Doctoral Students In Schools Of Social Work

Doctoral education in social work is said to be in crisis. While there is a glut of available programs, there is a shortage of doctoral graduates for faculty positions in social work education requiring that the field prepare more high-quality graduates for these positions. There is also an increasing need for doctoral-level social workers in leadership roles outside of schools of social work, such as in think tanks, professional associations, public and organizational administration, and practice. Based on findings from a national survey of doctoral students in social work, this volume discusses the purpose of doctoral education in a practice profession, as well as past and current controversies about what that should be. Survey findings about student demographics and their reasons for seeking the doctoral degree are discussed in comparison to national data from related fields. In addition, their program experiences are considered and parsed, including specifics on what they like and do not like, such as the dissertation research and writing experience and preparation for the PhD job market. While most programs are designed to prepare stewards of the discipline, it turns out that the resources available in social work doctoral programs, including student aid, are quite variable. The book identifies a variety of recommendations that can enhance the profession's ability to prepare the next generation of intellectual leadership. This is essential reading for anyone interested in or already working towards a social work doctorate, and for faculty and directors of schools of social work determined to understand and shape the future of doctoral education in social work.

The rapid expansion of doctoral education in social work is changing academia, and expanding the expectations of education for professional practice. This volume focuses on the early development, gradual evolution and present status of social work doctoral education. Relevant for social work students and educators globally, it represents an authoritative statement authored by widely recognized educators who are on the cutting edge of doctoral education. Documenting the current state-of-the-art, this comprehensive book demonstrates the rapidly growing importance of doctoral-level education in the social work profession. The authors look closely at current trends, and address the emerging pedagogical issues that will likely frame the future. This book was originally published as a special issue of the Journal of Teaching in Social Work.

Social work graduate school is only the beginning of your preparation for professional life in the real world as a clinical social worker. Dr. Danna Bodenheimer serves as a mentor or a supportive supervisor as she shares practice wisdom on topics such as thinking clinically, developing a theoretical orientation, considering practice settings, and coping with money issues. She addresses the importance of supervision and how to use it wisely. A frank discussion on the important and rarely-talked-about issue of loving one's client is followed by a practical look at next steps-post-graduate options and finding your life's work in clinical social work. Altogether, Real World Clinical Social Work will serve to empower you as you find your own voice, your own way, and your own professional identity. What People Are Saying Reading Danna Bodenheimer's Real World Clinical Social Work: Find Your Voice and Find Your Way is like spending a weekend in a wonderful candid conversation with many of our favorite theorists! ....In language that is accessible, oftentimes metaphoric, and yet not at all simplistic, this book also introduces us to some of the clinical experiences of clients and therapists through an interweaving of their stories and theories. Just prior to presenting us with a thoughtful array of "post graduate options" for further learning and development, Bodenheimer explores the dimensions and dilemmas associated with still-controversial subjects like clients' transference and clinicians' countertransference, including feelings of love. Whether just entering the world of a master's-prepared social worker or having spent decades as an agency-based or private practitioner, an educator, or an administrator in the social services, spending time with Real World Clinical Social Work is a real gift to yourself and everyone you serve. Darlyne Bailey, Ph.D, ACSW, LISW Dean, Professor, and MSS Program Director Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research, Bryn Mawr College As students graduate from our MSW program, they often express a mix of excitement and anticipation about beginning social work practice. They almost always wonder, "Am I ready to do this work?" Dr. Bodenheimer's book is a wonderful bridge for new graduates as they move from the support of graduate education and agency supervision to independent practitioners. Using years of teaching and astute practice experience, she provides continued education, support, and clinical insight. While grounded solidly in practice theory, Dr. Bodenheimer guides practitioners to find their own practice wisdom and style that is so essential to the social work profession. No doubt, new social workers will find this an accessible, practical primer...and a life raft for embarking on the profession! Anne Marcus Weiss, LSW, MSW Director of Field Education University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice Danna Bodenheimer's book is the clinical supervisor you always wanted to have: brilliant yet approachable, professional yet personal, grounded and practical, yet steeped in theory, and challenging you to dig deeper. Jonathan B. Singer, Ph.D., LCSW Associate Professor of Social Work Loyola University Chicago Founder and Host, Social Work Podcast It is nearly impossible to begin a career as a budding clinical social worker without the accompaniment of a variably loud inner voice that says, "You have no idea what you are doing." Dr. Bodenheimer befriends the beginning clinician with this incredibly personable and accessible book and says, "Sure, you do." Dr. Bodenheimer uses herself as a vehicle for connection with the reader, and she speaks directly to that inner voice with compassion, understanding, and guidance. Cara Segal, Ph.D. Smith College School for Social Work, faculty Private Practitioner, Northampton, MA

Doctoral education in social work is said to be in crisis. While there is a glut of available programs, there is a shortage of doctoral graduates for faculty positions in social work education requiring that the field prepare more high-quality graduates for these positions. There is also an increasing need for doctoral-level social workers in leadership roles outside of schools of social work, such as in think tanks, professional associations, public and organizational administration, and practice. Based on findings from a national survey of doctoral students in social work, this volume discusses the purpose of doctoral education in a practice profession, as well as past and current controversies about what that should be. Survey findings about student demographics and their reasons for seeking the doctoral degree are discussed in comparison to national data from related fields. In addition, their program experiences are considered and parsed, including specifics on what they like and do not like, such as the dissertation research and writing experience and preparation for the PhD job market. While most programs are designed to prepare stewards of the discipline, it turns out that the resources available in social work doctoral programs, including student aid, are quite variable. The book identifies a variety of recommendations that can enhance the profession's ability to prepare the next generation of intellectual leadership. This is essential reading for anyone interested in or already working towards a social work doctorate, and for faculty and directors of schools of social work determined to understand and shape the future of doctoral education in social work.

Written by a former social work admissions director at a top-ranking school of social work, this book helps master of social work (MSW) applicants improve their graduate school applications and decide which school of social work is right for them. With examples of tracking sheets, interviews, and biographical statements, this resource reveals the qualities admissions committees look for in applicants. A listing of schools accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and the Canadian Association of Schools of Social Work is included with a checklist of questions to ask when visiting schools. Candid answers from surveys of the admissions staff at social work graduate programs throughout the United States also point out the most common mistakes applicants make. This new edition has been updated to reflect current trends in social work education.