Social workers today are navigating unprecedented complexity, from rising mental health needs and systemic inequities to the rapid expansion of telehealth and digital services. They are called to lead across agencies, communities, and systems while staying grounded in ethics, equity, and human dignity.
This Q&A, featuring Dr. Jeannine Meza, Program Director of UMass Global’s Doctorate of Social Work (DSW), takes readers inside this future-focused doctoral program designed for experienced MSW practitioners who are ready to expand their influence, drive innovation, and champion social justice. Through her insights, prospective students will learn what makes this program distinct, how it supports working professionals, and why now is a pivotal moment to pursue advanced practice social work.
Q1: Please introduce yourself and describe your current role within UMass Global’s new program.
Dr. Jeannine Meza: Of course. I am Dr. Jeannine Meza, I serve as the program director for UMass Global’s new Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) program. In this role, I support practitioner-scholars as they deepen their expertise in advanced clinical practice, leadership, innovation, and social justice. I work closely with students throughout their doctoral journey — from the time they enter our program through the integrative seminar and capstone process — helping them translate their professional experience into transformative, real-world impact.
Q2: What inspired you or the university to launch this program at this time?
Dr. Jeannine Meza: The launch of the DSW program comes at a pivotal time for the social work profession. The increasing complexity of social problems, the expansion of telehealth, the growth of online education, and the urgent need for innovative leadership grounded in social justice all point to the need for advanced practice doctoral preparation. This program is designed to equip experienced postgrad MSW practitioners with the tools to lead in digital environments, build innovative programs, champion human rights, and drive systemic change at local, national, and global levels.
Q3: What kind of students will excel in this program? Are there particular backgrounds, interests, or goals that are a great fit?
Dr. Jeannine Meza: Students who will excel in the DSW program are experienced postgrad MSW professionals with at least two years of professional practice who are ready to take a bold next step in their careers. Ideal candidates are motivated leaders who are passionate about advancing social justice, improving clinical practice, designing innovative programs, teaching in higher education, or launching entrepreneurial initiatives that promote human rights. Those who are self-directed, reflective, and committed to serving vulnerable communities will thrive in this rigorous yet supportive environment.
Q4: How is this program structured to support adult learners, working professionals, or career changers?
Dr. Jeannine Meza: The DSW is intentionally designed for working professionals. The program is fully online, with no in-person or virtual residency requirement. Students complete 39 credits over two years across 12 terms. Key features include:
This structure allows students to balance doctoral study with career, family, and community responsibilities while progressing steadily toward completion.
Q5: What support services are available to the students through this program?
Dr. Jeannine Meza: Support is built into the program through a cohort model that fosters connection and collaboration. Each student is supported by a faculty cohort mentor, ensuring individualized guidance throughout the program.
Additionally, the program maintains a strong student-faculty ratio, including a 1:5 ratio in key capstone courses (SOWK 752, 753, 754), providing intensive mentorship during the culminating project phase. This ensures students receive personalized feedback and structured support as they design and implement innovative, real-world solutions.
Q6: What do you hope students take away both professionally and personally?
Dr. Jeannine Meza: Professionally, I hope students graduate with the confidence and competence to lead boldly — whether in advanced clinical telehealth practice, online teaching, program evaluation, administration, or social entrepreneurship. The curriculum, which includes adaptive leadership, research methodology, telehealth, online teaching, and global entrepreneurship, prepares graduates to reshape the future of social work. Personally, I hope they develop a strengthened professional identity as practitioner-scholar leaders — grounded in ethical and equitable practice, innovation, and a deep commitment to justice and human dignity.
Q7: What excites you most about teaching in this program — or mentoring students through it?
Dr. Jeannine Meza: Definitely the opportunity to work with experienced social workers who are already making meaningful contributions in their communities and helping them amplify that impact. The program’s focus on innovation, digital fluency, trauma-informed leadership, and social justice creates space for forward-thinking dialogue and creative problem-solving.
Mentoring students through the capstone process where they design innovative, real-world solutions to complex social challenges is especially inspiring. Watching students transform ideas into tangible initiatives that serve vulnerable populations is one of the most rewarding aspects of this work.
Q8: Is there anything else that you would like to share that we haven’t covered?
Dr. Jeannine Meza: UMass Global’s DSW is more than an advanced degree — it is a call to innovative leadership. This program is designed for social workers who are ready to transform practice, education, and systems. With its fully online structure, strong faculty mentorship, future-forward curriculum, and emphasis on real-world problem solving, it offers a bold pathway for experienced practitioners to expand their influence and champion justice in their communities.
For those ready to major in their future and lead transformative change, this program represents a powerful next step.
If you are an experienced MSW practitioner ready to deepen your impact, lead in digital and community-based settings, and champion justice at scale, UMass Global’s Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) may be the right next move. Explore curriculum details, admission requirements, and upcoming start dates by visiting the program page today.
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