phd social work requirements

PhD in Social Work Degree Guide | Salary & Programs 2024

A PhD in Social Work is a mark of distinction as an expert in the discipline. Graduates of social work PhD programs often use their knowledge and training to conduct groundbreaking research on critical issues facing society. Their discoveries shape policy and assist countless people. As respected leaders, they hold top positions at various social services organizations. As professors, they mold new generations of social workers.

In addition to increased ability to help others, PhDs in social work can expect something else following graduation – good job prospects. The U.S.  Bureau of Labor Statistics  (BLS) projects employment in the community and social service occupations to grow a hearty 12% between 2020 to 2030. 1

What is a PhD in Social Work?

A PhD in Social Work is a Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work. It is one of the two highest degrees that someone can earn in the field, the other being a DSW (Doctor of Social Work). PhD programs in social work focus heavily on research methods and pedagogy. DSW programs emphasize advanced training for practicing social workers.

Outstanding Schools with PhD in Social Work Degrees in U.S.

The road to a PhD in Social Work begins with admittance to a school that meets an aspiring student’s needs. While the “perfect” school varies by an individual’s interests and circumstances, here’s a sample of some noteworthy institutions:

• University of Southern California  – Through its Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, USC offers a PhD program that prides itself on promoting independent inquiry. Students gain competence in research methodology and communicating results. They learn skills vital to their future, such as how to submit grant proposals, how to write articles for publication, and how to present findings at conferences.
• New York University  – From day one, each PhD student in NYU’s Silver School of Social Work gets paired with a faculty mentor who helps develop research, scholarships, and teaching skills. Areas of staff expertise include racial and social justice, behavioral health services, child welfare, and aging. The school’s location in New York City provides a dynamic, diverse setting for studying important social work issues.
• Wayne State University  – Opportunities for professional and intellectual growth abound in the PhD program at this public institution in Michigan. The school encourages students to take coursework outside of the School of Social Work to support their individual interests. This interdisciplinary approach can lead to special degrees in areas such as infant mental health, gerontology, or social work and anthropology.
• Baylor University  – No need to live in Waco, Texas, to attend this institution. After a required five-day session on campus, social work PhD students can live elsewhere while pursuing their degree through an online classroom. Online PhD in Social Work courses meet via videoconferencing at specific times each week. The program focuses on the integration of religion and faith with practices of the social work profession. Graduates leave ready to address complex social issues as leaders, educators, and researchers.
• The University of Utah  – Other than a week on campus at the start of each semester, this institution’s “distance-delivered doctoral program” allows students to pursue an online PhD in Social Work from any location. Individuals attend classes remotely at the same time as their on-campus cohorts. All students possess equal access to research opportunities and financial support.

If you’re looking for other schools that offer PhD’s in social work, check out the Find Your Perfect “U” tool. You can search over 6,000 colleges and universities with 11 different filters to find the  perfect school for you !

What Can I Do with a PhD in Social Work?

Many who pursue a PhD in Social Work do so in hopes of securing a faculty position at a university or junior college. They wish to continue conducting research in their area of interest within the field or teach up-and-coming social work students. Others may find employment at think tanks, non-profits, or governmental agencies.

PhD in Social Work Salary and Career Outlook

The U.S. Department of Labor includes postsecondary social work teachers on its list of Bright Outlook Occupations because of the job’s rapid growth prospects (9%) over the next decade (2020-2030). 9  Projections are not a guarantee, but the information is encouraging to PhDs looking to go in that direction.

While the mean annual wage for social work professors is $71,570, possibilities exist to earn substantially more. In California, for instance, the mean annual wage stands at $110,020. New York, the state with the highest concentration of postsecondary social work teachers, posts a mean annual wage of $91,680. 7

Some PhDs find employment as social service consultants. They train social service staff members and help organizations implement improvements in procedures and policies. According to PayScale, this type of position brings in an average hourly rate of $32.50. 8

PhD in Social Work Career Paths

Students in PhD programs usually enter possessing an MSW (Master’s of Social Work) and a social work license. After earning their doctorate, some individuals decide to return to careers in applied social work rather than enter academia. Their increased knowledge and training oftentimes set them up for higher-level positions in occupations such as:

• Median Salary: $51,760 
• Career Outlook: +12% (2020-2030)

Social workers identify and assist individuals, families, and groups within a community that need help with various life challenges.

• Median Salary: $48,140 
• Career Outlook: 17% (2020-2030)

These professionals promote wellness and serve as a liaison between individuals/groups and health care systems.

• Median Salary: $58,120 
• Career Outlook: +11% (2020-2030)

These counselors help individuals with social and academic issues in order to succeed in school and forge an employment plan.

Source: BLS

Earning a PhD in Social Work

Individuals generally go into social work because they want to  make a difference in the lives of others . Earning a PhD in Social Work certainly advances that objective. The decision to undertake something so rigorous, however, should not be made lightly.

Pros and Cons of PhD in Social Work Degrees

Completing a PhD program in social work takes time, money, and effort. Only you can decide if such an endeavor is in your best interest.

• Expanded job opportunities, especially in academia, consulting, and research
• Recognition as an expert in the field
• Good job growth predictions from the BLS
• The potential for increases in income, responsibility, and influence
• A chance to study specific areas of interest and learn advanced knowledge about them
• The cost of pursuing a degree
• The stress of staying on track and finishing this academic challenge
• Taking away time from other endeavors in order to focus on studies
• Possibly moving to a new location to be closer to campus

PhD in Social Work Program Prerequisites

Most students enter social work PhD programs already possessing an MSW and a history of social work employment. People with a  background in a similar field , such as psychology, may also be eligible for consideration. Some institutions conduct dual-degree programs where participants earn both an MSW and a PhD upon completion of studies.

Courses in PhD in Social Work Programs

While specific courses vary by program, the following are some of the courses frequently encountered in social work PhD programs:

• Quantitative research
• Qualitative research
• Data analysis
• Social policy analysis
• Scholarly writing
• Grant writing
• Teaching and pedagogy

Coursework helps students prepare for two important components of a social work PhD program:  the qualifying exam and the dissertation .

Passing an oral and/or written qualifying exam demonstrates a solid base of knowledge and readiness to engage in independent research. The dissertation focuses on a topic or research question of the student’s choice. In addition to writing the dissertation, the student must orally defend the ideas presented at a meeting with other scholars.

Skills Learned in a PhD in Social Work Degree Program

PhD programs promote scholarly development. Students hone their critical-thinking skills. They learn how to ask important questions about social work issues and how to go about seeking possible answers. They graduate knowing how to construct research studies and evaluate results.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Social Work?

Programs generally require 36 credit hours. In terms of time, this translates to 3-5 years.

Students pursuing accelerated studies may be able to shave off time from this range. On the flipside, students enrolled in a dual MSW/PhD program take longer to finish because they need to fulfill more requirements.

A substantial determinant of program length is progress on one’s dissertation. Some students develop a clear idea early on of what they wish to focus on and make steady progress toward completion. Others require more time to figure out what they want to do and how to do it.

Social Work Degree Specializations

Social work is a large discipline with many niches. Some areas PhD candidates may concentrate on include:

• Mental health
• Substance abuse
• School social work
• Military social work
• Children and families
• Gerontology
• Terminal illness
• Migration studies
• Disaster relief
• LGBTQIA+ community
• Public welfare
• Justice and corrections

Social Work Certification and Licensure

Many social work positions require a license and/or certification. People should look into the requirements for jobs of interest as well as for the geographical region in which they seek employment. A good place to start is the  Association for Social Work Boards .

Accreditation

Selecting a school with regional accreditation ensures the institution has met certain educational standards. Choose one approved by the  U.S. Department of Education  or the nonprofit  Council for Higher Education Accreditation  (CHEA).

While the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits BSW and MSW programs, it does not do so at the doctoral level. However, the Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education in Social Work (GADE) can provide prospective social work PhD students with information on its member schools.

Online PhD Social Work Programs

Opportunities exist to pursue doctoral studies in social work online. The majority of such programs lead to a DSW, but some result in a PhD.

Online vs. On Campus Degrees

Earning an online PhD in Social Work degree through has a variety of potential benefits.

• Remote learning removes geographical barriers.
• Students gain greater choice in selecting an institution
• Students do not need to upend their lives to move to campus housing.
• Online programs generally offer more flexibility in terms of when and where work gets completed.
• Sometimes, ambitious students can accelerate their progress.

Some students prefer regular, campus-based programs. They enjoy the social aspect of physically attending class alongside others, focus better in an academic environment, or prefer a consistent schedule.

How Long Do Online Courses Take to Complete?

Finishing an online PhD in Social Work program generally takes about the same amount of time as on-campus studies, which is 3-5 years. Choosing an accelerated program can reduce some of that time.

Schools offering online PhD in social work programs tend to have a hybrid set-up. They require brief periods of time on campus, such as the first week of each semester.

Also, remote PhD programs in social work tend to favor synchronous learning. Off-campus students use video technology to attend classes with their on-campus peers on specific days at set times.

Applying to PhD in Social Work Programs

Students interested in obtaining a PhD in Social Work must apply to individual schools offering this graduate study. Due to substantial competition for spots, students oftentimes apply to more than one program.

Admission Requirements for PhD in Social Work Programs

Each school has its own specific set of criteria for applicants to present in order to receive consideration for admission. Things often required include:

• A master’s degree from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education
• Transcripts of all collegiate work, including degree(s) earned and GPA
• A resume of hands-on social work experience, including internships, employment, and volunteer experiences
• Satisfactory performance on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
• Personal statements/essays on the reason for pursuing a PhD
• Interviews with faculty members
• Letters of recommendation supporting the candidacy
• A scholarly writing sample

Paying for a PhD in Social Work

Students rightly worry about paying for higher education. Fortunately, a good number of options exist to  finance graduate studies , including grants, loans, and scholarships. Schools also often offer PhD candidates positions as research or teaching assistants, which can cover or reduce tuition and even provide a stipend.

PhD in Social Work Degree Costs

Many factors influence the cost of pursuing a PhD in Social Work. Choosing a public school in one’s state often proves more economical than tuition for private institutions. Programs partially or fully online can lower expenses by eliminating the cost of traveling to campus or residing in campus housing.

Any student looking for financial assistance should fill out the  Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) . It serves as the first step in determining eligibility for grants, loans, and school-specific monetary aid.

Scholarships for PhD in Social Work Students

Individuals looking for assistance in funding their PhD studies in social work may want to check out the following:

• Council on Social Work Education  – The CSWE offers a variety of general and niche scholarships for students interested in graduate studies in social work.
• National Association of Social Workers  – Doctoral students qualify for several funding opportunities offered by the NASW Foundation.
• Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund  – Students working for social change can apply for one of these need-based scholarships of up to $15,000 per year.

