phd requirements social work

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

Written by Ann Feeney, SWG Rankings Team Last Updated: May 2023

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.

• 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.

PhD in Social Work Degrees

Phd in social work (or dsw).

Social work is an incredibly influential field in the U.S. Professionals that are interested in being providers of important services, advocates for social change, or researchers responsible for positively changing the field should consider PhD programs in the field of social work. Students that choose the educational path for their learning experience can focus on the historical changes and developments in the field in an effort to educate upcoming social work professionals during their degree programs.

The PhD option for social work students can provide you with the experience and practice you need to pursue careers associated with growth and development in this field. Our team of educational experts has put together this guide to help you learn more about this program and what is requires of learners enrolled.

What is the PhD in Social Work?

The PhD degree stands for Doctor of Philosophy. The PhD degree can be earned in many subjects including Social Work. The PhD in Social Work is the highest degree that can be earned in the field. The PhD is a requirement for many of the top-tier positions in social work.

What to Look for in a PhD in Social Work Program

Consider the following when deciding on a PhD program in Social Work:

• Location - will you/your family need to relocate or commute for the program?
• Cost and Available Financial Aid / Scholarships
• Area of Study - does the program have instructors and researchers in the area in which you are most interested?
• Coursework - do the required and elective course offerings sound interesting and applicable to future career goals?
• Research Opportunities - Are there opportunities for you to participate in existing research projects to build skills and experience?
• Length of Program - most PhD in Social Work programs take three to seven years to complete, including coursework and dissertation
• Part or Full Time Study? Full time study may require you to change or quit your job in order to complete the program. Do you have the financial resources to decrease or go without your income while in school? Are you comfortable relying on student loans if needed during the program?
• Course Format - in person or online classes, or a hybrid program?

What does it mean to have earned a PhD in Social Work?

To be a PhD in Social Work means that you have completed an intense educational program and earned a terminal degree in the field. This means that there is no higher degree to be earned in Social Work. Upon successful completion of a unique, comprehensive dissertation (extensive research project), you are considered an expert in that area. Earning a PhD is a rigorous process, and an accomplishment of which one should be extremely proud.

What is the difference between a PhD in Social Work and DSW?

The PhD in Social Work is a degree that prepares graduates for academic, research, policy analysis and educational administration positions. In contrast, the Doctor of Social Work (DSW) is a professional degree that focuses on clinical practice or leadership of a nonprofit organization providing clinical services. Determining one's career goals (research/teaching versus direct clinical practice) is critical before applying to a doctoral program in Social Work in order to study for and earn the ideal degree.

Entry Requirements for PhD in Social Work Programs

Some of the general requirements for acceptance into a PhD in Social Work program include:

• Master of Social Work (MSW) or Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) from an accredited school of social work. Some programs such as the University of Louisville or University of Illinois Chicago will accept applicants who possess a Masters degree in a related discipline. These students earn their MSW/MSSW prior to beginning PhD coursework.
• Official transcripts from every post secondary institution attended
• Written application including an essay or personal statement. Topics typically include motivation for pursuing a doctoral degree in social work, research experience and career goals and discussion of how the selected program will assist in reaching those goals.
• Scholarly writing sample that demonstrates the ability to think critically and analytically. Examples include a published article, a master's thesis or an exceptional graduate level paper.
• Proof of successful completion (with a grade of B or better) of an introductory statistics course (some programs have requirements that the course must have been completed within the previous 5 years)
• Letters of recommendation. Most PhD in Social Work programs request 2-3 recommendations from both academic and professional settings
• Interview - Some, but not all, programs require an interview as part of the application process
• Application fee

GRE and Typical GPA Requirements for Entry

Not all PhD programs in Social Work require the GRE for admission. Many that do require GRE scores to be submitted have not published minimum threshold scores that are necessary for admission. Rather scores are to be considered 'competitive'. Grade Point Averages (GPA) scores required for entry into a PhD program in Social Work typically include a 3.0 for undergraduate courses and 3.5 for graduate level courses.

International students must submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) results. Some programs have specific scores that must be met prior to applying for admission, while other programs indicate the scores must be competitive.

Why Consider a PhD in Social Work?

The social work field is a constantly changing - indicating a need for versatile professionals that are ready and willing to change alongside it. The PhD in Social Work can teach students how to analyze their environment and find solutions for upcoming or unseen changes within social areas.

The PhD in Social Work can also create professionals that can train and prepare upcoming social work professionals for work in this changing field. Since the PhD program considers core subject areas such as social policy and research methods, you could utilize what you learn during it to adapt to change throughout your career.

As the population continues to grow, the need for more structured and provisional social work systems may be needed. In order to develop and test these systems, research specialists may be sought out by local and national government agencies.

In addition to research and education, this degree program can also provide you with the knowledge needed to manage and operate social agencies within your community. This added leadership component can be a major influencer for students considering a move into this degree program.

If you are the type of person that loves to help others or that is always looking for ways to make things easier for others, this could be the right program for you to choose. PhD in Social Work degrees help to prepare future educators and researchers in this field to make a difference within their communities of professionals, as well as in the social environment.

Online PhD in Social Work Options

Students that are prepared and eager to begin an online PhD in Social Work can find flexible programs at universities across the country. It is important to review all available programs prior to making the decision on which to enroll in.

Our Lady of the Lake University is currently a provider of online PhD programs in Social Work. From the onset of the program, you can expect to complete around 3 years of course work surrounding research and education in the social work field.

This program in particular requires that students already hold a Master's in Social Work, as well as 2 years experience working in the social work field. A large number of online PhD programs may require that you hold a minimum MSW and have some experience in the field.

Another online option for you to consider is located at Walden University. This online PhD program in Social Work offers specializations like Criminal Justice, Addictions and Social Work, Family Studies and Interventions, and Policy Practice.

This online PhD program also requires that applicants hold a MSW and provide proof of employment history for acceptance consideration. In total, this program can be completed in around 3 years for most students.

Are PhD programs CSWE Accredited?

The Council for Social Work Education (CSWE) is the national accrediting body for programs of social work. They set standards for how schools of social work should function and the general requirements for educating social workers at the bachelors and masters level. The CSWE does not currently provide accreditation for doctoral programs, including the PhD.

However, in June 2020, the CSWE voted to begin a pilot program to provide accreditation of practice doctoral programs.

This means that some DSW programs may eventually become accredited through CSWE. Updates to this pilot program may be found here. At this time, there have been no announcements of plans to begin an accreditation program for PhD programs in Social Work.

A Few Reputable Online PhD in Social Work Programs

Not many universities offer online PhD programs in Social Work. Most PhD programs are offered solely as in-person classes. However; that shouldn’t be a reason to deter a dream of becoming a PhD. Below are four of the top online PhD in Social Work programs currently available.

Our Lady of the Lake University PhD in Social Work Program

Our Lady of the Lake University ( OLLU ) has a longstanding tradition of educating social workers. OLLU was the first school of social work in Texas over 75 years ago. The PhD program prepares graduates to bridge the gap between practitioners and academic researchers and for research, teaching and service within minority serving institutions. The program has a unique focus on teaching pedagogy for diverse student populations.

The four year, 54-credit program follows a cohort model, where students enter at the same time (summer) and take their courses together. Courses are offered synchronously, where each student is online interacting at the same time and asynchronously, where coursework is completed independently. Each summer during the time in which students are completing coursework, students must attend a one-week onsite summer session.

