Simmons University's Ph.D in Social Work Online

Simmons University offers Ph.D. in Social Works, an other option for those looking for the program beside DSW programs.
URL: https://www.simmons.edu/graduate/academic-programs/graduate-and-certificate-programs/social-work-phd

 

This (from the link TEKMAN provided) describes not a PhD, but a professional doctorate:

Simmons University's PhD in Social Work program is designed for experienced practitioners to develop scientific research skills so they can advance the evidence base of the field.

This, from the same page, describes a PhD (almost):

The dissertation is an independent research project that demonstrates the candidate's ability to successfully engage in scholarly work. Specifically, the candidate will demonstrate empirical and conceptual knowledge, the ability to apply rigorous scientific methodology to a substantive area of study, and the capacity to articulate the applied relevance of the findings to the field.

It starts out describing a scholarly work, but it falls back to practice-based research. This should not be a PhD.

The tuition is $US1,148 per credit. 45 credits (plus other fees) are required for the degree. It'll cost you around $US60k, but it looks like there are no residency requirements.

It appears that courses are delivered in a synchronous format. Also, students are required to complete a teaching practicum to learn pedagogy. That is consistent with a PhD preparing students for academic careers, not working professionals looking to advance their practice/careers.

 

Seem very scholarly to me:

Qualifying Exam for Candidacy (Comprehensive Exam)
Upon successful completion of required coursework, students will take a written and oral exam on curricular content. In order to qualify for candidacy students must pass both the written and oral exam, and also submit an empirical manuscript to a scientific peer-reviewed journal approved by the faculty. Upon meeting these requirements, the student will move into candidacy, and be eligible to begin the dissertation process.

The Dissertation
Successful completion of the dissertation will demonstrate the candidate's ability to join the academy as an independent scholar. Specifically, the candidate will demonstrate empirical and conceptual knowledge, the ability to apply rigorous scientific methodology to a substantive area of study, and the capacity to articulate the applied relevance of the findings to the field. The doctoral candidate has the option to complete a traditional dissertation or three-paper dissertation.

Source: https://simmons.smartcatalogiq.com/2022-2023/graduate-course-catalog/programs-of-study/school-of-social-work/phd-in-social-work/

 

Online DSW programs are a dime a dozen, so Tekman highlighted an online Ph.D. in Social Work.

 

I agree. I'm no longer sure what I read that made me question the scholarly nature of the dissertation. Re-reading it doesn't raise whatever flag(s) I thought I saw.

 

Interestingly Simmons University also offer Doctor of Social Work (DSW) through EdX (formerly 2U) platform for $56,160.

 

Simmons University.... I wondered if it had anything to do with "The Weight Saint," Richard Simmons - the now somewhat reclusive exercise and diet guru. You know - this guy here: https://richardsimmons.com/

Nope. No connection between Richard and Simmons U. No Doctorate of Workouts etc.
Richard's site says he has helped men and women lose 3,000,000 pounds of excess weight. You go, Richard! No divorce lawyer has even come near that record!