social work phd programs in georgia

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PHD, Social Work

The PhD program produces scholars who work interdisciplinarily through epistemologically diverse, research-intensive study and prepares future social work educators through instruction in sound pedagogical practice and mentored experiential learning.

Degree Type: Doctoral

Degree Program Code: PHD_SOWK

Degree Program Summary:

The University of Georgia PhD Program in Social Work provides the professional social worker the opportunity to gain advanced training in scientific research and program evaluation skills, for the purposes of developing knowledge that promotes social justice. The mission of the PhD Program draws upon two important areas of concern to the profession of social work: evidence-based knowledge about human behavior and social problems, and the applications of such knowledge through practice. Recognizing that MSW education is designed to prepare practitioners for our field, the emphasis of the PhD Program is upon the development and dissemination of evidence-based knowledge to undergird effective practice throughout the profession.

The Ph.D. Program at the UGA School of Social Work began in 1990 and has produced over 90 graduates, most of whom have gone on to assume academic, research or administrative positions. The program prepares social work professionals for careers in academic research settings and for practice in program evaluation and other forms of scientific research in the public and private sectors. The overall goals are to help students acquire the research skills necessary to develop original research studies that have direct applications to social work practice. In addition, we emphasize learning about teaching so that our graduates are able to provide quality instruction to the next generation of social work students.

Curriculum:

The Ph.D. curriculum is a series of required research courses, two research practica, other courses in the School of Social Work, three courses in statistics and advised cognates taken outside the School. Ph.D. students also sign up for course hours that match the following events: Comprehensive Examinations, Prospectus Defense, and Dissertation Defense. While there has been great variance in the length of time needed to finish the program, future full-time students should plan to complete the Ph.D. Program in 3-4 years. We also offer a part-time option that uses individual advisement to plan the student’s program of study.

Locations Offered:

Athens (Main Campus)

College / School:

School of Social Work

279 Williams Street Athens, GA 30602

706-542-3364

Graduate Coordinator(s):

Rachel Fusco

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Driving change through research

Since 1990 our doctoral program has produced thought leaders in academic, public and private settings who address persistent and emerging inequities through socially just research.

We are known for:

• A diverse faculty, staff, and student body that brings a wide variety of experiences and interests;
• A balanced program culture of rigor and support
• Nurturing faculty and peer mentorship; and
• Nationally and internationally recognized faculty with innovative and expansive areas of expertise.

We provide:

• Four years of funding in the form of research and teaching assistantships and fellowships;
• Experiential learning opportunities through research and teaching practicum, writing workshop, and statistical lab
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary scholarship within a robust program of study
• Opportunities to participate in faculty driven, cohort based, and independent research; and
• Multiple graduate certificate opportunities including gerontology, women’s studies, qualitative studies, quantitative methods, and nonprofit management & leadership.

For more information, explore our faculty’s research interests , look through the Ph.D. Program Viewbook (pictured above) or the Ph.D. Program Handbook , or contact Tiffany Washington , Associate Professor/Ph.D. Program Director, at  [email protected]  or at (706) 542-5471.

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University of Georgia School of Social Work

• Rating 4 out of 5   8 reviews
• Social Work

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• Social Work 152 Students

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• Social Work 5 Students

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Tuition & financial aid, student life.

• Passionate 67%
• Competitive and intense 33%
• Prepared me for the real world 33%
• Supportive/helped me grow 33%

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Return on investment.

• Less than $25,000 33%
• $25,000 - $50,000 33%
• $50,000 - $75,000 33%
• $75,000 - $100,000 33%
• Did not graduate yet 33%

Living in the Area

• Cost of Living grade  B minus
• Crime & Safety grade  C
• Nightlife grade  A+

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University of Georgia School of Social Work Reviews

• Rating 5 out of 5   Excellent 2   reviews ( 25 %)
• Rating 4 out of 5   Very Good 5   reviews ( 63 %)
• Rating 3 out of 5   Average 0   reviews ( 0 %)
• Rating 2 out of 5   Poor 1   reviews ( 13 %)
• Rating 1 out of 5   Terrible 0   reviews ( 0 %)
• Master's Student
• Aug 30 2022
• Overall Experience
• June 8 2020

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Member Institutions: PhD Programs

Doctor of philosophy (phd) programs.

The Directory of Doctoral Social Work Programs, formerly the GADE Guide, includes program information on GADE’s PhD program members. These programs very in the auspices of the university (public or nonprofit), the delivery of the program (in-person, hybrid or totally online), and the program schedule (full-time or part-time). Explore the individual program pages for more details on the various PhD programs.