Graduation requirements include completion of coursework, and the development and implementation of a unique research project. The dissertation requires three publishable articles and a successful oral defense. Graduates are best suited for teaching assignments at Carnegie classified R3 institutions rather than the R2 (high research activity) or R1 (very high research activity) institutions. Administration and other social work leadership positions are also common for graduates of this program.

Courses you might take in this program

In addition to the standard statistics and research methods courses found in doctoral programs, you may take the following courses:

• Epistemology and Theories – Covers the philosophical, theoretical and empirical underpinnings of social work practice theories including the conceptualization, development and application of the theories in order to complete a critical analysis.
• Grants and Proposals – Covers the complete process of grant proposal development including researching potential funding sources, proposal writing and budgeting.
• Scholarly Writing and Publishing – Covers the skills necessary to develop and improve skills in scholarly writing and publishing in peer reviewed social science journals. Emphasizes writing, editing, reviewing, revising and submitting manuscripts. Students submit their final paper for publication to an applicable journal.

Admissions standards and requirements for this program

• MSW from a CSWE-accredited social work program
• Minimum of two years of direct practice experience post-MSW (applicants are preferred to be licensed as advanced clinical practitioners)
• Graduate GPA of 3.0
• An original, 3-5 page scholarly writing sample
• Three letters of recommendation

Baylor University PhD in Social Work Program

Another Texas-based PhD in Social Work program is Baylor University . Baylor is a private Christian university that is renowned as a nationally ranked research institution. Based in Waco, Texas, the online PhD program in Social Work has a unique focus on integrating religion and faith with the ethical values and practices of social work.

The 10-semester program accepts a cohort of just 5-7 students in odd-numbered years only. The cohort begins classes in the summer with a required five-day in person session on the Baylor campus. Subsequent courses are offered online in the evenings and are synchronous, so students meet live with each other and the instructor each week. The structure of the program allows students to continue working while pursuing their PhD.

A comprehensive exam is required at the end of year 2 and covers theory, research, statistics and the ethical use of faith and practice. This exam serves to assess that the basic levels of competence have been met and signifies that the student is prepared to move forward in developing their dissertation project. The dissertation involves the development, implementation and assessment of a unique and independent research project that significantly contributes to knowledge in the field. Three publishable articles are required as part of the dissertation.

• Religious and Cultural Diversity – Covers world traditions and ethical theory in the context of social work practice. Discusses how a social worker can be sensitive to each tradition and understand comfort, pain and ethics in the context of each tradition.
• Social Policy and the Religious Sector – Introduces students to social policy as it defines and is defined by four structures of American Society: political, cultural, economic and social. The intersection of religion, congregations and religiously affiliated organizations and social welfare policy.
• Higher Educational Teaching and Learning in Social Work – Covers theory and practical skill development for developing curricula and lesson plans and delivering content to a diverse audience with varied learning styles.

Baylor’s website does not list specific requirements in order to apply, but rather that the program is highly selective. As such, applicant must exhibit a superior academic record in all previous work, have a clear interest in developing theory, policy and research skills in an area relevant to social work and the maturity, intellectual ability and readiness for doctoral studies.

Applicants must also complete a required statistics exam with a grade of B or higher to qualify for admission. This requirement is not waived for students who have completed a statistics course – all applicants must complete and pass the exam as part of the application process.

The GRE is not required for admission to Baylor University’s PhD in Social Work program.

Walden University PhD in Social Work Program

Walden University ‘s program is quite different than the others reviewed in this article. Their online PhD program in Social Work has multiple start dates throughout the year and provides the opportunity to transfer up to 20 credit hours. Students have 8 years to complete all doctoral degree requirements including coursework and dissertation.

The program requires four academic residencies that align with critical stages of the online coursework and provide the opportunity to network with other students, faculty and staff. The first takes place within 90 days of beginning the program. The second residency is face to face or virtual and it coincides with either the 18 month mark of starting the program or upon completion of the first research course. The third residency is face to face and completed by the end of the third year and the final residency can be done face to face or virtually at the end of the third year or beyond.

A unique aspect of the program at Walden University is the ability to choose one of eight specializations within which to align ones interests and focus their studies. Specializations include:

• Clinical Expertise
• Criminal Justice
• Disaster, Crisis and Intervention
• Family Studies and Interventions
• Medical Social Work
• Policy Practice
• Social Work Administration
• Treatment of Addictions – Covers theories, treatment intervention and case management strategies for addition counseling. Also examined are substance abuse policies and regulatory processes that influence service delivery in addiction counseling.
• Policy Analysis in the Criminal Justice System – Covers key court decisions and explores the tension between constitutionally guaranteed individual rights vs crime prevention and public safety efforts. Also covers policy analysis and planning within the criminal justice field.
• Introduction to Dimensions of Contemporary Aging – Covers a multidisciplinary approach to the study of aging in contemporary societies. Students critically examine current issues in gerontology.
• A MSW degree is required.
• Official transcripts for all previous coursework.

University of Utah PhD in Social Work Program

The newest program to launch an online PhD in Social Work is the University of Utah . Their program is called a Distance Delivered Doctorate. The first students will begin in Fall 2021 in a synchronous cohort model. Distance students will attend classes synchronously and interact with faculty and both on-campus based students and other distance learners simultaneously.

Online students are required to be on campus in Salt Lake City, Utah for the first week of each semester for the first two years. The program is designed for students to complete their degree in three to five years.

• Systematic Reviews – Covers question formulation, retrieval of literature and appraisal of information retrieved. Also covers narrative reviews, qualitative and quantitative syntheses and meta-analyses.
• Scholarly Writing – Covers an introduction to the political economy of academic discourse from the political dynamics that influence editorial decision-making to the economic considerations that determine the fate (and content) of journals. The craft of scholarly writing is explored via reading and critiquing published articles and preparing a critical review of the literature in ones chosen field.
• Secondary Data Analysis – Covers methods for finding, transferring and processing existing data sources. Trains students to answer important research questions using secondary data sets.
• MSW degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum 3.0 GPA in both undergraduate and graduate courses

Priority is given to students who have completed an introductory statistics course within the last two years and with a final grade of B or above.

• Two or more years post-MSW social work or related practice experience.
• Statement of Purpose including qualifications and readiness for pursuing doctoral studies in social work, discussion of research goals, commitment to social justice and equity and career plans.
• Three or more academic or professional letters of reference
• Example of scholarly writing such as a published article, a manuscript that has been submitted for publication or an exemplary paper.
• The PhD Admissions Committee may also request a candidate interview

The GRE is not required for admission to the University of Utah PhD in Social Work program.

Typical Courses for a PhD in Social Work Program

Since the online PhD program was designed for future researchers and social work educators, a lot of the curriculum may be focused on building skills for problem solving and policy practice. Courses like Design and Data Analysis for Researchers can provide you with insight into appropriate data collection procedures for research projects, as well as design measures for finding accurate and relevant results.

Theory for Applied Social Sciences

Theory for Applied Social Sciences can also be a beneficial course for students within this program. Since theory often dictates that processes by which professionals engage with clients in the field, future educators and research specialists can benefit from familiarizing themselves with various social theories.

Social Welfare Policy

One of the most commonly found courses in doctoral-level social work programs is Social Welfare Policy. The policies set forth for social work professionals often drive action and planning within all social fields, making it incredibly important for members of the social work field.