PhD in Social Work Career Resources

Along their educational journey and into their career, social work PhDs may find the following groups good sources of knowledge and support:

• Council on Social Work Education  – This national organization is dedicated to advancing excellence in social work education and research. PhD candidates may find the careers section on the group’s website particularly interesting. It contains job opportunities, career planning advice, and free resume review.
• The Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education in Social Work  – This organization provides a wealth of information on what makes a good PhD program. Its website includes links to all its member institutions, which proves helpful to students trying to compare schools.
• National Association of Social Workers  – This well-established organization of professional social workers focuses on career development and advancing social policies. Its website contains resources on a variety of topics by interest, such as aging, child welfare, and LGBTQ issues. Networking opportunities and tips for landing a job prove useful to graduate students.
• Clinical Social Work Association  – This group focuses on meeting the practice needs of  clinical social workers  through support and advocacy. Members receive free consultative services for legal and ethical questions, reduced rates on liability insurance, and access to the association’s job board.
• Society for Social Work and Research  – For more than 25 years, this non-profit has supported faculty, students, and others interested in social work research. Funding, information sharing, and interdisciplinary networking are among its areas of concern.
• People often pursue a PhD in Social Work to become a professor at a university, college, or junior college. Such a job involves teaching classes, managing internships and other hands-on student experiences, and conducting research. Other PhDs work for the government, military, non-profits, think tanks, schools, and other organizations as social workers, community managers, researchers, and policy shapers.
• The answer depends on individual interests and career objectives. For someone hoping for a job in academia, a PhD is usually necessary. Individuals interested in positions such as social worker or community service manager oftentimes get hired with a lesser degree. A doctorate, though, can put someone in a better position for greater responsibility, leadership, decision-making, and pay.
• Examine your career goals. A  bachelor’s degree  can be enough for entry-level positions. A master’s will qualify you to perform more extensive duties and is a must for those interested in clinical social work. Future social work instructors and social work executives generally hold a doctorate, which can be a PhD in Social Work or a DSW (Doctor of Social Work).
• An  MSW (Master of Social Work)  helps individuals secure higher-level positions within the field of social work. Obtaining one signifies greater education and training than just a bachelor’s degree. A PhD in Social Work demonstrates exceptional knowledge and commitment. PhDs often remain in academia to teach others and to continue advancing the discipline through original research.

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• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/home.htm
• https://dworakpeck.usc.edu/academics/phd-program
• https://socialwork.nyu.edu/a-silver-education/degree-programs/phd.html
• https://socialwork.wayne.edu/phd
• https://www.baylor.edu/social_work/index.php?id=866760
• https://socialwork.utah.edu/phd/
• https://www.bls.gov/oes/2018/may/oes251113.htm
• https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Social_Service_Consultant/Hourly_Rate?loggedIn
• https://www.onetonline.org/find/bright?b=1&g=Go

What to Look For in a Social Work Doctoral-Level Program

Explore and compare a list of accredited schools to enroll in your next program.

Earning a doctorate in social work (DSW) can open up exciting career options. This guide explains the different types of programs and what to look for, lists the best doctorates in social work, and gives you the information you need to find a program and apply. Explore the possibilities open to you today.

In This Article

• What to Look For
• Top Programs
• What to Expect
• Career Opportunities

Accreditation

Accreditation is the most important measure of a program’s value. If you do not already have a social work license, you must graduate from a program with Council on Social Work Education accreditation to earn the credential. Very few employers will consider hiring graduates of unaccredited programs. All the entries in this list of doctorates in social work hold accreditation.

Students should consider the total cost of fees and tuition, along with how financial aid can lower their overall investment. Factors affecting cost include the school’s public vs. private status, eligibility for in-state tuition and fees, and whether you can work while studying.

Financial Aid

Students should research available financial aid through grants, scholarships, and loans. This funding may come directly from your school or external sources like the government and independent organizations. Especially at the graduate level, scholarships may include work opportunities, assisting faculty in research or teaching. You may qualify for government loan forgiveness if you work as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in a medically-underserved area after graduation.

Admission Requirements

Finally, consider the admission requirements when evaluating doctorate in social work programs. In addition to telling you how likely you are to receive admission, these requirements can offer a look into student and campus culture.

Featured Online Programs in Social Work

Research how to become a social worker by state.

Each state sets their social work licensing requirements. In some states, you can pursue licensure with a BSW, while others require a master’s degree. Other requirements include getting the required experience and passing your state’s social work licensure exam.

• Connecticut
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Washington DC
• West Virginia

The Best Ph.D. in Social Work Programs

View our methodology to learn more about how we create school rankings.

University of California, Los Angeles

University of California, Los Angeles , widely recognized for its academic excellence, boasts 16 Nobel Laureates and 15 MacArthur Fellows among its alumni and faculty. The university enrolls over 45,000 students in its top-ranked undergraduate and graduate programs.

The Ph.D. in social welfare selectively admits a small cohort of students each year. The rigorous, individually tailored program features personalized instruction and applied research experiences. All students can receive financial aid packages that cover full tuition plus fellowships and paid teaching assistantships for the first four years.

• Program: Ph.D. in Social Welfare
• Campus: Los Angeles, California
• Type: Public
• Accreditations: WASC Senior College and University Commission
• Tuition: $11,700 per year
• Admission Requirements: MSW or master’s in related field; official transcripts; three letters of recommendation; personal statement; statement of purpose; research essay; curriculum vitae; writing sample
• Minimum Time Commitment: Four years
• On-Campus Requirements: Yes

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Established in 1795, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) holds the title of the nation’s first public university. Today, UNC offers 95 bachelor’s, 104 master’s, and 65 doctoral degrees.

This top-ranked doctorate in social work emphasizes social intervention throughout its curriculum. The plan of study includes a teaching practicum, a research practicum, and several courses outside the field of social work. Doctoral students can receive significant funding that covers tuition and health insurance, and stipends for teaching and research.

• Program: Ph.D. in Social Work
• Campus: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
• Accreditations: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Tuition: $586 per credit for North Carolina residents; $1,602 per credit for out-of-state students
• Admission Requirements: MSW or master’s in a related field; official transcripts; statement of purpose; three letters of recommendation; curriculum vitae; two years of work experience in human services

University of California, Berkeley

Ranked as one of the nation’s top public universities, University of California, Berkeley , maintains its strong intellectual tradition in over 350 academic programs serving over 42,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

The Ph.D. in social welfare allows students to pursue a plan of study tailored to their interests that aligns with faculty members’ research areas. The program provides three years of financial support to pay for tuition, fees, and health insurance, plus a yearly allowance for living expenses.

• Campus: Berkeley, California
• Tuition: $5,850 per semester
• Admission Requirements: MSW or master’s in related field; minimum 3.0 GPA; three letters of recommendation; examples of scholarship
• Minimum Time Commitment: Three years

University of Chicago

Recognized among the best U.S. and global research universities, University of Chicago has claimed more than 90 Nobel Prize winners and over a dozen recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in its 125-year history.

The highly selective Ph.D. in social work admits approximately eight students from the 100 applications received each year. Once admitted, all doctoral students qualify for a financial aid package that includes full tuition, health insurance, and a yearly stipend.

• Campus: Chicago, Illinois
• Type: Private
• Accreditations: Higher Learning Commission
• Tuition: $49,734 per year
• Admission Requirements: MSW or master’s in related field; official transcripts; four letters of reference; curriculum vitae, candidate statement; academic writing sample

Florida State University

Located in Florida’s capital city of Tallahassee, Florida State University (FSU) administers over 300 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in 18 colleges. FSU’s doctorate in social work, established in 1974, has built a national reputation for its emphasis on research methods and adult pedagogy.

The university’s Ph.D. in social work encourages doctoral students to conduct research independently and with faculty, collaborate on articles for publication, present their work at national conferences, and teach courses in the college of social work.

• Campus: Tallahassee, Florida
• Tuition: $479 per credit for Florida residents; $1,111 per credit for out-of-state students
• Admission Requirements: MSW, official transcripts, minimum 3.0 GPA; GRE scores, three letters of recommendation; curriculum vitae; statement of purpose; writing sample

University of Georgia

Created by the Georgia State Assembly in 1785, the University of Georgia (UGA) is the nation’s first state-chartered university. UGA’s doctorate in social work offers specializations in gerontology, women’s studies, qualitative studies, quantitative methods, and nonprofit management and leadership.

The Ph.D. program encourages faculty-driven and independent research leading to publication. Doctoral students can receive four years of financial assistance in the form of research and teaching assistantships and fellowships.

• Program: Social Work, Ph.D.
• Campus: Athens, Georgia
• Tuition: $8,698 per year for Georgia residents; $24,676 per year for out-of-state students
• Admission Requirements: MSW; two years of professional social work experience preferred; minimum 3.5 GPA; curriculum vitae; statement of goals; scholarly writing sample; three letters of recommendation

University of South Florida

Located in the Tampa Bay region, the University of South Florida (USF) enrolls over 50,000 students in undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across 13 colleges.

USF’s doctorate in social work offers an interdisciplinary curriculum focusing on five key areas of social work: societal change and innovation, global issues, health, behavioral health, and leadership and business. Doctoral students may qualify for renewable tuition waivers, depending on available funds and satisfactory progress in the program.

• Campus: Tampa, Florida
• Tuition: $7,840 per year for Florida residents; $15,863 per year for out-of-state students
• Admission Requirements: MSW or master’s in a related field; minimum 3.5 GPA; two letters of reference; personal statement; professional writing sample; curriculum vitae; interview

University of Texas at Austin

Since its establishment in 1883, University of Texas at Austin has developed into a top-ranking research university supporting over 52,000 undergraduate and graduate students across 18 schools and colleges.

The 47-credit Ph.D. in social work provides students with an interdisciplinary perspective emphasizing advanced research methods and statistical analysis. In addition to completing coursework, comprehensive exams, and dissertation research, this rigorous program requires each doctoral candidate to submit a first-authored manuscript to a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

• Campus: Austin, Texas
• Tuition: $1,400 per credit for Texas residents; $2,022 per credit for out-of-state students
• Admission Requirements: MSW or master’s in a related field; official transcripts; minimum 3.0 GPA, minimum grade of B on a college-level statistics course; three letters of reference; narrative statement; writing sample; work experience in human services

Florida International University

Designated as a top-tier research institution, Florida International University (FIU) ranks among the 10 largest universities in the nation, enrolling over 56,000 students.

As the flagship program of the school of social work, FIU’s Ph.D. in social welfare boasts the fastest completion rates and highest retention rates among all social work doctoral programs in the country. Each Ph.D. student explores a social problem and an intervention area that provide the foundation for their dissertation research.

• Campus: Miami, Florida
• Tuition: $4,101 per year for Florida residents; $9,015 per year for out-of-state students
• Admission Requirements: MSW or master’s in a related field; official transcripts; minimum 3.5 GPA; GRE scores; three letters of recommendation; two writing samples; personal statement; interview

University of Washington

Established in 1861 before Washington became a state, the University of Washington (UW) has developed into a top-ranked public research institution. UW receives more federal research funding than any other university in the country.

The UW School of Social Work offers a Ph.D. program in social welfare that fosters collaborative faculty-student interaction and mentoring through small cohorts. Doctoral students receive financial support during the first four years of study through internal, external, federal, and private funding sources.

• Campus: Seattle, Washington
• Accreditations: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
• Tuition: $17,436 per year for Washington residents; $31,128 per year for out-of-state residents
• Admission Requirements: MSW or master’s in a related field; official transcripts; successful completion of an undergraduate statistics course; curriculum vitae; scholarly and professional statement; scholarly writing sample; three letters of recommendation

What to Expect in a Social Work Ph.D. Program

The curriculum in a doctorate in social work prepares you to pursue leadership roles as a practitioner, researcher, or teacher. Some Ph.D. programs have specialties, while others offer a more general approach. Courses generally cover research methods, theory and practice of social change, program and agency administration, and behavioral science.

Program Length

Most doctorates in social work cover approximately 40-60 credits in about 3-5 years of full-time study. Some programs may only require two years.

Field Placement

Depending on the state and program, you may need to complete a field placement. Other programs do not include formal placements but may require dissertation research projects to include components based on original work in the field.