• Adelphi University
• Arizona State University
• Barry University
• Baylor University
• Boston College
• Boston University
• Bryn Mawr College
• Carleton University
• Case Western Reserve University
• The Catholic University of America
• City University of New York
• Clark Atlanta University
• Colorado State University
• Columbia University
• Florida International University
• Florida State University
• Fordham University
• Howard University
• Indiana University
• Loma Linda University
• Louisiana State University
• Loyola University Chicago
• Memorial University of Newfoundland
• Michigan State University
• Morgan State University
• New York University
• Norfolk State University
• The Ohio State University
• Our Lady of the Lake University
• Portland State University
• Rutgers University
• Sacred Heart University
• Saint Louis University
• Simmons University
• Smith College
• State University of New York at Albany
• State University of New York at Buffalo
• State University of New York at Stony Brook
• Temple University
• University of Alabama
• University of Calgary
• University of California at Berkeley
• University of California at Los Angeles
• The University of Chicago
• University of Connecticut
• University of Denver
• University of Georgia
• University of Hawaii at Manoa
• University of Houston
• University of Illinois, Chicago
• University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
• University of Iowa
• University of Kansas
• University of Kentucky
• University of Louisville
• University of Manitoba
• University of Maryland, Baltimore
• University of Michigan
• University of Minnesota
• University of Mississippi
• University of Missouri
• University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
• University of Pennsylvania
• University of Pittsburgh
• University of South Carolina
• University of South Florida
• University of Southern California
• University of Tennessee-Knoxville
• University of Texas at Arlington
• University of Texas at Austin
• University of Toronto
• University of Utah
• University of Washington
• University of Windsor
• University of Wisconsin-Madison
• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
• Virginia Commonwealth University
• Walden University
• Washington University in St. Louis
• Wayne State University
• West Virginia University
• Widener University
• Wilfrid Laurier University
• Yeshiva University

To update your program's profile, please complete the Program Directory Update Form .

Master of Social Work (MSW)

I also hope my students learn that maybe the problem is that “I” am in the way of my client or communities empowerment/liberation.

Lewellyn J. Cornelius, Ph.D.

News & Events

Contact information, request information.

The University of Georgia  School of Social Work  is tailored to meet the unique needs of Georgia residents interested in pursuing a career in social work. Graduates of the Master of Social Work Online program are prepared to meet all educational requirements leading to licensing as a social worker in the state of Georgia and many other states throughout the nation.

The Master of Social Work Online program prepares you to be a leader in the field of social work and meets all educational requirements leading to licensing as a social worker in Georgia and the nation. The Master of Social Work Online program is designed to provide flexibility to persons in Georgia interested in pursuing a career in social work.

The state of Georgia projects a 19.7% increase in social work jobs through the year 2022, an even greater rate of growth relative to the 11% growth in the social work profession nationally. Employment of healthcare social workers is projected to grow 7% nationally from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. The growth in diverse and aging populations particularly in rural communities and medically underserved areas (MUAs) has led to an increase in the demand for social workers. 

The Micro specialization prepares you for advanced practice primarily focused on individuals, families, and groups in diverse settings. This specialization provides you with the skills you need for future professional leadership positions like School Social Worker, Counselor, Substance Abuse Social Worker, Child and Family Social Worker, Marriage and Family Social Worker, Geriatric Social Worker, Hospice Worker, Medical Social Worker, Forensic Social Worker and provides a direct path to becoming an Independent Licensed Social Worker and establishing a private practice. 

Mission Statement

The Master of Social Work Online (MSW) Program of the University of Georgia’s  School of Social Work  prepares graduate students for advanced practice. We strive to develop future leaders in the profession of social work who are able to meet the ever-changing challenges facing the people of Georgia, the nation, and the world. Our aim is that our graduates are culturally competent; dedicated to social and economic justice; and committed to upholding and disseminating the core values and ethical standards of both the School and the profession.

Other online programs you may find interesting:  Master of Public Health ,  Graduate Certificate in Gerontology , and  Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership .

Accreditations

The University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. The University of Georgia also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of the University of Georgia may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website ( www.sacscoc.org ).

The School of Social Work is accredited by the  Council on Social Work Education  (CSWE), the sole accrediting body of schools of social work in the United States.

Total Hours Required to Earn Degree:  60 (credit hours) 

The MSW is open to any degree major. The GRE is not required in order to be considered for admission. Applications are evaluated on your overall portfolio. Experiences in diverse environments is a plus.