In this course you may be tasked with applying policy to common situations at work, reading case studies and analyzing proper use of policy, and defining policy according to what you have learned throughout the course. This course among many others can help bring together many of the practical and research-oriented topics learned during the PhD program.

Research Methods and Systematic Research

Additionally, courses focusing directly on research such as Research Methods and Systematic Research for Scientific Inquiry may be included within your curriculum depending on your institution of choice. This is in hopes that students can leave their program with the skills needed to identify needs, suggest change programs, and test their theories through accurate scientific research.

Thesis Requirements

The PhD program is unique for collegiate learners in that it often requires additional independent research as part of the overall degree requirements. While you search for online programs to enroll in, you should check in to the thesis requirements for each.

The thesis requirement can have varying directions at different universities, with most requiring an original research project that has been well-researched, designed, and completed prior to the end of your program. Your university may provide a structured outline of what is expected, with instructional classes on how to meet each requirement during your PhD program. Others can provide one-on-one mentors that work with students as they develop their initial research question up until their final submission.

Some students in social work degree programs choose a current social problem that is easily researched and develop an intervention or social change model for presentation to their thesis review board. The work that you submit can be reviewed by an internal thesis review team, requiring that you defend your research during the review process.

Progression through the online PhD in Social Work program may include continuous work on your thesis project, with some programs requiring that you complete it over the course of 2-3 different classes. Universities typically offer you a lot of support and even mentors throughout the process.

Some FAQs about PhD in Social Work Programs

Below are some frequently asked questions about PhD in Social Work Programs.

What is Foundational coursework for a PhD in Social Work program?

Foundational coursework for a doctoral program in social work includes research methods, statistical analysis, qualitative and quantitative research design and analysis, theory and ethics.

What research projects might you take on during a Social Work PhD program?

Oftentimes doctoral students will volunteer or accept a paid assistantship on a faculty members’ funded research project. This provides the student hands on experience in the area in which they intend to specialize in the future. The topics are varied and participation ranges from literature searches and review to subject recruitment to data collection and analysis and writing up results.

Are advanced standing programs available as a part time program?

None of the online programs discussed above offer part time programs. Advanced standing status is typically reserved for MSW/MSSW programs and not at the doctoral level.

Do PhD in Social Work Programs have concentration tracks?

Each student enters a PhD program with a general idea of a topic or area of concentration they’d like to study. Ideally the student is paired with a faculty mentor experienced in that same or a similar area. The mentor can then help guide the student in networking in that arena and collaborating on research projects and publications. As interests of each student varies, there are not concentration tracks within a PhD program as there are in MSW/MSSW programs. Students take the information learned in courses and apply it to their core area of interest. For example, a doctoral student interested in Gerontology could focus an Ethics paper on elder abuse. Another student in the same class interested in child welfare could center their Ethics paper on a portion of the foster care system.

Social Work Career Options

Once you have completed the journey towards your PhD in Social Work, you may be able to cash-in on your investment through a wide variety of careers in the social work field. An intriguing aspect about the PhD program is that it can help you gain access to careers in education, research, or even social work leadership.

Current job openings for PhD in Social Work holders can include Social Services Director, which can include leadership within certain sectors of community social work programs. This career may have different title variations such as Community Service Director and Family Service Director.

Colleges, universities, and non-profit organizations may also employ PhD holders to help educate students and professionals on various social work policies, procedures, and methods. This is one of the most popular sectors of employment for PhD graduates, since it can influence the success of social work professionals in the field.

At the government level, social work research may be a large component in the constantly changing social environment. PhD holders in Social Work can organization and implement research programs to find effective social interventions or services suggested for various social problems.

Regardless of which field you plan to pursue after graduating, the PhD in Social Work can provide you with valuable skills that can be applied in many diverse professional areas. Your engagement in this program can result in years of a fulfilling career within your community or beyond it.

What types of jobs are available for a PhD in Social Work?

Most PhDs in Social Work are researchers, professors or administrators in schools of social work. They can work at colleges and universities, hospitals and direct social service agencies. A number of PhDs in Social Work become policy analysts, consultants, writers, professional speakers and trainers. These professionals can work for government agencies, think tanks or start their own companies. Salaries for PhDs in Social Work can range from $ 80,000 up to $ 93,000 + per year depending upon the position and length of experience  

2021 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Social Workers, All Other reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed March 2023.  

Search the Top Programs in Social Work

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PhD Program

Join the next generation of social work leaders and scholars..

Welcome to admissions for the PhD in Social Work program in Social Work at Boston University! Building upon BU School of Social Work’s robust commitment to social justice  and empowerment of historically marginalized populations, our doctoral program provides training in the theory, research methods, and values of the social work profession necessary to solve urgent human and societal problems.

Our students’ work  reflects the interdisciplinary nature of our program and individualized course of study. Interested in learning more? Explore our curriculum  and funding package . Ready to apply? Read about the admissions process , familiarize yourself with the deadline , then start your online application !

The application for Fall 2024 entry is now closed. Be sure to check back in September 2024 for our Fall 2025 application cycle.

START YOUR APPLICATION

For further information about the PhD program, request information below or contact   Daniel P. Miller , Director of the PhD Program in Social Work, at [email protected] .

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PhD Handbook

PhD Student Handbook (PDF)

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.

Social Work (PhD)

Program description.

NYU Silver School of Social Work’s PhD program prepares students to become leading researchers and educators in the promotion of social justice and the health and well-being of marginalized communities nationally and globally.

Our intensive doctoral training competitively positions graduates for top-tier academic and research opportunities—such as faculty positions at leading research universities—cultivating the next wave of independent investigators, scholars, and social work leaders. Building on Silver’s nationally recognized strength in intervention and implementation research and our focus on addressing inequities, the PhD program prepares students to make their own unique contributions to the field of social welfare.

Our rigorous coursework educates students in classic and contemporary theory, cutting-edge quantitative, qualitative and mixed methodologies, and specialized learning in their substantive areas. The opportunity to take electives within the larger university allows students to explore further their areas and methodologies in an interdisciplinary classroom. NYU Silver also prepares students to be educators through training, including in anti-racist pedagogies, and hands-on experience teaching BSW and MSW level courses.

At the heart of our program is the mentored research practicum offering students the opportunity to put their learning into practice. NYU Silver PhD students are paired from day one with a research mentor as part of our personalized mentoring program , helping them develop competencies in core research, scholarship, and teaching areas. NYU Silver Faculty are renowned for their expertise in several key research areas, including racial and social justice, behavioral health services, child welfare, and aging. Being part of a large Global Network University and located in the diverse and dynamic city of New York, NYU Silver offers an unparalleled environment for the study of areas critical to local, national and global well-being.

Requirements for admission to the Social Work PhD program include:

• a master’s degree (MSW is preferred) with a graduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher, based on a 4-point scale;
• a bachelor’s degree with an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher, based on a 4-point scale;
• TOEFL Score Requirements NYU Silver accepts the TOEFL iBT test, the TOEFL iBT Home Edition and the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition. The minimum scores for the TOEFL are 92-93. Our TOEFL code is 2506. We will accept an unofficial score until we receive an official copy from Educational Testing Service (ETS).
• IELTS Score Requirements Admission criteria for the IELTS is an overall score of 7.0 or higher (no individual scores less than 7 in any category).
• Duolingo English Test Admission criteria for the Duolingo English Test is a minimum score of 115.
• Applicants who have earned a degree from an institution where the language of instruction during their entire undergraduate program (four years) and/or master's degree was exclusively English, regardless of country, are exempt from submitting a TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score.
• Applicants who are U.S. Permanent Residents and have earned their undergraduate degree from a US Institution.
• an updated Curriculum Vitae;
• a well-written and compelling  statement of research interest ; and
• three outstanding letters of recommendation.
• International applicants ‒ please  learn more about your additional requirements .

