Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work

Their students develop core competencies that are integral to contemporary social work practice, teaching, and research. The critical linkages between social work and social science research, theory, and practice build upon our faculty strengths and expertise, and grow through interdisciplinary collaborations and expertise in areas such as health, mental health, trauma, addictions, child welfare, and aging. The PhD in Social Work program offers an opportunity for students to work with, and learn from, these leaders and to pursue a multi-method and highly individualized course of study.

The core curriculum requires a mixed methods foundation, grounding in social work values and a social justice lens, and training in teaching excellence. Student knowledge is deepened through hands-on teaching-practicum experience, the development of a specialization area, and mentored research training. These integrated experiences provide a rich educational foundation for social work leadership in academic, policy, research, and practice arenas.

The PhD in Social Work is a full-time program of study designed to enable significant development of competency in social work values and ethics, theory, research methods, a substantive interdisciplinary specialization, and teaching.

The PhD in Social Work program is a 63-credit plan with coursework to be completed in four semesters (two years). Specifically, we require a minimum of 27 credit hours in research methods courses, which includes quantitative and qualitative approaches, 12 credit hours in a specialization, 16 credit hours in core social work courses, and 8 credit hours in teaching methods and training.

Score of 100 (total) on the Internet-based test.

21 on Reading
21 on Listening
21 on Speaking
21 on Writing

IELTS - 7.0
Admission to the PhD program is open to those who hold a Master of Social Work degree or a master's degree from an allied discipline or profession in the social sciences or public health fields. Professional experience related to the values and social justice mission of the social work profession is also considered. Previous research experience is strongly recommended.