Master of Social Work Online Application Checklist

• Application  – Submit the  Graduate School Admissions  online.  Application fee: $75 Domestic/$100 International (waived for US veterans).
• Select Campus  – Online
• Select Degree Level  – Masters
• Select Intended Program  – MSW, Social Work (School of Social Work)[MSW_SOWK_ONL] 
• Select Area of Emphasis  – Micro Practice 
• Select Intended Term  – Fall
• Résumé or curriculum vita  – Upload to the Graduate School application.
• Narrative Statement  – Through the personal narrative, you will have an opportunity to describe your interest and motivation for becoming a professional social worker as well as your understanding of the concepts and guiding principles associated with the profession. Click  Narrative Essay  for instructions.
• Transcripts  – Upload unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended to the Graduate School application. Send official transcripts after you are offered admission.
• Letters of Recommendation  – Submit three letters of recommendation online to graduate school. Letters should be from individuals who can evaluate the applicant’s scholarly ability and potential for success in a graduate program. Preferably at least two of them are from faculty who have instructed the applicant in a previous program of study. The application will prompt your recommenders to submit their letters electronically

Application Deadline

• Fall:  February 1st 

Any applications received and completed after February 1st, will be reviewed on a space-available basis.

Master of Social Work Online Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates and student fees can change each year. 

Based on 2022 credit hour cost, a person completing this program at the recommended pace would have paid  $37,740 in tuition .  

Please use the  Estimated Cost Calculator  on the  Bursar’s Office website  to calculate one academic (Fall/Spring) year’s current tuition. 

This program is an E-Rate program, so choose “yes” for the E-Rate line item within the calculator.

Online students pay the following fees: Connect UGA, Green, and Technology. The total for those  fees in the fall semester of 2022 was $147  for students enrolled in exclusively online courses. 

Potential additional costs include textbooks, exam proctoring fees, and technology upgrades. 

The complete cost of attendance can be found at  https://osfa.uga.edu/costs/ .

Financial Aid

Visit the  Office of Student Financial Aid  for information about financial assistance.

Corporate Assistance

Consult your employer about the availability of tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs.

Military Assistance

Active duty military, veterans, and military families should visit  Veterans Educational Benefits  to take full advantage of available financial assistance and educational benefits.

Technology Requirements

• Computer with current operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux). Additional peripherals such as webcam, headphones, and microphone are required.
• High-speed internet access.

The Micro specialization prepares you with knowledge and skills for advanced practice primarily focused on individuals, families, and groups in diverse settings. The faculty have adopted a focus on addressing  power  and  oppression  in society in order to promote  social justice  by using  evidence-based practice  and  advocacy  tools and the celebration of  diversity . This philosophy, under the acronym,  PrOSEAD , acknowledges that engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities requires an understanding of the historical and contemporary interrelationships in the distribution, exercise, and access to power and resources for different populations. And, that our role is to promote the well-being of these populations using the best and most appropriate tools across all levels of social work practice.

This program is taught in a cohort model. Students work their way through the program as a group. A major portion of graduate social work education involves field education. Students admitted must be prepared to participate in field placement within a 60-mile radius of the Georgia state line. Field experiences that blend coursework with real-world experiences help maximize your growth and competency development. There are four semesters of professionally supervised field education experience. Most placement sites require background checks and/or drug testing.

Students complete (60) credit hours of graduate study with (44) credit hours coming from online course work and (16) credit hours coming from field education.

The Generalist year includes 312 combined hours of professionally supervised field practice experience in conjunction with a field-integrating seminar [72 in the fall (SOWKE 7115E) and 240 in the spring (SOWKE 7125E)]. In the specialization year, there is a total of 600 hours (SOWK 7225E) of supervised field practice.

Master of Social Work  Online Program of Study

Jennifer Elkins Associate Professor and MSW Online Program Director

Michael Robinson MSW Admissions Coordinator and Associate Professor

Llewellyn J. Cornelius, Ph.D. Donald L. Hollowell Distinguished Professor of Social Justice and Civil Rights Studies

Sara Skinner, Ph.D., LMSW Part-Time Faculty

Mary Caplan, Ph.D. Associate Professor

Zoe Johnson, Ph.D. Director of Field Education

Kate Morrissey Stahl, Ph.D. Clinical Assistant Professor

Orion Mowbray Associate Professor, Director, Substance Use Counseling Graduate Certificate Program

Llewellyn Cornelius: Yours in Service

Llewellyn Cornelius has dedicated his life to the service of others. Throughout his 30+ year career in social work and higher education, he has touched the lives of many, impacted numerous communities, and gained a long list of accomplishments along the way. In January, Cornelius added…

Philip Hong named dean of UGA School of Social Work

Philip Hong, an academic leader and scholar whose research focuses on poverty alleviation and workforce development, has been named dean of the University of Georgia School of Social Work. Hong is currently a professor and associate dean for research at the Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work…

UGA names interim dean for School of Social Work

The University of Georgia names an interim dean for its School of Social Work: UGA professor Llewellyn Cornelius will serve as dean while a search committee looks for a permanent replacement for Anna Scheyett, who announced earlier this year she would step down after five years as…

See more news articles related to this program

Contact us using the request for information form or call 706-418-2604 .