Note:  Although post-MSW practice experience is not a requirement, at least three years of experience is recommended.

Program Requirements

Required coursework, non-coursework requirements, qualifying exam.

The qualifying exam will entail a choice between a systematic review or a comprehensive literature review of a given topic of interest. All students must pass a qualifying exam, which serves as an examination of what students have learned to date in the program and a determination of whether they are ready to engage in independent research. Successful completion of the qualifying exam also demonstrates that a student is able to adhere to accepted norms of scholarship and produce written work of publishable quality.

Dissertation Proposal

In creating a dissertation proposal, students will choose a topic or research question to study, and will form a dissertation committee based on their research area interest and faculty area of expertise. Students will submit their written proposal to the dissertation committee and arrange for an oral defense.

Dissertation

The student, in consultation with their dissertation committee, will determine the appropriate structure and form of the dissertation. All dissertations will be evaluated on the quality and clarity of the conception, writing, presentation, evidence of scholarship and systematic inquiry, originality, and significance to the field of social work. Students will submit a written dissertation and also have an oral defense of their dissertation, which is open to the public.

Note: The doctoral program does not prepare students for advanced practice in clinical social work or for licensure for social work practice in New York State. Students licensed as an LMSW or LCSW by the New York State Education Department may practice according to the guidelines of their particular license. Unlicensed students may not provide professional services in New York State unless otherwise authorized by state law.

Sample Plan of Study

Program-level student learning outcomes.

Upon completion of the Silver School of Social Work doctoral program, graduates will be able to:

• Provide leadership in the development of knowledge in a substantive area that is important to social work practice and/or social service delivery.
• Conduct independent research that demonstrates advanced knowledge of the methodology used, and which meets current publication standards.
• Engage in critical analysis of clinical practice models and their underpinning theories, including evidence of empirical support.
• Draw upon established social science theories to generate hypotheses regarding problems relevant to social work practice.
• Critically examine social policies using established models of analysis.
• Communicate effectively at a professional level, orally and in writing, the products of one’s scholarship to diverse constituencies.
• Compete successfully for academic positions in social work or related disciplines.

Transfer and Articulation Agreements

Academic standing and progress, withdrawals, redress of grievances, nyu policies.

Normally, credit for required courses in the PhD or DSW program cannot be transferred from other institutions. For admissions purposes, transfer credit from other educational programs within the school or from other institutions is generally not allowed. 

A PhD student who is on academic probation is considered not to be in good academic standing or not to be in good academic progress. Students will be automatically placed on academic probation for any of the following reasons: 

• A grade-point average of less than 3.0
• A grade of lower than B- in any course
• Failure to complete course requirements (as indicated by grade of IP or IF) within one semester following the end of the semester in which the course was taken.
• Inadequate performance in the research practicum (e.g., did not fulfill required weekly hours, did not turn in agreed-upon tasks on time). 

Academic probation triggers the formation of a Status Committee, which serves to help the student identify obstacles to remaining in good academic standing and provides guidance and support for helping the student plan for improvement. Status committees consist of three faculty members: the student’s mentor, a member of the PhD program committee, and the director of the PhD program. 

The program will provide written notification to the student of their probationary status as soon as practicable and within sixty (60) days after the final grades posted by the University (when applicable). The notification will inform the student of the ground for the determination, the specific steps that must be taken to return to good standing, the means by which the student’s performance will be evaluated and the penalty that will be imposed if these requirements are not met. 

When the student is required to repeat the course(s) with grade lower than B- as stipulated by the recommendations from the faculty on the Status Committee, students will be responsible for the tuition and fees for such repeating course(s). 

If the student is notified within the first two weeks of a semester, the student may be required to complete all requirements by the end of that semester. If  notification occurs after the first two weeks of a semester have been completed, the student has until the end of the next full semester (including summer) to complete all requirements.  If a student is awarded funding or financial aid (fellowship, assistantship, tuition, fees, health insurance, or other awards), then the probation letter will state the consequences of the probation on the financial aid award(s) including the terms required for the continuation or resumption of the award(s). 

Students who do not improve their academic performance or progress sufficiently within one semester of being placed on academic probation will be dismissed from the program. The criteria for sufficient improvement regarding academic performance are as follows: a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher, a grade of at least B- for any course, and no additional failures to complete course requirements (including the research practicum) in the probationary semester and thereafter. Students must be in good academic standing in order to progress from the coursework phase of the program to the qualifying exam and the dissertation. When academic probation is triggered in a student’s final semester of coursework, a status committee will determine the requirement(s) for returning to good academic standing. In addition, the criteria for sufficient improvement regarding academic progress are as follows: objective evidence showing substantial progress has been made in the probationary semester and thereafter (e.g., successfully completed QE, successfully defended proposal, successfully defended dissertation). 

Students cannot be on academic probation more than once.  Students on academic probation who do not satisfy the stated terms of probation may be formally terminated from the program.  The Program is required to provide written notification to students of their termination as soon as practicable. The notification must inform students of the grounds for termination, including the specific steps that the student failed to take to meet the program requirements, the effective date of the termination, and the appeal process available to the student.  When a student is put on probation or terminated, the program must notify all relevant offices, including but not limited to, the Office of Global Services if the student is international, and Graduate Enrollment Services if the student is receiving Silver or program funding.

Leaves of Absences/Term Withdrawal Overview

Most leaves and withdrawals are voluntary: psychological and/or physical medical leaves and personal leaves. Involuntary leaves and withdrawals are used in cases of academic/performance dismissal and as an option in cases of danger to self, others or property. Students are no longer allowed to request a leave of absence after the end of the add/drop period; they can instead request a term withdrawal up until the 9th week of classes (or 9th week equivalent in summer). A term withdrawal allows students to withdraw from their current semester courses, but in this case they will receive W (withdrawal) grades on their transcript. They will be held responsible for related tuition and fees according to the  Bursar’s Refund Schedule . Students cannot take a leave of absence or term withdrawal after the 9th week of classes; they must receive a grade for all current semester courses. Term withdrawals after the 9th week of the term for extenuating circumstances must be initiated and approved by the program director. If a student is planning on any of the above, please refer to the  Leave of Absence/Term Withdrawal Checklist .

Right to File a Grievance

Any student registered in Silver courses or otherwise formally involved in Silver programs has the right to file a grievance. Certain types of grievances must be adjudicated within Silver, while others must be adjudicated at the University level. The following rules are designed to provide Silver students with a mechanism of redress.

Grievances Adjudicated Outside Silver

In the following cases, grievances must be adjudicated outside Silver. Questions about whether or not grievances fall within these guidelines should be addressed to the Office of Student Conduct.

Harassment, Discrimination, Sexual Misconduct

If the matter involves alleged harassment, discrimination, or sexual misconduct in violation of either the University’s Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy and Complaint Procedures for Students or the University’s Sexual Misconduct, Relationship Violence, and Stalking Policy, grievances should be filed promptly with the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Grievance Arising in Other School or College

If the student’s grievance concerns a student, faculty or staff member whose primary affiliation is with another school or college, the student shall consult and follow that school or college’s procedures. In addition, the student shall submit copies of the written grievance to either of the OASA Assistant Deans and the comparable office in the other school or college.