Prepare for Licensure

Many doctorates in social work require that you have experience as a licensed social worker , requiring a license to apply. Some programs consider students with master’s degrees and experience in a related field, such as counseling or public health, for admission. In these cases, a doctorate in social work meets state licensing requirements.

What Can You Do With a Doctorate in Social Work

A doctorate in social work can prepare you for virtually any career in social work , including teaching in a college or university, high-level research, and administration. The Ph.D. and DSW are terminal degrees, meaning there is no higher education level in this field. Some doctorates in social work have specialty tracks, such as public administration or policy analysis and development, to prepare students for these careers.

Careers with a Doctorate in Social Work

Medical social worker.

Medical social workers typically work in hospitals and consider patients’ social determinants of health, such as a safe place to live and access to food. A medical social worker with a doctorate in social work may lead a team or department of medical social workers.

Average Salary (May 2023): $59,310

Research Director

These professionals research various social work interventions and the likely effects of proposed policies. They may work for research institutions, nonprofits, or government agencies. This role requires expertise in data modeling, statistics, and other analysis tools.

Average Salary (May 2023): $109,260

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

An LCSW works directly with clients. They are licensed to diagnose certain mental health conditions and provide counseling. An LCSW with a doctorate in social work may lead a team or agency.

Average Salary (May 2023): $62,600

Professor of Social Work

These educators teach in colleges and universities. Typically, they conduct research and publish their findings, with most employers expecting expertise in research methodology.

Average Salary (May 2023): $89,830

Learn more about social worker careers in our comprehensive career guide.

How Much Can You Make With a Social Work Doctoral Degree?

The salary you can earn with a doctorate in social work depends primarily on location and professional role. Though there is relatively little recent research on social work salaries by degree, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) found that those with master’s in social work (MSW) degrees earn typically $13,000 more than individuals with bachelor of social work degrees in 2017.

Social workers with doctorates in social work, including Ph.D. and DSW degrees, earn $20,000-$25,000 more than professionals with MSWs, on average.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Your Doctorate in Social Work Degree

What are the benefits of a doctorate in social work.

A doctorate in social work is a terminal degree in the field, which prepares you for any role in social work, including practitioner, administrator, researcher, and professor. This degree can help you make system-wide changes in the field of social work or in communities by leading agencies and publishing research.

What is the difference between a Ph.D. in social work and a doctor of social work degree?

A Ph.D. in social work generally focuses on research and analysis, while a DSW applies evidence-based practice in real-world contexts. Both degrees provide graduates with a full grounding in research methods.

Does a Ph.D. pay more than a master’s?

According to the NASW , workers with doctorates in social work make approximately $20,000-$25,000 more than individuals with MSWs. However, geographic location may play a role, since the organizations that hire doctorates tend to be in areas with higher cost of living figures.

What do people do with a Ph.D. in social work?

People with doctorates in social work often lead departments of social workers, teach in higher education, or perform research for government agencies or nonprofit organizations. Individuals with Ph.D. degrees are more likely to work in higher education or nonprofit think tanks.

Pursue your passion for helping others with a career in social work.

Discover schools with specialized programs that empower you to make a difference today.

College of Education and Human Development

School of Social Work

Applying to the PhD in Social Work Program

Applications are evaluated based on potential for independent research and knowledge development in social work. While preference is given to applicants with post-master’s work experience, there is not a set amount or type of experience required, and all of the applicant's previous experiences and career goals are considered.

Useful information about applying:

• The University of Minnesota Graduate School's admissions webpage.
• The section below about required application materials for the School of Social Work.

When you are ready to start your application, click the button below. You will be able to save and return to your application.

Application Deadline: Friday, December 1, 2023

Required application materials, 1: unofficial transcripts.

Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended (including the University of Minnesota). Please see the Graduate School's transcript instruction page for information on submitting transcripts with your application.

Applicants must have a master’s degree in social work, social welfare, or a related field, preferably from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Applicants may be enrolled in a master’s program when they apply for the PhD program, but the program must be completed before they begin doctoral studies. Master’s degrees in related disciplines are considered, but students may be required to complete some MSW coursework as a condition for enrollment.

2: Test Scores

Gre (not required).

GRE scores are not required for admission to our PhD program. However, if you do choose to submit them, we accept scores from the last five years. We recommend the GRE for applicants who cannot demonstrate a strong background in research, writing, and statistics.

The Graduate School has more information about GRE tests and scores, here . 

English Proficiency 

A strong command of the English language is necessary for successful study at the School of Social Work.  International applicants for whom English is not a primary language are asked to take the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test to demonstrate proficiency. For more information on the University's language proficiency test and score requirements, kindly visit this site.  

3: Curriculum vitae (CV)

Your CV should list your educational history, including dates of degree conferral, and relevant employment history, including job titles, agency names, dates of employment, and whether jobs you list were full-time, part-time, or internships. Also list your research experience, publications, presentations, teaching experience, leadership experience, service to the community, and any honors or awards.

4: Personal Statement

Submit a statement, not exceeding four pages, which explains your research interests and career goals. Please address the following two topics within this document.

• Research interests: In this essay, discuss the specific social welfare problems or questions you are interested in researching during your doctoral program. We welcome a broad variety of research problems or questions, including those geared to helping the social work profession better meet the needs of a diverse society. Explain the potential social impact of your research ideas and how your research may contribute to knowledge in the field of social work/social welfare. Also describe your past or present research training or experience and explain anything else you would like us to know related to your preparation for doctoral study. If there is a particular faculty member with whom you wish to study, please give that person's name and explain why you want to study with that person.
• Career goals: Describe your overall career goals and explain how doctoral study, research, teaching, and leadership align with your goals.

5: Writing Sample

Provide a scholarly writing sample that was written for a public or professional audience. Your sample should provide evidence of your ability to effectively conceptualize and communicate complex ideas and demonstrate clarity, organization, and appropriate use of grammar and style. Scholarly writing samples may include: sole-authored manuscripts, course papers, and papers prepared for academic conferences. If your writing sample was co-authored, please articulate your contributions to the writing process and highlight the portions that you wrote. Informal examples of writing, such as newspaper articles or PowerPoint presentations, are not acceptable writing samples.

6: Diversity Statement

Submit a statement, not exceeding two pages, which identifies the distinctive qualities, characteristics and life experiences you would contribute to the School of Social Work. Your diversity statement can include, but is not limited to:

• Your contribution to student body diversity
• Your contribution to the doctoral learning community
• How your research interests relate to diversity issues
• How your career plans include diversity and equity components
• Your history of overcoming obstacles to achievement

7: Three Letters of Recommendation

Three letters of recommendation are required. Your references should be professionals who are able to comment on your potential for research and scholarly activity. At least one letter, if not two, should be from a current or former professor. At least one current or former professor should have a PhD and speak to your ability to complete a PhD program.

Admissions FAQ

All students are required to submit undergraduate and graduate school transcripts, a curriculum vita, a personal statement, a diversity statement, an academic writing sample, and three letters of recommendation. All international students must also take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), with the exception of students who earned an academic degree in an English speaking country.

We accept Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores and recommend them for applicants who cannot demonstrate a strong background in research, writing, and statistics; however, GRE scores are not required.

The GRE is only valid for five years. If your GRE is more than five years old, you will need to take it again.

A master’s degree is required for admission directly into the PhD program. While we do accept people with master’s degrees in other related fields, we strongly encourage applicants to complete their MSW before applying to the PhD program. An MSW provides important theoretical and practice knowledge that is useful throughout the PhD program. In addition, applicants should know that many social work departments will only hire faculty with an MSW and at least two years of post-MSW practice experience, which is another reason why the MSW is valuable for applicants.

The PhD program is very selective. Usually we accept less than 20% of applicants. Most applications are quite strong, so we have turn away many applicants each year who could potentially succeed in our program.

Number of students: 5-8 Average verbal GRE percentile: 75th Average quantitative GRE percentile: 65th Average analytic writing GRE percentile: 75th Average undergraduate GPA: 3.60 Average graduate GPA: 3.85

We are looking for students who will be able to conduct meaningful scholarship upon graduation and will eventually become national or international leaders in developing the social work knowledge base and providing academic leadership in the field. Thus, we are looking for people who excelled in their undergraduate and graduate programs, have excellent GRE (and TOEFL) scores, have had meaningful social work or related professional experience, have participated in research projects and publications, have strong critical thinking and writing skills, and have a strong interest in a career centered upon social work scholarship.

General FAQ

Students take two years of coursework both inside and outside the School of Social Work, including required courses in research methods, statistics, theory, history, policy and teaching, as well as supporting program courses from across the university. Students typically complete their preliminary examinations and defend their dissertation proposal, and then complete their dissertation in their fourth or PhD fifth year.

No, the PhD program is a weekday program with courses offered during the daytime. Students should expect to be on-campus at least three days per week, if not more, for at least the first two years of the program.

There is no formal, part-time program, though some students do work off-campus part-time and complete the program at a slightly slower rate. However, we do not encourage part-time study and give preference to students interested in full-time study and do not provide funding packages to part-time students. Full-time students are better able to engage in all aspects of the program and are more likely to complete the program.

No, we do not have a combined MSW/PhD program. Applicants must have a master’s degree in social work, social welfare, or a related field, preferably from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Applicants may be enrolled in a master’s program when they apply for the PhD program, but the program must be completed before they begin doctoral studies.

No. Our PhD program does not focus on developing advanced clinical skills.

Our program is designed so that students can complete the program in 4 years, though most finish within 4-5 years.

The PhD program includes two years of coursework, examinations and the dissertation. Please see the PhD Student Handbook for the specific requirements and timetables for completion.

An MSW program is an advanced professional practice degree geared towards preparing social work practitioners for work in direct practice social work or community practice social work. Our MSW graduates secure positions in a variety of areas, including clinical social work, case management/care coordination, advocacy, community organizing, planning, or leading. A PhD program is a research degree that focuses on the development of advanced research, theoretical and teaching skills. Most of our PhD graduates work in academia or research positions.

Because of the rigorous demands of the PhD program, most students are unable to work full-time and successfully complete the program. A PhD program should be thought of similarly time wise to a demanding full-time job.

Our website is being updated this week; thank you for your patience.

PhD Degree Requirements

During the first three years in the program, the School of Social Work requires full-time enrollment, defined as 10 or more credits per quarter during the autumn, winter, and spring quarters. Although students may register part-time starting in their fourth year, they must register for at least 10 credits during any quarter they hold a research assistantship (RA) or teaching assistantship (TA). Students are strongly advised to remain in residence while working on their dissertation. (See the Doctoral Degree Requirements for details.)

The first year of the program is the most heavily prescribed, with required courses that must be taken in sequence and in combination. Starting In the summer following year 1, students take a comprehensive series of examinations covering the content of the first-year courses in methods, theory, and policy ( approved by Social Welfare Faculty, May 2005 ).

During the second year, students have considerably more flexibility in selecting courses specifically related to their substantive and research methods interests. Students confer closely with advisors and members of their Supervisory Committee to choose courses relevant to their scholarly objectives. During the second and the third years, students research and write the required Qualifying Scholarly paper that serves as the written portion of the General Examination ( approved by Social Welfare Faculty, May 2005 ).

Once all course requirements are successfully completed (the University of Washington Graduate School requires that doctoral students earn a minimum of 90 credits in order to graduate) and the Qualifying Scholarly Paper is approved by the Supervisory Committee, the Oral General Examination is scheduled, typically during the third year. After passing the Examination, the student is advanced to candidacy (PhC status) and begins formally working on the dissertation prospectus, followed by the dissertation. Completion and successful defense of the dissertation are required before the PhD is conferred.

