| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-06-01 | - |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2024-12-01 | - |
| 2025-03-01 | - |
| 2025-06-01 | - |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
| 2025-12-01 | - |
| 2026-03-01 | - |
| 2026-06-01 | - |
| 2026-09-01 | - |
| 2026-12-01 | - |
| 2027-03-01 | - |
| 2027-06-01 | - |
| 2027-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Through coursework, electives, and research opportunities, students develop expertise in social work practice theory, social welfare policy, research methods, and data analysis. The program emphasizes small class sizes, close faculty interaction, and potential funding opportunities, preparing graduates for careers in academia, research, policy, and practice.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The program allows you to tailor courses and other requirements to your own research, policy, and practice interests. You'll gain knowledge and skills through required coursework, electives, independent study, and optional internship opportunities. The curriculum focuses on social work practice theory, social welfare policy, research methods, and data analysis.
Objectives include:
- Analyzing and comparing social work practice theory and evidence.
- Demonstrating comprehensive understanding of U.S. social policy development, analysis, and evaluation of current/proposed policies, and assessment of alternatives.
- Applying critical thinking in comparative analysis of social work perspectives with other disciplines.
- Mastering research methodologies and statistical analysis techniques.
- Conducting specialized research using theory, research, data analysis methods.
Outline:
- The program comprises 36 credit-hours of required coursework, completed in two years of full-time study.
- Required coursework includes:
- Social Work Practice Theory
- Social Welfare Policy
- Social Welfare Research I & II
- Statistics and Data Analysis I & II
- Qualitative Methods
- Advanced Data Analysis
- Advanced methodology
- Preparation for Scholarly Writing
- Social Work Education & Pedagogy
- Independent study or Elective
Assessment:
- Completion of coursework and research requirements.
- Successful defense of a dissertation based on original research.
Teaching:
The program emphasizes small class size and close interaction with faculty who are actively engaged in research. You will have opportunities to work on research projects with these experts and gain valuable hands-on experience.
Others:
- Funding:
- Students may be awarded competitive graduate research assistantships providing a $18,000 annual stipend with full-tuition coverage for 3 years.
- Several doctoral-level scholarships are also available at the SSW.
- Joining interdisciplinary research projects across various centers:
- The National Child Welfare Workforce Institute
- The Center for the Elimination of Minority Health Disparities
- Center for Human Services Research
- The Hindelang Criminal Justice Research Center
Careers:
Upon graduation, potential careers include:
- Faculty positions in colleges and universities
- Research and policy leadership roles in government and organizations
Entry Requirements:
For all students:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Completion of a minimum of 18 credit hours of upper-level social work coursework.
- Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant's academic and/or professional work.
- A personal statement of approximately 4 double-spaced pages outlining the applicant's educational background and professional experience, substantive areas of interest for research, evaluation, and/or teaching, and professional goals.
- A current resume or curriculum vitae.
Additional Requirements for International Applicants:
- Official transcripts of all academic records evaluated by a credential evaluation agency.
- A minimum TOEFL score of 90 or an IELTS score of 7.0.
- An interview with the Admissions Committee may be required.
The specific requirements for admission may vary depending on the applicant's individual background and program of interest.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- TOEFL: 90
- IELTS: 7.0
- The GRE is not required for admission to the PhD in Social Work program.
- Applicants who are interested in receiving funding should complete the Graduate Assistantship/Fellowship Application.