Grievances Adjudicated by Silver

In the following cases, grievances can be adjudicated within Silver: the student believes that he or she has been subject to treatment which is in violation of a Silver rule, procedure or policy; the student believes that he or she is being affected by an unfair and/or incomplete Silver rule, procedure or policy or implementation of same.

Grievances Concerning Grades

A student may file a grievance concerning a grade on the basis of inequitable or prejudicial practices or administrative or clerical errors if he or she believes a grade to be incorrect. No other reason can form the basis for a grievance regarding a grade.

Grievances Concerning Academic Probation or Termination:

Students may not issue a grievance against an academic probation or termination or the terms therein. If a student believes that an academic probation or termination decision, or the terms thereof, is in violation of an NYU or Silver rule, the appeal process should be employed.

Student Status during Grievance

During the grievance process of an academic probation or termination, a student must be allowed to maintain student status and continue enrollment in any courses they were enrolled in at the date of the enactment of the probation or termination. The student’s academic record will be frozen for the duration of the appeals process. No grade changes will be accepted during this time. However, as provided in University Bylaw 80, the Dean of a school or the Dean’s representative may suspend a student pending consideration of a case. The Silver School of Social Work (Silver) urges that such action should only be taken to protect the physical or emotional safety and well-being of the student, the physical or emotional safety and well-being of other students, faculty, and/or University staff, the security of University property, the maintenance of public order or the effective continuation of the educational process. When such action does occur, the student shall be afforded the opportunity to expedite disciplinary proceedings. Any period of interim suspension shall be deducted from any final sanction involving suspension.

Initiation of the Complaint:

Complaint proceedings concerning events or conditions within Silver may be initiated in two ways:

• Informal Resolution: If the event or condition occurred within a program context, the student shall notify the Program Director within thirty (30) days of the occurrence of the event or occurrence being grieved. The Director shall investigate the complaint and respond to the student within fifteen days of notification. The student may be offered terms which, if accepted, will constitute a binding consensual agreement in resolution of the issue.
• Informal Resolution: If the event or condition occurred outside the program context but still within Silver, the student shall contact the Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs within thirty (30) days of the occurrence of the event or occurrence being grieved. The Assistant Dean will arrange meetings within fifteen (15) days of notification as appropriate, attend such meeting(s), and attempt to aid in the resolution of the complaint. The student may be offered terms which, if accepted, will constitute a binding consensual agreement in resolution of the issue.

Formal Grievance

If the complaint is not resolved to the student’s satisfaction, and the complaint is one defined to be adjudicated by Silver, the student may bring a formal grievance to the PhD Program Committee within fifteen (15) days after the conclusion of the initiation of the complaint. In this case, the student must submit a formal written grievance to the Committee. The grievant shall state the grounds for the grievance, specifying program, Silver policy, rules, or procedures in question, describe the facts and evidence supporting the grievance, indicate what redress the grievant seeks, provide a brief history of the attempts to resolve the grievance, and identify any individuals who can be contacted for relevant information. Students may request a restriction of the investigation or attempted resolution of a grievance based on concerns about privacy or conflict of interest. The PhD Program Committee will determine which faculty member on the Committee will oversee the grievance and will notify the student of their decision.

Receipt of Formal Grievance

Upon receipt of a formal grievance, the PhD Program Committee faculty overseeing the grievance will promptly schedule a meeting with the grievant. One person may accompany and advise the grievant, but cannot directly participate in the meeting. The PhD Program Committee or the student may request the presence of the other OASA Assistant Dean. The student or the PhD Program Committee may request that the meeting be recorded. The PhD Program Committee may contact such other persons as the Assistant Dean deems appropriate, subject to the restrictions of the grievant, for the purpose of ascertaining the facts and evidence in the case. The PhD Program Committee shall render a written decision on the grievance to the grievant, the respondent, and, if the matter had previously been addressed in the program, to the program.

Appeal of PhD Program Committee’s Decision

The student may appeal in writing the decision of the PhD Program Committee to the Dean of Silver within two weeks of receipt of the PhD Program Committee’s decision. The Dean will review only the process resulting in the PhD Program Committee’s finding to determine if it was fair and impartial and followed the rules and policies of the Graduate School. No new information beyond what was reported to the PhD Program Committee will be considered. The Dean will render a written decision to the student within thirty days of receipt of the appeal. The Dean’s decision shall be final for Silver and its program.

Appeal of Dean’s Decision

Students wishing to appeal the Dean’s decision should consult the University’s Student Grievance Procedure. GSAS procedures cover Phases I and II of the University’s procedures, so any appeal would start with Phase III, the University Judicial Board.

Record Keeping

The Office of the Dean shall retain a copy of any grievance formally submitted to the PhD Program Committee or to the Dean, any amended grievance, and any decision of the PhD Program Committee and/or Dean for five (5) calendar years following the date on which the grievance is resolved.

University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages .

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Phd program, phd program in social welfare.

The UW School of Social Work doctoral program stands out among advanced social welfare programs by offering an array of academic resources available at one of the nation’s premier research universities. Transdisciplinary opportunities and faculty mentorship enrich the learning experience and help to shape a viable career path in social justice teaching, research or public service. It’s one of the key reasons our graduates find work in highly regarded social work programs throughout the country.

Is a doctoral education in your future? Find answers to some of your questions at  FAQ About the PhD Program .

For more information about the application process, refer to Apply to PhD .

About the PhD Program

Read program director Roberto Orellana's vision for delivering a world-class advanced degree in social welfare.

PhD Degree Requirements

Find out what you need to know about required and elective courses as well as additional course expectations.

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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Social Work, PhD

• Program description
• At a glance
• Degree requirements
• Admission requirements
• Tuition information
• 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

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

School of Social Work

Ph.d. in social work, for more than a century, vcu's school of social work has prepared students to advance the profession’s mission by integrating and applying scientific knowledge and professional skills and values to current and emergent social problems..

The Ph.D. Program, which began in 1978, furthers that agenda by preparing students as research scholars, educators and leaders in the profession.

21 currently enrolled students

71%  of students are African American, Hispanic or Asian

One of only 71 universities designated as both “Community Engaged” and with “Very High Research Activity”  *

100%  of recent graduates have secured employment as assistant professors, researchers or postdoctoral fellows within a year of graduation  *

What we offer

Our Ph.D. students enjoy individualized mentoring and a highly supportive learning environment. In addition, a wide range of institutes and centers complement and contribute to the school’s research activities. Graduates leave us ready to generate, implement and communicate knowledge to advance social justice, improve human well-being and enhance the profession’s impact on pressing social problems.

The principal goal of the Ph.D. Program is to prepare a diverse student body whose research, teaching and scholarship will position them for leadership in advancing professional practice, social policy and social work education.

To achieve this goal, the program prepares students to:

• Conduct and disseminate high-quality research that furthers the knowledge base of the profession
• Develop cutting-edge knowledge and skills for social work teaching and learning
• Promote social welfare and social justice in and with local, national and global communities

During the first two years of the program, students complete a common core curriculum in the School of Social Work and take more individualized concentration courses within the school and in related disciplines. After completing coursework, students take their qualifying examination, which is designed to enable them to demonstrate an ability to critically analyze, integrate and apply the whole of their educational experience to that point.