Required Courses

Consistent with the requirements for all courses offered at the School of Social Work (undergraduate, masters, and doctoral), all required PhD courses in the School of Social Work must include content on diverse populations, including the disadvantaged and oppressed. This includes, for example, content on people of color, women, gay men and lesbians, and persons with disabilities. In addition all courses should endeavor to include objectives identified in the Social Justice Learning Objectives (from the PhD Program Manual). The specific type or nature of the content (e.g.., readings, exemplars, exercises) and how it is introduced and integrated will likely differ across courses. In all cases, content on diversity must be in accord with course objectives and be visibly present in the course syllabus.

All required coursework (with the exception of the 800 tutorials) must be completed before or during the quarter in which the Oral section of the General Examination takes place.

The following courses are required of all students in the program and must be taken on a graded basis unless only offered as Credit/No Credit.

Elective Courses

NOTE : Most electives are offered every other year in rotation.

• Qualitative Methods in Social Work Research.
• Advanced Topics in Data Analysis.
• Social Movements and Participatory Action Research Methods.
• West Coast Poverty Center Seminar Series
• Research to Policy
• Interdisciplinary Prevention Science: Children and Adolescents. Overview of developmental perspective examining factors that promote or inhibit health development at different stages and during transitions (focus on birth through age 21).
• Promoting Well-Being among At-Risk Groups: guidance for Health promotion/prevention Research.

Statistics Track

The statistics track is largely built around a curriculum developed by the Center for Statistics and the Social Sciences (CS&SS). Students who complete the Statistics Track in Social Work have advanced training in statistics for social science research relevant to their own area of specialization. The CS&SS provides a document certifying that the student completed the Statistics Track.

Taking a coherent set of advanced statistical methods courses prepares students to work at the cutting edge of statistics and the social sciences.

Students complete four courses in social statistics with the grade of 3.3 or above in each course and attend two quarters of the CS&SS seminar, CS&SS 590.

For more information see  Statistics Track.

Additional Course Expectations

In addition to required courses, students may also take tutorials (Soc WL 600) with faculty members during the advanced course work and the writing of the integrative Qualifying Paper (prior to the Oral General Examination). These tutorials should be well planned and include one or more written products.

Students are also encouraged to take additional courses (beyond those required) that bear on their substantive areas of interest. Courses may be taken in any department or school of the University but should ordinarily be at the 500 level or above. Students are encouraged to consult with their advisors or committee chairpersons, or the director of the program for advice and assistance in arranging courses of study in other schools or departments.

PhD Quarterly Schedule

For more information, see  PhD Course Descriptions . This is a sample schedule and subject to change.

PhD Program Milestones

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• PhD in Social Work

The PhD in Social Work at Boston University aims to prepare the next generation of social work and social welfare scholars and leaders to address the complex social challenges of the 21st century. Building upon the School of Social Work’s robust commitment to social justice and empowerment of historically marginalized and vulnerable populations, the program provides rigorous training in the theory, research methods, and values of the social work profession necessary to solve urgent human and societal problems. Graduates are exceptionally well trained in multiple methods and interdisciplinary linkages to other social and behavioral sciences. Through a curriculum that encompasses research, clinical and policy practice knowledge, and teaching pedagogy and practice, the program offers a rich educational foundation for future social work leaders in the academy, as well as the practice and policy arenas.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate mastery at a doctoral level of core social work and social justice theory.
• Demonstrate mastery at the doctoral level of interdisciplinary area of inquiry (specialization).
• Demonstrate the ability to conduct rigorous applied scholarship and make a significant original contribution to social work.

Curriculum and Course Requirements

The PhD program is a full-time course of study. The program welcomes one cohort of students per year, beginning in September. Students must meet all requirements set forth in the PhD Handbook , including a minimum of 16 courses for the post-master’s PhD (as indicated below), and complete a minimum of 63 units.

Core Program

Core social work knowledge (16 units).

• SSW KC 902 Proseminar in Social Work (0 units)
• SSW SR 910 Doctoral Dissertation Seminar (4 units)
• SSW SW 905 Contemporary Social Problems: A Social Work Perspective (4 units)
• SSW WP 901 Social Justice, Values & the Social Work Profession (4 units)
• SSW WP 903 Perspectives on Social Welfare Policy (4 units)

Core Mixed Methods (19 units)

• CAS SO 702 Sociological Methods (4 units)

QUANTITATIVE SEQUENCE

• SPH BS 704 Introduction to Biostatistics (3 units)
• SPH BS 723 Introduction to Statistical Computing (4 units)

QUALITATIVE SEQUENCE

• SSW SR 906 Qualitative Research Methods (4 units)
• SSW SR 907 Advanced Qualitative Research Methods (4 units)

Advanced Research Methods Electives Coursework (8 units)

Students will take two courses in advanced research methods relevant to the individual conduct of research in an area of specialization.

Teaching Excellence Sequence (8 units to be taken concurrently in the Spring Term)

• SSW SW 908 Teaching Seminar (4 units)
• SSW SW 909 Teaching Practicum (4 units)

Guidelines for the Teaching Practicum

Students must complete a teaching practicum with an instructor of record for a traditional in-person MSW classroom course. The Teaching Practicum is graded as Pass/Fail, with grades submitted by the faculty mentor at the end of the grading period.

Interdisciplinary Specialization (12 units)

Students identify an interdisciplinary specialization organized around a population (i.e., children, immigrants and refugees, older adults) and/or a social problem/issue (i.e., poverty, housing, trauma, health disparities) and complete 12 unit hours of study in their chosen area of specialization. Four units of the specialization must be taken in a theory course. Students have considerable flexibility with respect to electives; however, it is expected that all electives include content and assignments appropriate for doctoral study.

The specialization is developed by the student in collaboration with their faculty advisor and approved by the doctoral program director.

Teaching Requirements

Students will teach as the Instructor of Record in a traditional classroom setting on-campus and also as an Online Facilitator or Instructor. These teaching requirements must be completed during the third, fourth, and fifth years in the program, and students must serve on campus as Instructor of Record in a traditional classroom setting during the fall or spring terms.

Qualifying Examinations

Students will be eligible to take the qualifying exam within six months of their fourth terms of coursework. The qualifying examination is a take-home exam intended to assess students’ ability to conduct independent social work research and thus begin work on the dissertation. Accordingly, the exam focuses on core social work knowledge and theory, social justice and ethics, research methods, and a student’s area of specialization. The written examination is graded Honors, High Pass, Pass, and Fail.

PhD Candidacy

Upon successful completion of the qualifying examination, a student is accepted to PhD candidacy. The maximum period allowable between matriculation and acceptance to PhD candidacy will be four years. Once in PhD candidacy, a student will have three years to complete the dissertation requirements successfully; this period can be extended only if approved by the doctoral committee, program director, and dean of the School of Social Work.

Dissertation

Doctoral candidates will demonstrate their abilities to conduct independent and original research through the dissertation project. The dissertation may take the form of a traditional monograph or a three-paper format (see PhD Handbook ). Upon completion of coursework and all other pre-dissertation requirements, a student will develop a prospectus in which the dissertation research is described. Students will work with advisors and the program director to identify an interdisciplinary committee of five faculty members, at least two of whom must be SSW tenure-line faculty, with additional readers from the student’s area of specialization. Approval of the dissertation proposal is obtained through a prospectus defense before the full committee.

Candidates, upon completion of the dissertation, present themselves for a final oral examination before the full committee.

Residency Requirement

Students are expected to complete a minimum of four consecutive regular terms of full-time graduate study at Boston University. Full-time study in this context is full-time commitment to the discipline as determined by the department. Doctoral students holding appointments as teaching fellows or research assistants are considered full-time students for purposes of the residency requirement, provided that the time beyond that required by their appointments is devoted fully to their graduate program. In order to graduate, students must be registered part- or full-time in the term or summer term in which they complete degree requirements, as well as in the preceding term.

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Degree Requirements and Curriculum

The PhD program requires a minimum of 48 units beyond the master's degree (exclusive of SOWK 794 Doctoral Dissertation units) and successful completion of written and oral qualifying exams and the doctoral dissertation. Students must complete all required coursework by the end of the second year in their doctoral studies.

Individualized Course of Study

Students prepare an Individualized Course Study Plan (ISP) with their faculty mentor in the spring of the first year that is approved by the doctoral committee. It details classes and tutorials that each student will take during the second year of the program.

All doctoral students must teach for two semesters before they graduate. Requirements may be fulfilled by co-teaching, teaching as an assistant or solo teaching. Before beginning these experiences, students must take a teaching course approved by the doctoral committee. International students must meet the English proficiency standards set forth by the American Language Institute and participate, if necessary, in specialized training offered through the Center for Excellence in Teaching .

Qualifying Examination

As a prerequisite to candidacy for the PhD degree, students must pass a qualifying examination in their research area, which comprises a written paper of publishable quality and includes an oral defense. To become eligible to take the exam, students must complete all core courses, at least six units of SOWK 790 tutorials and at least 32 units of course work in the doctoral program, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0. After passing the qualifying exam, students will be advanced to candidacy.

Dissertation

Before proceeding with the dissertation, students must establish a dissertation committee approved by the Graduate School and submit a dissertation proposal for approval. Students submit their completed dissertation to their dissertation committee and orally defend it.

Course Requirements

The doctoral curriculum is designed to produce social work scholars with a mastery of core competencies essential for contributing original research that advances the profession's knowledge base. Course work and independent study within and outside the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work provide students with an intellectual grounding in policy advocacy, analysis of policy and practice issues, global issues, interdisciplinary research, advanced research methods and statistics and comparative social science theories. View the PhD program Schedule by Year

Students are required to complete a minimum of 48 course units beyond the master's degree (exclusive of SOWK 794 Doctoral Dissertation)

Core Substantive Courses*

702 Theories of Human Behavior in the Contexts of Social Environments 703 Explanatory Theories for Larger Social Systems 733 Policy Analysis and Advocacy in a Comparative Social Policy Context 743 Theories for Practice with Small Systems 744 Theories for Practice with Large Systems

* Students must complete four of the above core substantive courses. Students with a macro focus must take 702 and/or 743, and those with a micro focus must take at the minimum two of the following: 703, 733 and/or 744. Students must also take at least one 3-unit elective either in the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work or elsewhere in the university.

Core Research/Statistics Courses**

760L Introduction to Social Work Statistics 761L Multiple Regression in Social Work Research 762 Social Work Research Methods I 763 Social Work Research Methods II: Issues in Research for Social Work Practice 764 Advanced Multivariate Statistics

**Plus, students must take an additional 3-unit elective in statistics or research either in the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work or elsewhere in the university.

Courses within the University***

Students must take at least three courses in other departments or schools within the university. At least eight of these 12 units must be in courses with a substantive rather than a research methodology or statistic focus.

***Each student must develop a concentration in another discipline outside the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work such as gerontology, sociology; psychology; preventive medicine; business; policy, planning and development; or political science.

Social Work Tutorials (790)

Students fulfill the requirements for their individualized course of study through a combination of at least three (2-unit) directed tutorials (SOWK 790) under the mentorship of a social work faculty member. Tutorials provide greater understanding of a student's chosen specialty through closer examination of relevant practice theories, explanatory theories and research methodologies. The tutorials are substantive and have a purpose beyond preparation related to the student's qualifying exam. All tutorials must be of publishable quality in order to receive credit.

