance the knowledge base of social work professionals and ensure equal access to doctoral education in Maryland.