Upon passing this examination, students register for dissertation research credits. At the dissertation phase, students propose, conduct and defend an original dissertation research project that meaningfully advances knowledge and contributes to a more just society.

See a detailed breakdown of the Ph.D. curriculum.

Upon completion of the required curriculum, students will demonstrate the ability to:

• Understand and critique the history and philosophy of social work as a profession and academic discipline and draw implications for its current and future directions
• Use rigorous methods and analytic strategies to conduct and disseminate high-quality research that contributes to the knowledge base of social work and related disciplines
• Identify and critique the main social and behavioral science theories that inform knowledge development in their selected substantive area and in social work education
• Articulate expertise in a selected substantive area relevant to social work and contextualize this expertise in a broader interdisciplinary frame of reference
• Critically analyze the substance, function and contexts for formulation, implementation and evaluation of key social policies and draw implications for advocacy and social justice
• Demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge, skills and values required for excellence as a social work educator

The school’s distinguished faculty possesses a range of substantive and methodological research expertise and offers state-of-the-art instruction in professional education.

Current examples include :

• Community and organizational partnerships in prevention and intervention research in local, national and international settings.
• Interdisciplinary research in social, behavioral and health sciences, e.g., child and adolescent well-being, interpersonal violence, alcohol and other substance misuse, persons with disabilities, and aging and the life course.
• International collaborative projects, e.g., interpersonal and societal violence and trauma, poverty and inequality, immigrants and refugees in the U.S. and abroad, and population aging and mental health in low-resource settings.

Formal mentorship in these and other areas of investigation takes the form of graduate research assistantships and supervised teaching opportunities in the school’s competitive M.S.W. and/or B.S.W. programs. Students are strongly encouraged to draw on the extensive body of faculty expertise for advice and guidance throughout their time in the program.

First-year students participate in a proseminar that is led by the Ph.D. Program director. The threefold purpose of the seminar is to:

• Introduce students to the school’s faculty and their programs of research;
• Familiarize students with current major trends and topics in social work and social welfare; and
• Facilitate a working model of ongoing peer advising and consultation.

Students will select a secondary advisor by the spring semester of their first year who assists them in developing specialized areas of scholarly interest and advises them on academic activities such as teaching, university programs and community service. At the end of the first year in the program, students may elect to continue with their appointed secondary advisor or select another consenting faculty member.

Once admitted to candidacy, the student’s dissertation committee chair serves as their advisor.

Helpful resources

• Ph.D. Plan of study
• Ph.D. annual academic evaluation and self-assessment

Graduate research assistants (GRA) are graduate students hired on a part-time basis to work with faculty mentors (who are the GRA’s supervisor) on their research and scholarship.

Graduate research assistantships are a way of supporting the research mission of the university and school while providing financial assistance and support for the professional growth and development of graduate students. There are work-related requirements for all GRAs.

First-year students are offered a graduate research assistantship; subsequent years are contingent upon work performance during the preceding year. At the start and end of each semester, students and their mentor work together to complete a  GRA mentoring and assessment form . For more information, please see the  GRA policies .

Independent study provides students with the opportunity to create their own specialized learning experience and pursue educational goals outside of the Ph.D. program curriculum through intensive study in an in-depth, faculty-mentored opportunity.  Independent study proposals should be submitted to the Ph.D. Program director no later than Monday the week before classes start for the semester you plan to enroll in independent study.

In addition, the directed research course will provide students with the opportunity to do hands-on research prior to the dissertation project relevant to their substantive area or individual learning needs. Students will select a topic area and specific project, then implement it in collaboration with a school faculty member. Directed research proposals  should be submitted to the Ph.D. Program director no later than the Monday the week before classes start for the semester you plan to enroll in directed research.

For questions about either the independent student or directed research, contact an academic faculty advisor.

Students must pass a qualifying examination in their substantive area of interest. Students will first develop a brief proposal and a supporting reading list for a qualifying paper with guidance from a committee whose members have requisite expertise. Once the proposal is approved, they will independently write the qualifying paper. Finally, the committee will evaluate and conduct an oral examination on the paper.

• Ph.D. qualifying examination guidelines
• Ph.D. qualifying examination committee nomination form
• Ph.D. qualifying examination assessment form

Upon completing required coursework, students enroll in a three-credit social work teaching practicum. The purpose of this required teaching practicum is to prepare future social work educators through a mentored classroom teaching experience.

Students will work directly with a full-time faculty member who is teaching a B.S.W. or M.S.W. course. The course can be face to face or online. While there are some standardized requirements, the practicum is individually tailored to optimize students’ preparation for teaching based on their prior teaching experience and skills and current interests. Students will devote 10 hours per week to the practicum and will participate in a bimonthly seminar to facilitate and support their development and learning.

In the spring of their second year, students are asked to identify a professor to mentor them in the practicum. By the last day of the spring semester, students should submit their  Ph.D. teaching practicum learning contract .

After passing the qualifying exam, students will register for a minimum of one credit hour of dissertation research. They will first work with their academic advisor to develop a dissertation committee and a proposal for dissertation research.

Upon successful defense of the proposal, students will be approved for  degree candidacy . After admission to candidacy, students will proceed to complete and defend their dissertations, which will be completed under the supervision of a dissertation committee to include a chair, at least two VCU School of Social Work faculty members and at least one additional member from outside of the school. All nominations must be submitted in writing to the Ph.D. Program director.

For specifics about dissertation committee nominations and dissertation guidelines, please consult the Student Policy Handbook .

• Ph.D. dissertation committee nomination form
• Ph.D. dissertation proposal guidelines
• Ph.D. three-paper dissertation proposal guidelines
• Ph.D. degree candidacy form
• Ph.D. electronic thesis and dissertation

Dissertations will be composed of independent research and should be based on an original question or hypothesis relevant to social work. Successful defense of the dissertation after the completion of 54 credit hours of coursework and dissertation credits completes the requirements for the degree. Dissertation proposals are submitted to the dissertation committee. It is important to follow  university guidelines for submission of the completed, approved dissertation and electronic dissertation form.

For access to the dissertation proposal or the electronic dissertation forms, refer to the  document and forms page .

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• Download the Ph.D. Program Brochure (PDF)

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Admissions dates and deadlines

Documents and forms

One of the most rewarding parts of my career is cultivating the organic growth of doctoral students. I enjoy taking part in their evolving development, challenging them with alternative perspectives and encouraging a deeper awareness of themselves.”   Youngmi Kim (she/her), Ph.D., associate professor

Ph.D. candidates and students

Learn more about our Ph.D. candidates and students in the VCU School of Social Work directory . Explore their published work and presentations, and find out which candidates are currently on the job market.

Have questions?

If you're a prospective student interested in the VCU School of Social Work Ph.D. Program, contact us at (804) 828-1030 or [email protected] .

*Nationwide designation by the Carnegie Foundation

*Over the last five years

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Ph.d. in social work, degree requirements.

Students should expect to take at least 4 additional credit hours either in research or area of strategic emphasis, coursework (see below), or in directed studies or dissertation hours.

Students will also take a minimum of three (3) (9 credit hours) graduate research methods courses offered in the College or University.

Students will also take a minimum of three (3) (9 credit hours) of graduate course work in their area of strategic emphasis offered in the College or University.

Other Requirements:

Students must successfully pass the School of Social Work qualifying exam and successfully defend their dissertation proposal in order to be admitted into Candidacy.