College of Social and Behavioral Health: PhD in Social Work

• College of Social and Behavioral Health
• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
• Master of Social Work (MSW)
• Doctor of Social Work (DSW)
• PhD in Social Work

Learning Outcomes

Minimum degree requirements, course sequence.

• Doctoral Writing Assessment

8-Year Maximum Time Frame

• MS Dual Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling
• MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• MS in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
• MS in School Counseling
• PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision

Program Website  

The PhD in Social Work program is designed to prepare experienced social work professionals as leaders, researchers, educators, and supervisors in the field. This program offers students an opportunity to engage in a core body of social work knowledge and processes that focus on the history and development of the profession, contemporary issues in social work, advanced social work theory and practice, program planning and evaluation, and research methods leading to a dissertation experience designed to prepare students for their roles as leaders and advocates for social change in the field.

Graduates of this program are able to:

• Synthesize scholarly research and theory to examine gaps in social work knowledge.
• Demonstrate the skills necessary to create and implement ethical research designs that take into account cultural factors to expand social work knowledge.
• Demonstrate the ability to employ a variety of research approaches to understand or address the etiology and dynamics of social problems and needs.
• Evaluate research related to social work interventions, social programs, and the empirical knowledge-base.
• Analyze social problems related to the field of social work from a culturally aware, ethical, and empirically-driven perspective.
• Demonstrate the ability to collaborate with a variety of stakeholders to advocate for social change.
• Demonstrate the ability to use scholarly research to advocate for policies and practices that advance the economic and social well-being of culturally diverse clientele.
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in social work practice and research.
• Professional Development Plan
• Foundation course (3 credits)
• Core courses (20 credits)
• Specialization courses (15 credits)
• Research Courses (20 credits)
• Building Doctoral Socialization and Competency (1 credits per term for five terms)
• Dissertation support course (5 credits)
• Dissertation (5 credits per term for a minimum of three terms; taken continuously until completion)
• Quarter Plans
• Four residencies

Foundation Course (3 credits)

Core courses (20 credits), specialization courses (15 credits).

These courses are dependent upon the particular specialization. Please see the course list on each specialization page.

Specialization in Advanced Clinical Practice and Supervision

Specialization in impact leadership in social work administration, specialization in social work education, foundation research courses (15 credits).

Courses comprising the Foundation Research Sequence are conducted online and require weekly readings, participation in discussions, and assignment completion. Course instructors guide discussions and evaluate discussion and application assignments. RSCH 8110 must be completed prior to Residency 2 of the academic residencies. RSCH 8210 and RSCH 8310 must be completed prior to beginning the dissertation or attending Residency 3.

• Students may take this as a non-degree course.

Advanced Research Course (5 credits)

All PhD students are required to complete one advanced-level research course that mirrors the methodology of their intended dissertations. The university offers three advanced courses; individual programs may have other advanced options. Students should refer to their specific programs of study to determine program-specific requirements.

One of the following three courses is required:  

• Students may take this a non-degree course.

Residency Requirements

• Complete Residency 1 as soon as you begin your program;  should be completed in Term 1 or Term 2.
• Complete Residency 2 within 18 months of your start date or linked to your registration for or completion of your first research course.
• Complete Residency 3 by the end of your third year.
• Residency 4 General  (RESI 8404) OR
• Residency 4 Proposal Writing  (RESI 8404Q) OR
• Residency 4 Methods & Data Collection: Qualitative  (RESI 8404R) OR
• Residency 4 Methods & Data Collection: Quantitative  (RESI 8404S) OR
• Residency 4 Publishing & Presenting  (RESI 8404T) OR
• an approved professional conference (RESI 8900 for select programs only. Contact Advising for information.) OR
• a dissertation intensive (DRWI 8500) during your 9000 course. Contact Student Success Advising to register. You must attend all sessions and advising throughout the entire intensive retreat in order to successfully complete the experience to satisfy residency 4 requirements.  NOTE: Intensive Retreats are NOT included in Fast Track tuition.
• Optional:  Complete a PhD  dissertation intensive  (DRWI 8500) during your dissertation. Contact Student Success Advising to register.

Completion of the Doctoral Capstone

Dissertation Writing Courses

Students take this course for a minimum of three quarters and are continuously enrolled until completion of their dissertation with final chief academic officer (CAO) approval.

To complete a doctoral dissertation, students must obtain the academic approval of several independent evaluators including their committee, the University Research Reviewer, and the Institutional Review Board; pass the Form and Style Review; gain approval at the oral defense stage; and gain final approval by the chief academic officer. Students must also publish their dissertation on ProQuest before their degree is conferred. Learn more about the dissertation process in the  Dissertation Guidebook .

Specializations Not Currently Accepting New Students

Specialization in addictions and social work (not currently accepting new students), specialization in clinical expertise (not currently accepting new students), specialization in criminal justice (not currently accepting new students), specialization in disaster, crisis, and intervention (not currently accepting new students), specialization in family studies and intervention (not currently accepting new students), specialization in medical social work (not currently accepting new students), specialization in policy practice (not currently accepting new students), specialization in social work administration (not currently accepting new students).

Students take this course for a minimum of three quarters and are continuously enrolled until completion of their dissertation with final chief academic officer (CAO) approval. In general,students are continuously registered in the dissertation course until they complete their dissertation, and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation course shell.

Students who start or readmit to doctoral programs at Walden University in the university catalog for academic year 2017 or later will complete the university’s required  doctoral writing assessment . Designed to evaluate incoming doctoral students’ writing skills, this assessment aims to help prepare incoming doctoral students to meet the university’s expectations for writing at the doctoral level.

Students have up to 8 years to complete their doctoral degree requirements (see  Enrollment Requirements  in the student handbook). Students may petition to extend the 8-year maximum time frame, but an extension is not guaranteed.

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School of Social Work

Ph.d. in social work.

The Ph.D. Program in social work is research oriented and interdisciplinary in nature.

The Ph.D. Program in social work is research-oriented and interdisciplinary in nature. It prepares graduates for leadership positions as academicians and researchers, educators, policymakers, and senior-level administrators. Our program provides a focused and highly personalized student learning process with a knowledgeable and caring faculty. Students are challenged to grow as scholars and encouraged to use their experience as social workers to be exceptional in their scientific inquiry and examination. 

The goal of the Howard University School of Social Work doctoral program is to prepare doctoral graduates for research, the professoriate, and leadership in global and local communities. Graduates are expected to become architects of liberating structures in culturally diverse families and communities. We are dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge through discovery, research, partnerships, innovative process, and other scholarly educational endeavors of the faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Graduates are expected to become architects of liberating structures in culturally diverse families and communities.  

The Black Perspective, the guiding philosophy of the School of Social Work, emphasizes training doctoral scholars to be sensitive to the development of knowledge for social work practice. The Black Perspective is used to guide the formulation and application of research that is responsive to oppressive and discriminatory systems experienced by African Americans and other groups. Additionally, the Black Perspective calls for sensitivity to the experiences of all oppressed and underserved groups and embraces an international dimension with special emphasis on Africa and the Caribbean.  

General Admission Requirements

Applicants will be evaluated holistically: GPA, letters of recommendation, statement of academic interests and professional goals, and an autobiographical statement that foregrounds your research interests. Interviews via Zoom may also be required. 

Students should consult the Howard University Graduate School  (HUGS)  for other requirements not indicated in this document. Official information for admissions requirements can be found  here.   

A completed application should include the following: 

• Master of Social Work (MSW) degree 
• A minimum Graduate GPA of 3.0
• Preferred two years of post-MSW social work experience
• Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate programs attended. 
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score for international students. 
• Current curriculum vitae of your education, professional experiences, scholarly writings/presentations, and community services. 
• Three (3) written letters of recommendation of which at least one graduate professor and one professional supervisor. 
• Essay reflecting (a) your philosophy of social welfare/social work; (b) personal, professional, and educational goals; and (c) research interest. Please include information on how you intend to relate your professional and educational experiences to your future goals, and how you think this program will assist you (3 to 5 double-spaced typewritten pages). 
• Your plans for financial support, as well as how you plan to finance your education. There are a limited amount of funds available through the Graduate School.   
• Please adhere to the deadlines of  FAFSA . Financial Aid is available through the University on the basis of need and academic performance in the form of federally supported student loans, not to exceed the cost of attendance.  
• The School of Social Work offers a limited number of graduate assistantships, partial-tuition scholarships, and tuition grants on the basis of need and academic performance. 
• Other relevant material you would like to submit as evidence of your ability to perform in the program including copies of published papers/sample of academic writing. 

The requests for admission far exceed the number of students who can be accommodated by the Program. The Doctoral Committee does not assess incomplete files. 

You are encouraged to begin the application process early as some of the items, such as transcripts and letters of reference may require additional time. From time to time you should check with the doctoral program office at 202-806-7300 regarding the status of your file. The deadline for applications is January 15.

Ph.D. in Social Work Degree Requirements

An applicant must have a Master's degree from an accredited School of Social Work. 

Candidates must complete 48 semester credit hours of course work, including 3 hours for the dissertation. A cumulative average of B is required for graduation. Additionally, students must earn a grade of B or better in all core courses and special-interest area courses. 

The curriculum of the doctoral program consists of four components: 

Core Curriculum 

Special Interest Area 

Electives, and 

Dissertation 

The core curriculum consists of nine courses. One course in the history and philosophy of social welfare, three theory courses (Individual, Group, Community and Organization), one course in Social Work Education, and four courses in advanced  research methods and statistics. All students are required to take the above-specified courses as the basis for their study in one of the special interest areas. 

Students are expected to take 12 credits in their chosen special interest area. The specific interest area courses are decided upon by the student, his/her academic advisor, and the Director of the Ph.D. Program. These courses may be taken outside of the School of Social Work, in other schools and colleges of Howard University, or in one of the Consortium of Universities in Washington, D.C. 

Six credits of elective courses are required. 

The  qualifying examination   is taken at the end of the first year of study, after completion of 18 credit hours. The examination covers the course content in the first-year core courses. Emphasis is placed on the ability to synthesize knowledge. The student must pass the examination in order to continue in the program. 

The comprehensive examination is taken upon the completion of all the core courses and special interest area courses. Students are admitted to candidacy after passing the comprehensive examination and receiving the recommendation of the doctoral committee. The candidate is required to present and orally defend the proposal for subsequently a completed dissertation. 

A student should file for admission to candidacy on completion of most of the requirements of the Ph.D. Program except for the dissertation. The student should have also satisfied the GSAS writing proficiency requirements and a foreign language examination or an approved substitute. 

Residence Requirements

Students in the Ph.D. Program are required to spend at least four semesters in full-time residence, two of which must be consecutive.

Caution to Prospective Students

The Board of Trustees of Howard University on September 24, 1983, adopted the following policy statement regarding applications for admission: "Applicants seeking admission to Howard University are required to submit accurate and complete credentials, as well as accurate and complete information requested by the University. Applicants who fail to do so shall be denied admission. Enrolled students who as applicants failed to submit accurate and complete credentials or accurate and complete information on their application for admission shall be subject to dismissal when the same is made known, regardless of classification." 

Soleman Abu-Bader, Ph.D. Director, Doctoral Program  Inabel Lindsay Hall  Howard University  601 Howard Place, N.W.  Washington, DC 20059  (202) 806-7300

[email protected]  

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PhD in Social Work

Baylor's Social Work PhD program is designed to develop  leaders  and  educators  who can lead visionary social work education or service programs and conduct original research addressing the complex social issues of our world. The program provides a distinctive focus on the  integration of religion and faith  with the ethics, values and practices of the social work profession.

