Doctor of Social Work and Religious Studies

The Doctor of Social Work and Religious Studies (D.S.W.R.S.) is a 30-credit advanced doctoral program designed for senior social work leaders, nonprofit executives, and community administrators.

The program equips candidates with advanced expertise in social program management, organizational leadership, policy development, ethics, and applied research. Students develop the skills to address complex challenges in social work and community services, drive innovation in program design, and lead organizations effectively in diverse and multi-level social environments.

The curriculum emphasizes strategic decision-making, evidence-based practice, and research that contributes to both academic knowledge and real-world improvements in social service delivery, community well-being, and organizational performance.

Overview

This program is offered 100% online (optional), anytime and anywhere, complete you studies from the comfort of your home. All intensive courses are completed 100% online (optional) with a one month format courses.

Students can enroll any day of the week in one-month-intensive-courses and the course ends within 30 days from the enrollment date.

All intensive courses contains reading content and a final exam or a final research based paper.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Doctor of Social Work and Religious Studies (D.S.W.R.S.) program will be uniquely prepared for senior leadership roles across social service organizations, nonprofit sectors, research, and consulting.

Social Work Administration & Management

  • Executive Director or Chief Executive Officer of Social Service Organizations

  • Director of Community Programs or Nonprofit Operations

  • Program Director for Human Services Initiatives

  • Director of Quality, Compliance, and Program Evaluation

Education & Research

  • Dean or Director of Social Work or Community Leadership Programs

  • Professor or Lecturer in Social Work, Policy, or Organizational Leadership

  • Researcher in Social Policy, Community Development, or Organizational Management

Nonprofit & Public Sector

  • Executive Director of Nonprofits or Community-Based Organizations

  • Community Program Director

  • Policy Advisor or Consultant for Social Welfare and Community Development

Consulting & Strategy

  • Social Work Management Consultant

  • Community Program Evaluation Specialist

  • Leadership Coach for Social Work Executives and Nonprofit Leaders

Policy & Organizational Development

  • Strategy and Innovation Advisor for Social Programs

  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer in Nonprofit or Community Organizations

  • Senior Advisor for Ethics, Governance, and Organizational Leadership

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Doctor of Social Work and Religious Studies (D.S.W.R.S.) program will be able to:

Social Work Leadership and Management

  • Lead complex social service organizations, community programs, and nonprofit initiatives with strategic vision, ethical decision-making, and operational excellence.

  • Demonstrate cultural competence and effective team leadership across diverse social and community settings.

  • Apply advanced leadership principles to drive organizational performance, program effectiveness, and staff engagement.

Strategic and Administrative Excellence

  • Design and implement comprehensive strategic plans that align organizational mission, vision, and objectives.

  • Apply financial management, resource allocation, and operational best practices within social service and nonprofit organizations.

  • Lead multidisciplinary teams with accountability, emotional intelligence, and effective change management.

Innovation and Organizational Impact

  • Employ data-driven strategies and evidence-based practices to improve program delivery and organizational efficiency.

  • Utilize innovative program models and management techniques to enhance social service outcomes and community impact.

  • Foster collaboration across nonprofit organizations, community initiatives, and public service programs to maximize social impact.

Scholarly and Applied Research

  • Conduct advanced research in social work administration, policy, leadership, and organizational management.

  • Develop a doctoral dissertation or applied project that addresses a real-world challenge in social service delivery, nonprofit management, or community development.

 

Transfer Credits to Exodus University

Exodus University is dedicated to saving you time and money by providing easy and fair transfer evaluation for eligible course credit.

Students can transfer to Exodus University up to 75% of credits into a Doctoral degree for courses with a grade of C- or higher are generally transferrable.

Admission Requirements

For admission, students are required to:

  1. Complete the online Application at this link;
  2. Submit a copy of transcript from prior college with the Application; and,
  3. Agree with the Terms of  Exodus University.

Featured Courses

 

General Courses (Choose any 4 – minimum)CreditsNumber
Statistics for Social Work Research3DSWR 601
Ethics and Governance in Social Services3DSWR 602
Global Social Work and Community Development3DSWR 603
Operational Research in Social Programs3DSWR 604
Leadership Essentials in Social Work Administration3DSWR 605
Principles of Social Work Management3DSWR 606
Introduction to Online Learning3DSWR 607
Introduction to Philosophy and Ethics3DSWR 608
Professional Development and Character in Leadership3DSWR 609
Strategic Management in Social Service Organizations3DSWR 610
Religious Courses (Choose any 4 – minimum)CreditsNumber
Introduction to Theology3RELI 711
Christian Apologetics3RELI 712
The Old Testament3RELI 713
World Religions3RELI 714

Religion (select one)

  • Christianity
  • Islam
  • Shintoism
  • Sikhism
  • Hinduism
  • Buddhism and Confucianism
  • Judaism and Taoism
3RELI 715
Hermeneutics3RELI 716
Research Courses (Choose any 2 – minimum)CreditsNumber
Dissertation Prospectus               3DISS 790
Dissertation I3DISS 791
Dissertation II3DISS 792
Dissertation III3DISS 793
Dissertation IV3DISS 794
Dissertation V3DISS 795
Dissertation Defense3DISS 799
Graduation3GRAD 800

Courses

Credits  Courses
3            Introduction to Online Learning

Credits  Courses
3            An Introduction to the Bible
3            Biblical Foundation of Ethics

Credits  Courses
3            Dissertation Prospectus
3            Dissertation I
3            Dissertation II
3            Dissertation III
3            Dissertation IV
3            Dissertation V
3            Dissertation Defense

Courses

General Core CoursesCreditsNumber
Introduction to Online Learning3EXOD 501
Bible Core CoursesCreditsNumber
An Introduction to the Bible3EXOD 511
Specialization Core CoursesCreditsNumber
Biblical Foundation of Ethics   3EXOD 513
Research Core CoursesCreditsNumber
Dissertation Prospectus3EXOD 901
Dissertation I3EXOD 902
Dissertation II3EXOD 903
Dissertation III3EXOD 904
Dissertation IV3EXOD 905
Dissertation V3EXOD 906
Dissertation Defense3EXOD 907

Do you have more questions?

Career opportunities

Senior Pastor
Lead Pastor
Executive Pastor
Missionary Pastor
Church Planter
And many more opportunities!
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St. Petersburg, FL 33702

Doctoral Tuition

Tuition & Fees

Doctoral Programs

The basic costs listed here reflect the average total and are intended to be a planning guide for new students and their parents. As applicable, tuition, costs, and fees are subject to change without notice.

For information about the international student fee structure, please contact us at +1 (645) 201-9028.

Tell us a little about yourself and we’ll help with the rest. Our convenient online application form only takes 2 minutes to complete.

After you submit your application, an admissions representative will review your eligibility and will contact you within 24 hours.

Once you’ve completed your application and connected with an admissions representative, you’re ready to start with your first course.

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