Dissertation

Successful defense of a dissertation consisting of original Social Work research. Students will take a minimum of 2 dissertation credits hours at the time of their defense.

Please visit our commencement page to watch the 2024 ceremony and view the Class of 2024 Name Book

Fall 2024 On-Campus MSW Application FINAL Deadline: July 16, 2024

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.

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PhD in Social Work Application Information

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Ready to take the next step toward becoming a social work scholar, educator and policy expert? 

Our PhD students are more than social work researchers; we're social justice scholars, educators and policy experts whose work responds to today's most pressing community needs.

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Applicant Requirements

To apply to the GSSW doctoral program, you must have  one  of the following:

• a master's degree conferred by a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
• a master's degree in one of the social sciences and demonstrated evidence of substantial professional experience in the social work field

In addition, you must have:

• a clear interest in developing advanced 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 advanced study

NOTE: the GRE is no longer required for admission into the PhD program. 

Two years of post-master's practice experience is strongly preferred, but not mandatory.

It is important to have proficiency in descriptive and inferential statistics. This knowledge is necessary for several of the required doctoral courses. An introductory course in statistical analysis and inference is available in the first quarter of study if needed.

PhD Application Deadlines

The application for the fall 2025 PhD in Social Work Program will be available in August 2024.

PhD Application Instructions

You may submit unofficial transcripts for an initial review of your application. If admitted, you must provide official transcripts from all institutions attended before GSSW orientation day.

Many schools issue transcripts electronically, either through their own web services or through vendors. If this option is available through the institutions you attended, request that your transcript(s) be sent to  [email protected] .

If your transcripts are being sent by mail, use the following address:

Office of Admission Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver 2148 South High Street Denver, CO 80208-7100

Include with your application a PDF of your resume that includes the following information:

• Name, mailing address and other current contact information
• Areas of special interest
• Education: institution(s), the dates you attended, your degrees (majors and minors). Begin with your most recent degree.
• Continuing Education: List the continuing education experience that you have.
• Paid Employment History: List your paid work experiences in chronological order, beginning with the most recent. For each position held, please provide the name of employer, location, beginning and ending dates, and a brief job description.
• Volunteer Experiences: List your volunteer social work or human services experiences in chronological order, beginning with the most recent. Please provide the name of each agency or organization, its location, beginning and ending dates, and a brief description of your responsibilities and activities.
• Honors and Awards: Identify any academic honors or awards that you received.
• Professional Affiliations/Licensure: List any professional associations of which you are a member and any advanced certification(s) you received.
• Research and Evaluation Experiences: List your research and evaluation experiences, including a description of your position, beginning and ending dates, and responsibilities.
• Teaching Experiences: List all courses you taught; include the course title, level, beginning and ending dates, a brief course description and the educational institution at which it was taught.
• Paper Presentations at Conferences: List the titles of papers you presented at national, state or other conferences over the last five years; include the date, conference sponsor and any co-authors or co-presenters.
• Publications: List publications on which you are listed as an author, including journal articles, books, book chapters, technical reports, magazine or newsletter articles, contract or grant applications and program manuals. Please follow the style guidelines in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (Sixth Edition).

You are required to submit three letters of recommendation, preferably from academic, research or professional supervisors/colleagues.

The PhD Admission Committee considers your Statement of Professional and Educational Intent to be a significant part of your application. Respond openly and honestly to each section. The average statement length is seven pages. Double space your statement and put your name in the upper right corner of each page. The statement must be written solely by you without the use of an editor.

Your statement should include the following elements:

• Discuss your qualifications and readiness for pursuing doctoral studies in social work.
• Describe the area(s) of knowledge around which you wish to concentrate your study and research.
• Explain the social justice importance of your area of interest. In other words, how do power, privilege and oppression contribute to dynamics in your area of interest?
• How does your personal, professional, or practice experience inform the area in which you plan to conduct research?
• Describe any cultural, economic, or social challenges and opportunities that influence your lens and perspective in research.
• Describe the professional or academic position you plan to pursue after your PhD and why you have chosen that career goal.
• Explain why you feel this program would be a good match for you.
• Identify any projects at GSSW, or at the University of Denver, in which you have an interest.
• Discuss any other factors you feel are important in our evaluation of your application.

You can submit your $65 nonrefundable application fee in the online application. The fee can be paid using any major credit card or check.

You must submit an online application to be considered for our PhD program. If you are interested in joining the fall 2025 PhD cohort, the application will be available in August 2024.

A completed online application includes:

International Student Application Requirements

We welcome applications from international students and value the diverse cultural perspectives you bring to our community.

If your native language is not English, you must demonstrate your English proficiency by attaching the materials listed below to your PhD application:

• TOEFL score of 95
• IELTS score of 8
• C1 Advanced score of 200
• Copy of passport
• Financial verification form  with a bank letter or other official verification showing how your tuition and living expenses will be financed.

Learn more about our international student community .

I attended the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work for my MSW because of its commitment to social justice in educating future social work practitioners. The rigorous curriculum, support of faculty and preparation for practice were the reasons I returned to complete my doctoral education. Darren Whitfield, MSW ’08, PhD ’16, Assistant Professor, University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work and School of Medicine Read More

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 .

This sample plan is being updated and will be added at a later date.

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A Guide to MSW Degrees and Social Work Careers

An MSW degree can lead to a variety of social work jobs, including therapist positions.

A Guide to MSW Programs

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Social workers can be found in many places, including hospitals, schools, drug rehabilitation centers and child welfare agencies.

Someone who wants to make a living by helping people in crisis discover solutions to their problems may want to consider a career as a social worker and pursue a Master of Social Work degree, commonly known as an MSW.

A Look at Online Social Work Programs

Jordan Friedman Aug. 8, 2017

What Is a Social Worker?

Social workers assist individuals and communities in distress. They focus on motivating and encouraging people who are facing adversity and giving them a sense of purpose and hope.

Social workers can be found in many places, including hospitals, schools, drug rehabilitation centers and child welfare agencies. They play a role throughout the criminal justice system and sometimes work as therapists, a profession that ordinarily requires clinical training and a state license. Social workers often have government jobs, but they also frequently work in the private sector and may even be business owners who run therapy clinics.

Alumni of social work schools also become human resources professionals, nonprofit leaders or join the Peace Corps. They work at organizations that help the homeless or assist military veterans. They can be found coaching couples on how to navigate relationship challenges or helping seniors and the disabled with guidance on how to maintain their independence and improve their quality of life.

In general, wherever there are people in dire situations for whom an encouraging word and a strategic outlook would be helpful, social workers can be found giving advice, providing reassurance and directing people to needed resources and services.

"Social work is the only helping profession rooted in social justice," Amanda Keys, an assistant professor at the Missouri State University School of Social Work , wrote in an email.

Because of the social justice emphasis of social work, an academic degree in the field differs significantly from degrees in other disciplines that focus on helping others, says Keys, who coordinates the school's MSW program and has both an MSW and a Ph.D. degree .

"The social justice lens taught in MSW programs educates students on how to become effective leaders who have the skill set and knowledge to improve the lives of marginalized and oppressed individuals, families and groups in society," she explains.

Social workers intervene and advocate on behalf of vulnerable people in a variety of ways. For instance, they often help distressed people process their thoughts and feelings and make thoughtful personal choices. They can guide these individuals toward appropriate community resources, including government and nonprofit programs.