Click the yellow Apply Now but at right to begin your application.

Baylor University is an NC-SARA approved institution.

What can you do with a PhD in Social Work?

Graduates from the social work PhD program are uniquely prepared to: • Serve in academic research and teaching posts in social work programs • Provide leadership in government and private agency contexts around the world

Program Format

Baylor's online PhD in social work is primarily taught in a synchronous video classroom that utilizes high-definition technology to connect students and the instructor in real-time. Classes are conducted much as they would be on campus, except the students are able to participate from anywhere in the world.

Learn more about the Program of Study . 

Program Requirements

Admission to the PhD program is a highly selective process. The admissions committee selects up to seven students every other year that have:

• Clear interest in developing theory, policy, and research skills in a substantive area relevant to the field of social work
• A superior academic record in all previous work
• The maturity, intellectual ability, and readiness for doctoral study

Explore admissions requirements at how to apply .

What was your first impression of the Garland School of Social Work?

Online  - the information is clear and robust. The chairs were easy to communicate with and faculty was available to answer any questions. In person  - I cannot give enough positive feedback about my experience at the Garland School of Social Work. The staff and faculty were warm, interested, and invested in us individually and as a cohort from the moment we walked in. I felt known. I felt spurred on in my research interests. I felt heard by every person I encountered. I left feeling connected to my educational goals, the university, the school of social work, my cohort, and the faculty. —Dr. Brianna Garrison, PhD '21

• Diana R. Garland School of Social Work

811 Washington Ave. Waco, TX 76701

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PhD in Social Work

We are committed to training the next generation of scholars in social work, whose research will inform policy and practice addressing society’s most pressing problems. 

Doctoral education in Social Work prepares students for leadership roles in social work research, social work education, social policy, planning, and administration. We provide students with advanced academic training that will allow them to contribute to the knowledge base of our profession. 

Our faculty includes nationally recognized leaders in every area of social work practice and research, and we take a hands-on, supportive approach to doctoral education.

The doctoral program is open to applicants who have demonstrated intellectual capacity, critical thinking skills, and potential for research and scholarship.

Please visit our  PhD Admissions web page  for admissions-related information.

Child Welfare Education and Research Programs

The  Child Welfare Education and Research Programs  (CWERP) are designed to strengthen child welfare services in Pennsylvania.

Our program provides a supportive learning environment for students as they encounter cutting-edge theories and methodologies and develop their own lines of scholarship.

A full explanation of program requirements , including courses, is detailed for those considering the doctoral program. 

Our dual, joint, and cooperative degree programs afford students a unique way to complete their studies while also pursuing another graduate degree.

The dedicated research, discipline, and curiosity of our PhD students is reflected in their dissertations .

We guide our PhD students through the job search process by promoting their research, specializations, and dissertations to targeted employers.

Our students' research interests lead them to publish and present at conferences across the country.

• Graduate College of Social Work
• PhD Program
• Degree Requirements

PhD in Social Work Degree Requirements

The curriculum is oriented towards an evidence-based, multidisciplinary understanding of complex issues and problems, and emphasizes the varieties of translational research methods. Fifty-three (53) semester credit hours (SCH) are required for the Ph.D. degree: 44 hours in coursework and 9 hours in Dissertation Research. 

The Comprehensive Examinations

Students must pass a written examination at specified time points in the degree plan.  Successful completion of these milestones is required to progress through the program.

Dissertation Proposal and Dissertation

After a student has successfully passed the written comprehensive examination, and all required coursework, s/he is responsible for organizing a Dissertation Committee, developing and defending the dissertation proposal, and successfully completing the dissertation. The Chairperson of the Dissertation Committee is the student's major advisor in formulating the dissertation proposal, conducting ongoing research, and preparing the final dissertation manuscript.

The dissertation proposal must provide a comprehensive overview of the proposed dissertation research study. The focus of the dissertation proposal and dissertation must be relevant to social work, social welfare and/or evidence-based social work. Dissertation research is organized around one or more testable hypotheses or may be exploratory in nature. The proposed dissertation must also be feasible in terms of the candidate's qualifications to complete the study, the data available, the resources required for the study, and a reasonable timeline for completion.

Students are required to follow all UH timelines and policies. All dissertations must be completed within five (5) years of passing the comprehensive examination or students will be required to retake the comprehensive examination. Students must complete the dissertation within 10 years of the date of first enrollment in the doctoral program. 

The Ph.D. Program Academic Advisor and Associate Dean for Doctoral Education provide academic and faculty advisement, respectively, for students until a Dissertation Chairperson is chosen. Students are urged to consult with a wide range of faculty members on matters related to substantive research areas and interest for their course of study.

M.S.W./Ph.D.

Applicants who do not hold a master’s degree in social work (M.S.W.), or a master’s degree in a different discipline, may pursue a program of study that leads to both the M.S.W. and the Ph.D. degrees. Students are prepared to practice social work, conduct research, and hold high level positions upon graduation from the dual program. Applicants must submit separate applications and fees to both the M.S.W. and Ph.D. programs.

Upon acceptance, it will take approximately 3 ½ years to complete the dual M.S.W./Ph.D. coursework with an additional 6 months to two (2) years allotted for completion of the doctoral dissertation. The GRE is the accepted graduate school entrance exam for both programs and applicants will need to plan ahead to ensure their scores are submitted before application deadlines. Dual degree students spend their first year focused exclusively on M.S.W. coursework.

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PhD in Social Work

The Brown School’s PhD program in Social Work prepares students to think critically as agents of social change, succeed as independent investigators, and understand and address social work challenges for the nation and the world. It provides hands-on research experiences and mentoring from day one in the program; a curriculum that builds methodological and analytical skills, and deep knowledge of the field’s theoretical and conceptual underpinnings, philosophy and history; and professional acculturation and network building. Graduates transition to leadership roles in academia, policy research, and community settings to make a difference locally, nationally, and globally.

The Brown School is a one-of-a-kind place to learn and grow as a doctoral student.

“Welcome to the Brown School PhD Program in Social Work. For more than half a century, our doctoral program has established itself as a leader in preparing the next generation of social work scholars for impactful careers dedicated to social justice, equity, and rigorous research. Our students receive individualized mentoring and training by a multidisciplinary faculty dedicated and passionate to preparing the profession’s best social work scholars, teachers, and researchers to address the world’s biggest challenges.” — Shenyang Guo, PhD Frank J Bruno Distinguished Professor of Social Work Research Director, PhD Program in Social Work  

The curriculum at the Brown School emphasizes substantive, theoretical and methodological preparation. Our program requires 74 credits that are earned by taking courses and completing mentored research experiences, and mentored teaching experiences.  21 credits will be  transferred from your MSW program or a graduate degree from an allied field.

Your first year of study includes basic principles in research, statistics and measurement, as well as theoretical study and content to strengthen your social science knowledge-base. Your second year offers a more individualized program of study that is expanded to include a host of electives offered throughout the university. A curriculum plan is developed by each student and an advisor/mentoring team, focusing on an area of specialization. Following two years of coursework, an additional two years is reserved for work related to the dissertation.

Vital and groundbreaking research is being conducted at over a dozen Brown School research centers, and you’ll have access to the scholars forging the future of your field. Our faculty are top scholars and experts, and students receive the benefit of their mentorship and guidance.

The director of the program serves as the primary faculty advisor of all incoming doctoral students. During orientation, students receive a tailored list of additional Brown School faculty who may serve as substantive advisor(s), those who share mutual areas of research interest. At the completion of the first year, students officially select an advisor to mentor them in their chosen area of research.

The PhD curriculum includes three units each of required teaching and research practica. These practica typically occur after the first semester in our program and round out the individualized curriculum plan.

Teaching practica ensure students are well-trained in substantive content and pedagogy as they prepare for independent teaching at the graduate level.

Research practica provide opportunities to engage in different aspects of the research process and increase a student’s capacity for completing independent research. Additional opportunities for research development are available within specific research fellowship programs, faculty laboratories and research centers.

We are dedicated to providing our doctoral students full-tuition scholarships, four-year stipends, and professional development accounts. Base stipends for students are at least $35,000 for each of the first five years in the program and additional funding is possible through paid research, teaching fellowships, and other internal and external support sources.

Our doctoral program provides the nation and the world with some of the profession’s best scholars, teachers and researchers, and as such, is highly competitive. We review all applications holistically, assessing an individual’s overall preparation for rigorous doctoral study.

Applicants to the PhD in Social Work must have a master’s degree in social work or related discipline. Applications are accepted through our online application system. The application deadline is  December 1 .

Application requirements include:

• Application Fee
• Academic Transcripts
• Curriculum Vitae
• Three (3) Letters of Recommendation
• Statement of Purpose and Objectives
• Writing Sample
• English Language Proficiency

Brown School PhD students typically develop an individualized research area through coursework and mentored training opportunities.

The Dissemination and Implementation Sciences (D&I) doctoral concentration provides an opportunity for students interested in the transdisciplinary field to complete relevant coursework and mentored research.

Learn More about D&I

The Systems Science for Health Equity (SS4HE) doctoral concentration provides an opportunity for students interested in the transdisciplinary field to complete relevant coursework and mentored research. The concentration aims to prepare next-generation public health and social work scholars in complex systems thinking and methods.

Learn More About SS4HE

Brown School Welcomes 2023 PhD Cohort

Doctoral Scholars Receive Grand Challenges for Social Work Fellowships

COVID-19 Widened Health Disparities in Employment, Food

Social Work PhD Student Named Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Scholar

“Our students receive individualized mentoring and training by a multidisciplinary faculty dedicated and passionate to preparing the profession’s best social work scholars, teachers, and researchers to address the world’s biggest challenges. We invite you learn more about our program and what the Brown School at Washington University can offer you.” —Shenyang Guo, PhD Frank J Bruno Distinguished Professor of Social Work Research Director, PhD Program in Social Work

Meet our PhD Students

PhD in Social Work Students

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General Catalog

Social work, phd.

This is the first version of the 2024–25 General Catalog. Please check back regularly for changes. The final edition and the historical PDF will be published during the fall semester.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will:

• locate their work in the intellectual landscape of social work;
• critically analyze theories, practices, policies, and research in at least one specialized area of social work knowledge;
• disseminate knowledge that contributes to the advancement of social work research, practice, and policy, including writing publishable, peer-reviewed manuscripts; presenting at local, national, or international conferences; and/or producing policy briefs or white papers; and
• in the social work classroom, create a learning culture and classroom climate that is inclusive of a diverse population of students and diverse learning styles.

The Doctor of Philosophy program in social work requires 78 s.h. of graduate credit. Students must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.00. Students complete the required coursework, research, and teaching practicum; pass a comprehensive exam; write a dissertation; and defend it in an oral exam. Their work includes courses in one of four outside disciplines—sociology, psychology, public health, or education—to prepare for the comprehensive examination and dissertation.

The doctoral program prepares students to conduct research that contributes to the knowledge base of social work, to become leaders in the profession, and to teach social work in postsecondary educational institutions.

Those who enter the program with a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree are granted 30 s.h. credit; they must complete an additional 48 s.h. for the PhD. Individuals with master's degrees in related disciplines (for example, psychology or sociology) may choose to earn a PhD in social work without first earning the MSW. Credit from a related master's degree may be applied to the PhD degree program, as determined by the School of Social Work.

