Shanghai, China – China’s Ministry of Education recently approved the country’s first Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) programs, which prepare graduates for clinical leadership in academic and agency settings. This month, NYU’s Shanghai-New York MSW program co-organized a symposium on DSW education with East China University of Science and Technology’s School of Social and Public Administration and the Institute of Social Work and Social Policy.
“As the presence of social work grows in China, so does the need to develop leaders who can nurture its development,” said NYU Silver Dean Michael A. Lindsey in prerecorded opening remarks. He emphasized the significance of DSW education in advancing China’s social work sector. “It is perfectly suited to enhance the effectiveness, sustainability, and innovation of the global professional social work workforce.”
Throughout the day, social work educators and program directors from the U.S. and China explored DSW education broadly as well as specific topics, including teaching models and admission criteria. Presenters shared experiences, lessons learned, insights and forward-thinking strategies to support the growth of DSW education in China.
In the first keynote, Professor Carol Tosone, the Founding Director of NYU Silver’s DSW Program, presented on the distinct doctoral paths of the DSW and PhD and their roles in elevating the future of social work. Other keynotes by Professor Michael C. LaSala from Simmons University, Professor Bruce A. Thyer from Florida State University, Professor Jacqueline Corcoran from the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice and Professor He Xuesong from East China University of Science and Technology addressed DSW educational goals and objectives, curriculum development, and program operation. The session was moderated by Professor Qingwen Xu, Director of our Shanghai-New York MSW Program.
The symposium concluded with takeaways for the development of DSW programs in China. Participants expressed optimism that China’s DSW education will achieve new milestones in workforce development, practice research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and internationalization, ultimately enhancing social work as a discipline and strengthening social services nationwide.
About NYU Silver School of Social Work
Founded in 1960 and renowned for a strong tradition of excellence in direct social work practice and dedication to social justice, NYU Silver has provided rigorous training to more than 20,000 social work practitioners and leaders in every area of the field, making it the leading destination for students who want to become innovative practitioners at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels of social work practice. The School has four campuses in the heart of New York City, Rockland County, Westchester County, and Shanghai.