Additionally, social workers may coach clients on how to improve their relationships with others, or help them figure out strategies for coping with societal problems outside their control such as racism or sexism. And social workers can help clients with extremely challenging circumstances – such as extreme poverty or domestic violence – envision a way out of their bad situation.

"It is not just about 'fixing people,'" Megan Morrissey, director of the University of Minnesota MSW program and associate director of the School of Social Work, wrote in an email. "Social work interventions always require attention to the individual, the group, the family, the community, as well as addressing policy and structural issues."

Here are some of the most common types of social workers:

• Clinical social workers.
• Child and family social workers.
• School social workers.
• Health care social workers.
• Mental health and substance abuse social workers.

Each type of social work focuses on a different vulnerable population. For example, clinical social workers provide therapy to people who need it, frequently individuals who struggle with mental health issues, substance abuse, behavioral problems or emotional disorders. They may also serve patients who are struggling to cope with a traumatic life event, or provide therapy to couples and families.

Meanwhile, child and family social workers focus on protecting children and promoting family harmony.

Patrick Bordnick, dean of the Tulane University School of Social Work in New Orleans, says social work can be a deeply meaningful and fulfilling profession.

"You can't describe that feeling when you know you've had an impact and changed somebody's life and empowered them for change or long-term recovery, or helped them get the services or things that they need," says Bordnick, who has an MSW and a doctorate in social work. "There's no other feeling quite like it ... We're out to change the world – individuals, groups and communities – and really empower people for change."

Bordnick describes social work as a unique calling. "We do our jobs because we love what we do and are passionate about it."

He adds that social workers can facilitate growth at both individual and community levels. "That first time that you realize that you have made a difference in somebody's life, you will remember that for the rest of your career," Bordnick says, noting that helping a single person often has a "ripple effect" on their loved ones and their community.

Job Prospects for MSW Degree-Holders

Jana Edwards, a licensed clinical social worker in Colorado who has decades of experience and an MSW degree, says an MSW is highly marketable and very versatile.

"I have frequently counseled young people who are considering going into a helping profession that the MSW degree is THE MOST versatile mental health degree that there is," Edwards wrote in an email.

"There are thousands of jobs in many agencies, businesses, and organizations in both the for-profit and nonprofit world that are targeted to MSW's, so the opportunities for employment are very widespread," says Edwards, an alumna of and lecturer at the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work , which granted her an honorary title of master scholar.

The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment of social workers will be 11% higher in 2028 than it was in 2018, more than double the average job growth forecast for all occupations combined.

However, the bureau notes that the field's employment outlook depends greatly on specialization, and there are some types of social work where there is a spike in demand for workers. For example, the number of jobs for mental health and substance abuse social workers is expected to be 18% higher in 2028 than in 2018, and 17% higher for health care social workers during that same time frame.

Bureau statistics also reveal that compensation in the social work profession is modest. The median annual wage for U.S. social workers was $49,470 as of May 2018. Nevertheless, pay varies widely in the profession, depending on the social work specialty and a person's academic credentials. The top 10% highest earners among social workers earn more than $80,000 a year.

MSW Programs and Curricula

Prospective MSW students should expect at least four semesters, or two academic years, of full-time study if they do not already have a bachelor's degree in social work, or BSW. However, MSW candidates who have a BSW may be eligible for an accelerated program that might take only one academic year.

MSW students are typically taught both a generalist conceptual framework that they can use as a model for any type of social work, and a specialist mindset that they can use for a particular social work specialty, Morrissey explains.

"Students are always exposed to the generalist framework that involves intervention and policy directed at individuals, families, groups, communities, organizations and even globally," she says. "At those levels, they learn about assessing and engaging the client system, intervening with the client system and evaluating what they are doing and making adjustments as the feedback suggests. Their goal in all of these is to ameliorate need or suffering in some way."

Morrissey notes that social work graduate schools typically offer a variety of specializations so that students can develop skills that are relevant for varied job opportunities within particular branches of the social work profession.

Social work students might learn about how to work in a hospital or another health care setting, and they may also learn about working within either the school system, the child protection system or the corrections system, Morrissey suggests. They might also learn the skills necessary to work in a policy advocacy position or in a job that involves serving others, she adds.

In specialized courses, students practice applying the fundamental social work skills they gained through core classes, such as how to assess clients, design interventions and adjust remedies based on clients' input, Morrissey says. The goal of both the general and specialized social work curricula is to teach students how "to promote a more just and equitable world and to relieve suffering," Morrissey says.

Keys notes that the cost of social work graduate programs vary.

"The cost of an MSW program depends on many things," she says. "This includes, but is not limited to, the length of the program, the state the program is in, whether the program is housed in a private or public institution, the cost per credit hour, and additional university fees required. Because there is a wide range of program costs, it is important for you to do your homework on all programs that you are interested in."

She also recommends contacting MSW program coordinators and financial aid offices and asking about "any hidden program fees or additional charges that might make a seemingly inexpensive program expensive."

Reasons for Pursuing an MSW Degree

Social workers say their occupation is mission-driven, one that people pursue knowing that their career will not make them wealthy. But they make the choice anyway because they have a deep desire to brighten the lives of the unfortunate.

Edwards, a couples and family therapist social worker, says that she pursued an MSW because as a teen she worked as a secretary in a family services social work agency and witnessed the positive impact that social workers could make. "I was very impressed with the work that the therapists there were doing, and they all had MSWs," she says.

Edwards says many people in her family are involved with ministry, so she wanted a career that would allow her to do good in the world. She felt that a social work career would allow her to fulfill "a moral obligation to help others."

"I felt like they had a way of really understanding people's problems, taking people who were under serious emotional stress and helping them understand what was going on, sometimes connecting them with resources. But it was mostly just helping them (the clients) internally just understand themselves better so that their lives would improve."

Edwards says her MSW program allowed her to join a community of professional social workers that she could collaborate with and learn from. "I like the way social workers approach their profession (and) approach their jobs," she says. "They care for their patients, but they're very professional, very knowledgeable."

What Makes a Good Social Worker

Edwards notes that unlike psychologists, who might focus on a person's mind, "social workers are trained to understand how an individual fits into a whole community."

She emphasizes that a desire to contribute to society isn't sufficient to excel as a social worker, since the job also requires specific talents that not every good-natured person has. "They have to have a good analytic mind, not just a feeling for people," she says.

"I have watched people go into social work who just desperately want to make other people feel better, but they don't do it from a professional, sort of scientific, way," Edwards says.

"They just sort of have a really good heart, but they lose patience with the analytical part of it. So you do have to have a good mind for analyzing fairly complex problems. Almost nobody's problems are simple, so there has to be – in essence – that ability to hold multiple pieces of information in your mind at the same time and put them together with your professional knowledge to come up with a solution."

Bordnick says resilience and persistence are mandatory for the social work field. "It is a hard job, it's a thankless job a lot of times," he says. "The intrinsic motivation in knowing what you're doing and seeing positive changes. There's nothing like it."

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Developing research capacity is a core feature of our postgraduate programmes since it is a hallmark of professional practice to be able to produce evidence-based research in a specialist area. Graduates are thus able to contribute to the knowledge base of their professional fields. Furthermore, career opportunities abound for graduates who want to work as researchers both in South Africa and abroad. Our graduates are being prepared to undertake research using appropriate methods depending on the purposes of their chosen area of study. A qualified team of research lecturers provides the theoretical underpinnings of research at Honours, Masters and Doctoral levels in a variety of formats.

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