Individualized and Interdisciplinary Curriculum

The program allows students to develop a coherent program of study with opportunities to pursue their own scholarly interests. These interests are pursued through a core social work curriculum, a concentration (sociology, psychology, education, or public health), and a social work focal area (e.g., family violence). Students may take methods and electives in any college or department at the University of Iowa. 

The School of Social Work provides a supportive environment with substantial opportunities for mentoring and interaction with faculty members. Throughout PhD studies at the University of Iowa, the school assists students in developing a program of study based on their unique educational and career goals. There are many opportunities to work closely with faculty members in a mentoring environment. In the first two years, students complete a mentored research practicum with a faculty member and a mentored in-class teaching experience. During the second year, students choose a faculty member to guide them through the comprehensive examination and dissertation processes.

To ensure that all doctoral students receive mentoring, the School of Social Work typically admits three or four students annually; approximately 35% of applicants are admitted.

Admission Requirements

Students are required to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum undergraduate grade-point average of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale).

Students should have completed an introductory statistics course (including graphing techniques for presenting data, descriptive statistics, correlation, introduction to regression, prediction, logic of statistical inference, elementary probability models, estimation, and tests of significance) with a grade of B or higher. Research methods courses taken in a Master of Social Work (MSW) program typically do not meet the criteria for an introductory statistics course. Applicants who have not taken an introductory statistics course must complete one before beginning the program.

Applicants applying only to the PhD program are required to have an MSW or a master’s degree in a related field, such as public policy, public health, sociology, psychology, political science, economics, education, nursing, or anthropology.

Admission and Selection Process

Applications are accepted beginning Sept. 1 for the following academic year; applications are due by Feb. 1. Admission decisions are made in February. Applicants are notified in writing of the decision by April 1. In some years, there may be a waiting list. If applicants are placed on the waiting list, they are notified of this decision by April 1.

The school evaluates applicants based on their potential to independently conduct and disseminate scholarship that contributes to policy or practice and on their potential to prepare future social workers.

The School of Social Work provides full-time students with a competitive, multiyear financial package (full tuition, an assistantship, and a health and dental insurance allowance). It also provides scholarships, awards, travel awards, and dissertation awards.

In addition to funding provided by the School of Social Work, applicants may be eligible for financial awards through the Graduate College (e.g. research fellowships), other departments at the University of Iowa, and organizations outside the university. The director of the PhD program works with students to identify sources of funding.

Graduates become leaders in education, research, and government. All of the PhD graduates from the University of Iowa's School of Social Work program have obtained employment within one year of graduation. Of these, about 75% of graduates obtain teaching or research positions, and about 25% obtain policy, administrative, or practice positions.

To learn more about the academic job market, see the Council on Social Work Education  (CSWE) career center. The CSWE posts jobs year-round, although most new ads for teaching and research positions are posted between August and December.

To learn more about some of the recent graduates' careers , visit the School of Social Work website.

Sample Plan of Study

Sample plans represent one way to complete a program of study. Actual course selection and sequence will vary and should be discussed with an academic advisor. For additional sample plans, see MyUI .

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Social Work, PhD

• Program description
• At a glance
• Degree requirements
• Admission requirements
• Tuition information
• Application deadlines
• Program learning outcomes
• Career opportunities
• Contact information

Social Work

Are you ready to shape the world as a social work scholar? In this doctoral program, you'll enjoy small class sizes while you select core courses from throughout the university for an individualized, interdisciplinary curriculum.

The purpose of the PhD program in social work is to train future social work scholars --- social work professionals engaged in research, teaching and service.

Supplementary to the coursework, this doctoral program offers students opportunities to be actively involved in both research and teaching. Students benefit from the close mentorship of the committed faculty and regular partnerships with many internal research centers and offices. Students also have valuable opportunities to develop a teaching portfolio, positioning them to succeed in academic careers.

• College/school: Watts College of Public Service & Community Solut
• Location: Downtown Phoenix
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Social Work Courses (12 credit hours)

Research Methods and Statistics (12 credit hours)

Directed Electives (33 credit hours)

Theory (3 credit hours)

Research (12 credit hours) SWG 792 Research (12)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) SWG 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information When approved by the student's supervisory committee and the Graduate College, this program allows 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree to be used for this degree. The number of credit hours required for directed electives depends on approval of the number of blanket hours from a previously awarded master's degree. The doctoral program requires students to take a minimum of 36 course credit hours beyond the MSW, in addition to the required 24 credit hours of research and dissertation; 84 credit hours are required beyond the bachelor's degree. Students may need to take additional coursework to achieve the competency requirements set by the program or by their graduate supervisory committees.

Students develop their plan of study in consultation with the graduate supervisory committee. Required social work courses must be 700 level and approved by the doctoral program committee. Students should see the academic unit for approved course lists and other requirements for research methods and statistics courses, electives and theory coursework.

Once the student has completed the 36 minimum course credit hours, they are required to register for 12 hours of SWG 792 Research before the defense of the prospectus, and 12 hours of SWG 799 Dissertation after the prospectus defense. The student must be registered for at least one credit hour during the semester, including summer, when they do their dissertation proposal defense. At least one of the dissertation hours must be taken in the semester during which the student expects to defend the dissertation.

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in social work or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work
• curriculum vitae or resume
• personal statement
• three letters of reference
• required writing sample: social problem essay
• optional writing sample
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Admission to the doctoral program in the School of Social Work is based on the following criteria:

• a Master of Social Work degree from an accredited school of social work, preferably with two or more years of postdegree employment in human services
• experience in social work teaching or research and other scholarly activities
• experience with diverse populations
• goodness-of-fit with program goals
• good professional standing
• undergraduate and graduate GPA
• quality and extensiveness of social work experience
• research potential and creativity as demonstrated in requested essays and references

Though a Master of Social Work degree is preferred, exceptions may be made for students with a BSW from an accredited school of social work and a master's degree in a related field and for students from countries without accreditation.

Applicants have the option of submitting a sample of their written work. Examples include a refereed journal article, a class paper and a professional report (such as one might write in an agency setting). The writing sample should illustrate the applicant's ability to succeed in the doctoral program. Guidelines for writing the statement can be found at the program website .

All required admission materials are submitted directly to graduate admission services . Students should contact the School of Social Work at 602-496-0800 with any questions about the application process.

Students should see the program website for application deadlines.

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:

• Students will develop an individual teaching philosophy for social work education.
• Students will apply knowledge of research methods to an area of social work scholarship.
• Students will develop a research proposal in an original area of social work scholarship.

Graduates are prepared to enter careers in applied research that enhance human well-being, particularly among oppressed and vulnerable populations, and to educate the next generation of social workers.

School of Social Work | UCENT 800 [email protected] 602-496-0800

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Introducing Our Newly Revised PhD Program Curriculum in Social Welfare

At the Stony Brook School of Social Welfare (SSW), our newly revised doctoral program is tailored to empower students to excel as influential researchers and educators who will serve as the next generation of social work leaders. With a specific focus on the social determinants of health, the program is dedicated to deepening your understanding of the social factors that impact health outcomes and dismantle disparities. 

We plan to welcome a small cohort of funded full-time PhD students for the fall 2025 semester and encourage you to apply!

Application deadline is January 15, 2025

Why Choose Our PhD Program at SSW?

At the SSW, you will be joining a thriving and expanding school with wide ranging areas of expertise and extensive research efforts. Our faculty are experts in their fields and will provide extensive mentorship and guidance as you embark on your academic journey.  Learn about our faculty here. 

Focused on identifying promising approaches to intervene on health disparities, our curriculum empowers you to analyze, understand, and address the social and policy factors that can create a healthier, more equitable world. Our program is committed to dismantling racial, ethnic, and identity-based disparities through research and education.

A PhD from SSW opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities in academia, research institutions, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

Application Materials:

Personal Statement:  A 3-5 page description of your research interests and career goals, including relevant prior experiences, how your research interests address social justice issues and align with our programs focus on social determinants, and your specific interests in our school and faculty. Please address any grade concerns or educational gaps in your history.

Writing Sample:  Two examples of scholarly work, such as publications or other research papers that demonstrate your individual writing ability.

Three Letters of Recommendation:  Academic and professional reference letters should address your potential as an independent researcher.

Resume/CV:  Academic resume/CV indicating your prior professional experiences, academic training, and any relevant scholarly work.    For further information email:  [email protected]   or call Richard Helling at 631-444-3142

Study Postgraduate

Phd in social work (2025 entry).

Course code

October, January and April

3-4 years full-time; Up to 7 years part-time

Qualification

Centre for Lifelong Learning

University of Warwick

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Find out more about our Social Work PhD degree at Warwick

The PhD in Social Work allows you to select a topic of your choice linked to our expertise within the broad field of social work. Warwick's Centre for Lifelong Learning provides a rich, transdisciplinary academic environment supported by a dedicated team including supervision and personal tutoring.

Course overview

This PhD provides an opportunity to undertake in-depth research linked to our expertise in social work. Our faculty has a range of expertise. We support research projects linked to one or more of our main research themes.

Teaching and learning

We provide a pleasant PhD study room and dedicated personal tutor support in addition to the supervisory team. A combined staff and student seminar programme provides a collegiate forum for sharing and discussing current topics and ideas.  

General entry requirements

Minimum requirements.

2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject or a good Master's level degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.

English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirements Link opens in a new window . This course requires the following:

• IELTS overall score of 7.0, minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above.

International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements page Link opens in a new window .

Additional requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

Our research

Research themes can include:  

• Social work
• Men/masculinity
• Childbirth/fatherhood
• Health and social work
• Inequalities in health
• Mental health
• Social work practice
• Social work related legal and policy issues
• Work and practice related to the Mental Health Act 1983 (2007) and Mental Capacity Act 2005
• International and European approaches and perspectives in mental health practice

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• Dr Alan Dolan Link opens in a new window Link opens in a new window Link opens in a new window
• Dr Kevin Stone Link opens in a new window

Applicants are encouraged to contact their potential supervisor. The most important aspect is the nature of your project and its potential for supervision in our department

You are asked to view your intended supervisor's profile and read their work. Please think about what might make your proposed PhD attractive to your supervisor, and customise the proposal accordingly.

• How does your project relate to your intended supervisor's work?
• How might your project enhance, advance, or develop it?
• Could you take it in a different direction?
• What kind of methods and approaches are likely to appeal to your potential supervisor?

We receive a large number of proposals every year and only have capacity for proposals that are carefully tailored to our specific areas of expertise.

The University's Find a Supervisor Guidance

Research proposals

When putting together your research proposal please:

• Provide an overview of your research question, explaining why it is of academic and or practical importance
• Outline the main objectives of your research, providing details of two or three key aspects
• Indicate the importance of previous related research and how your own research question might make a useful contribution to the area
• Briefly state the main research techniques (interviews, case studies, modelling, literature review, etc.) you might use
• Indicate your suggested literature and/or data collection procedures, indicating sources and any possible difficulties
• Explain the techniques you intend to use
• Add an outline timeline of activities

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

Find your research course fees

Fee Status Guidance

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.

Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?

If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.

Find out more about how universities assess fee status

Additional course costs

As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.

For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our  Module Catalogue  (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).

Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2022/23 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:

• Core text books
• Printer credits
• Dissertation binding
• Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Scholarships and bursaries

Cll scholarship and funding.

CLL currently provides a fees only PhD scholarship for up to two students. Due to the competitive and restricted nature of scholarship opportunities, you are advised to develop a self-funded 'back-up' plan.

Scholarships and financial support

Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

Living costs

Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.

Centre for Lifelong Learning (CLL)

For more than 30 years, the Centre for Lifelong Learning has been a centre of expertise in the education of lifelong learners in different contexts. It has a focus on enabling adult learners to achieve their personal and professional goals by accessing a Warwick education, irrespective of background.

Our departmental research strategy focuses on four interconnected themes: concepts of lifelong learning; people-focused professions; wellbeing and identity; participation and collaboration. We seek to enthuse staff, students, and the wider community with this vision. More information is available on our website.

Find out more about us by visiting our website. Link opens in a new window

Our Postgraduate Taught courses

• Career Coaching (PGA)
• Career Development and Coaching Studies (MA)
• Career Development and Coaching Studies (PGCert)
• Career Development and Coaching Studies (PGDip)
• Career Development Theories (PGA)
• Career Education, Information and Guidance in HE (MA)
• Career Education, Information and Guidance in HE (PGCert)
• Career Education, Information and Guidance in HE (PGDip)
• Challenges of Careers Work in Higher Education (PGA)
• Coaching (MA)
• Coaching (PGCert)
• Coaching (PGDip)
• Leadership and Team Coaching (PGA)
• Psychotherapy and Counselling (MSc)

Our Postgraduate Research courses

• PhD in Adult Education and Lifelong Learning
• PhD in Social Policy and Social Work
• PhD in Social Work

How to apply

The application process for courses that start in September and October 2025 will open on 2 October 2024.

For research courses that start in September and October 2025 the application deadline for students who require a visa to study in the UK is 2 August 2025. This should allow sufficient time to complete the admissions process and to obtain a visa to study in the UK.

How to apply for a postgraduate research course  

After you’ve applied

Find out how we process your application.

Applicant Portal

Track your application and update your details.

Admissions statement

See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.

Join a live chat

Ask questions and engage with Warwick.

Explore ways to connect with us

We understand how important it is to visit and explore your future university before you apply. That's why we have put together a range of online and in-person options to help you discover more about your course, visit campus, and get a sense of postgraduate life at Warwick. Our events offer includes:

• Warwick hosted events
• Postgraduate Fairs
• Talk and Tours
• Department events

Why Warwick

Discover why Warwick is one of the best universities in the UK and renowned globally.

9th in the UK

of the UK's best universities (The Guardian University Guide 2024, The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.)

6th Most Targeted University

by the UK's top 100 graduate employers (The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers Research Ltd.)

69th in the World

out of 1,500 institutions across 104 locations (QS World University Rankings 2025.)

10th in the UK

for our 'Graduate Prospects' score. (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.)

Gold Standard Teaching

Gold, the highest possible rating across all three categories (student experience, student outcomes, and overall) (Teaching Excellence Framework 2023)

Page updates

We may have revised the information on this page since publication. See the edits we have made and content history .

About the information on this page

This information is applicable for 2025 entry. Given the interval between the publication of courses and enrolment, some of the information may change. It is important to check our website before you apply. Please read our terms and conditions to find out more.

Social Work, Master of Social Work

Department of Social Work

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

The mission of Northern Arizona University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) Program, synonymous with the mission of the NAU Social Work Department and grounded in the history, purpose, and values of the profession, is to educate competent generalist and advanced generalist social workers for practice with diverse populations and multi-level social systems in local, regional and global contexts.    Our generalist and advanced generalist foci are grounded in social work knowledge, values and skills; geared to practice with rural and Indigenous populations of the Southwest; and, focused on addressing poverty, structural racism, and oppression; providing leadership in promoting human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice; and service with vulnerable and underserved populations locally, regionally, and globally.  

This program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

University Requirements

To receive a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. Many master’s degree programs require more than 30 units. You must additionally complete:

• All requirements for your specific academic plan(s). This may include a thesis.
• All graduate work with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.
• All work toward the master's degree must be completed within six consecutive years. The six years begins with the semester and year of admission to the program.

Read the full policy here .

In addition to University Requirements:

• Complete individual plan requirements.

Purpose Statement An MSW degree allows students to combine their passion for helping others with the instruction and hands-on practice they need to make a lasting impact. Students learn to bring about social change, in a degree program that aligns with students’ passion for advocacy and service. The MSW program offers coursework in topics such as social policy, clinical practice, research, cultural competence, social justice and administration. The Master of Social Work program offers quality, student-centered instruction, as well as guided field education. The field placement provides an opportunity for students to earn valuable experience working with individuals, groups, and marginalized communities under the guidance of a seasoned practitioner. Students will develop advanced knowledge of current social work theory, preparing them to practice with diverse populations who require professional support and services, while gaining the skills to make positive changes in their community. Aging populations, children, veterans and military personnel, those impacted by domestic violence, clients with mental health needs, those facing homelessness, and disenfranchised families all need advocates to support them, provide access to community resources, and promote social institutions that are more just and responsive to human needs. Field education, along with clinical and macro-level MSW coursework, allows students to apply their knowledge and skills to the population they want to serve as a social worker.    Graduates will be equipped with the knowledge, values, and skills that will make them a valuable agent for positive change. An MSW degree is versatile, allowing graduates to work in many different settings with a variety of individuals and communities.  In many states, a Master of Social Work degree is required in order to gain third-party reimbursement from insurance companies or government agencies. An MSW offers the flexibility to practice at elevated levels within human service environments, earning a degree that opens up new and exciting career opportunities. The Master of Social Work degree is considered the terminal degree for professional social work practice and licensure. Graduates will have a flexibility that they will not find with other degrees in the human service field. The goals of the Master of Social Work are:

• To prepare competent Advanced Generalist social workers with the knowledge, values, and skills for engaging in individual, family, group, organization, and community planned change processes with diverse rural, vulnerable, disenfranchised, and underserved populations locally, regionally, and globally. (Competencies 2, 6, 7, 8, and 9)
• To promote identification with the profession, continued professional development, and development of knowledge and skills for Advanced Generalist social work practice. (Competency 1)
• To provide service to the community and promote human rights, social, economic, and environmental justice. (Competency 3)
• To advance social work practice through the use and development of research knowledge and skills.   (Competency 4)
• To provide students with the knowledge and skills to develop and implement policy and programs and to practice from a strengths-based perspective.  (Competency 5)
• To prepare students for leadership roles in the development, implementation, and evaluation of services with rural and diverse populations.  (Competencies 2, 6, 7, 8, and 9)

Graduate Admission Information

The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College. Admission requirements include the following:

• Transcripts.
• Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.

Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies. Ready to apply? Begin your application now.

International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy .

Additional Admission Requirements

Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.

• A 3 unit course in human biology to be completed by the end of the first year enrolled in the program.
• A 3 unit course in basic or applied statistics to be completed by the end of the first year enrolled in the program.
• A minimum of 250 volunteer and/or relevant paid human service work experience.
• Two letters of recommendation.

Master's Requirements

This Master’s degree requires 60 units distributed as follows:

• Social Work Coursework: 54 units
• Electives: 6 units

Take the following 60 units:

• Prerequisite: Admission to MSW program Corequisite: SW 555">SW 520 , Prerequisite: Admission to MSW program Corequisite: SW 526, SW 595">SW 521 , Prerequisite: Admission to MSW program, SW 521, SW 526">SW 522 , Prerequisite: Admission to MSW program, SW 521 Corequisite: SW 556">SW 523 , Prerequisite: Admission to a graduate MSW program Corequisite: SW 521">SW 526 , Prerequisite: Admission to MSW program, SW 526 Corequisite: SW 522">SW 527 , Prerequisite: Admission to a graduate MSW program: (SWMSW or SWADVMSW) Corequisite: ((SWMSW and SW 520) or (SWADVMSW))">SW 555 , Prerequisite: Admission to a graduate MSW program (SWMSW or SWADVMSW); ((SWMSW and SW 520)) or (SWADVMSW) Corequisite: ((SWMSW and SW...">SW 556 , Prerequiste: Admission to MSADVMSW or ((admission to SWMSW and (SW 595 or 30 units in MSW program)) Corequisite: SW 636">SW 622 , Prerequisite: Admission to a graduate MSW program, SW 622 Corequisite: SW 696">SW 623 , Prerequisite: Admission to a graduate MSW program (SWMSW or SWADVMSW); (((SWMSW and (SW 595 or 30 units in a graduate MSW program)) o...">SW 636 , Prerequisite: Admission to a graduate MSW program (SWMSW or SWADVMSW); ((SW 523 and SWMSW) or SWADVMSW)">SW 637 , Prerequisite: Admission to a graduate MSW program (SWMSW or SWADVMSW); ((SWMSW and SW 595) or SWADVMSW)">SW 650 , Prerequisite: Admission to SWMSW and SW 556 Pre- or Corequisite: Admission to SWADVMSW and SW 556">SW 652 (42 units)
• Prerequisite: Admission to a graduate MSW program Corequisite: SW 521">SW 595 , Prerequisite: Admission to a graduate MSW program Corequisite: SW 522, SW 523">SW 596 (6 units)
• Prerequisite: Admission to a graduate MSW program (SWMSW or SWADVMSW); (((SWMSW and (SW 595 or 30 units in a graduate MSW program)) o...">SW 695 , Prerequisite: Admission to a graduate MSW program (SWMSW or SWADVMSW); (((SWMSW and (SW 595 or 30 units in a graduate MSW program)) o...">SW 696 (6 units) 
• AIS 503 , AIS 504 , AIS 550 , AIS 585
• DIS 505 , DIS 517 , DIS 518 , Prerequisite: DIS 505">DIS 521 , DIS 524
• Prerequisite: Graduate Status">EPS 520 , EPS 550 , EPS 580 , EPS 590 , EPS 591 , EPS 596 , EPS 605 , EPS 606 , EPS 610 , EPS 611 , EPS 620 , Prerequisite: Admission to an Educational Psychology graduate program and EPS 601">EPS 669
• Prerequisite: Graduate status">ES 520
• ESE 516 , ESE 519 , Prerequisite: ESE 548 or Special Education Survey Milestone Corequisite: 1 unit of ESE 608">ESE 526 , Prerequisite: ESE 519">ESE 529 , Prerequisite: ESE 548 or Special Education Survey Milestone">ESE 536 , Prerequisite: ESE 529">ESE 539 , ESE 548 , ESE 549 , Prerequisite: ESE 536 or 548">ESE 556 , Prerequisite: ESE 548">ESE 557 , Prerequisite: ESE 519 and ESE 549">ESE 559 , Prerequisite: Graduate Status">ESE 571 , ESE 580 , ESE 599 , Prerequisite: ESE 548">ESE 670
• Prerequisite: Graduate Status">JUS 510 , Prerequisite: Graduate Status">JUS 530 , Prerequisite: Admission to Organizational Leadership (M)">JUS 540 , Prerequisite: Graduate Status">JUS 560 , Prerequisite: Graduate Status">JUS 620 , Prerequisite: Graduate Status">JUS 630
• POS 527 , Prerequisite: Graduate Status">POS 541 , Prerequisite: Graduate Status">POS 543 , POS 552 , Prerequisite: Graduate Status">POS 571 , POS 581 , POS 644
• Prerequisite: Graduate status">WGS 510 , WGS 600 , WGS 601 , WGS 652
• Additional coursework from another related program.

Additional Information

Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.

• Program Fee Information

Program fees are established by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR). A program fee has been approved for this program. See program fee details . Program fees are subject to change and updated July 1 for the next academic year.

Campus Availability