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Return to:  Cultural and Behavioral Sciences     

Social workers are trained professionals responsible for assisting people with personal and social challenges affecting their lives. Social workers help clients with disabilities, health crises and family conflicts, delinquency, substance abuse, unemployment and others. At the advanced level, students become familiar with community partnerships and resource development. Social work is a field for those with a passion for social justice, an interest in social policy and a love of working with people from all walks of life.

Studying social work strengthens students’ ability to think critically about the world around them, to better understand the role of social structure in our lives and to learn to put theory into practice. Students will take coursework in research methods, social theory, communications and social welfare policy.

Degree Requirements

Core impacts curriculum (42 credit hours).

See 1410 Core Curriculum Requirements    in the Undergraduate Catalog. 

Recommendations

• MATH 1401 - Elementary Statistics 3 Credit Hours (formerly MATH 1070) is required in the Field of Study. Another course should be chosen in the STEM area of Core IMPACTS.

Recommended courses

• BIOL 1103 - Introductory Biology I 3 Credit Hours and
• BIOL 1103L - Introductory Biology I Lab 1 Credit Hours
• BIOL 1104 - Introductory Biology II 3 Credit Hours and
• BIOL 1104L - Introductory Biology II Laboratory 1 Credit Hours

Social Science

• ANTH 1102 - Introduction to Anthropology 3 Credit Hours
• ECON 2105 - Principles of Macroeconomics 3 Credit Hours
• PSYC 1101 - Introduction to General Psychology 3 Credit Hours and
• SOCI 1101 - Introduction to Sociology 3 Credit Hours are required in Area F. A different course should be chosen in Area E.

Field of Study: Courses Appropriate to the Pathway (18 Credit Hours)

A separate application and decision process is required before a student can be formally accepted into the Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.). The priority application deadline is May 15 prior to the junior year. However, applications will be accepted after that date until August 1 on a space availability basis. (B.S.W. applications are NOT processed between August - December.)

For a student to be considered for the B.S.W., the student must:

• Be in good standing at Georgia State University with a minimum institutional GPA of 2.5.
• File a formal application in the school for B.S.W. status.
• Have grades of C or higher in English 1101 and 1102.
• Have successfully completed Areas A through F (except SW 2000).
• Have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 or better in the lower-division courses counted for completion of Areas A-F and a minimum grade of C or higher in SW 2000, if completed.

More information about the B.S.W. can be found at socialwork.gsu.edu/ .

• ENGL 1101 - English Composition I 3 Credit Hours
• ENGL 1102 - English Composition II 3 Credit Hours
• SW 2000 - Introduction to Social Work 3 Credit Hours

Required Courses (18 Credit Hours)

• MATH 1401 - Elementary Statistics 3 Credit Hours (formerly MATH 1070)
• PSYC 1101 - Introduction to General Psychology 3 Credit Hours
• SOCI 1101 - Introduction to Sociology 3 Credit Hours

UGA graduate programs among nation’s best in new rankings in Public Affairs, Pharmacy, Law, and more

Several of the University of Georgia’s graduate and professional programs ranked among the top in the nation in new 2024 rankings released by U.S. News and World Report.

UGA’s School of Public and International Affairs ranked fourth in the nation after jumping three spots since 2023. The College of Pharmacy moved up the ranks nine spots from its most recent ranking and now sits at number 15 nationwide.

Both the UGA School of Law and the School of Social Work ranked number 20 nationally and in the top 10 among public institutions. The Terry College of Business and the Mary Frances Early College of Education both moved to a higher ranking and are now in the top 30 nationwide.

UGA enrolls more than 10,000 graduate and professional students in over 200 doctoral and master’s programs.

“UGA’s graduate and professional students enjoy a world-class experience thanks to our renowned faculty, innovative career development programs and next-generation research and instructional facilities,” said S. Jack Hu, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. “This year’s exceptional rankings reflect the university’s continuing investments in these and other strategic areas of graduate and professional education across all disciplines on our campus.”

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• CENTERS & INSTITUTES

UNC School of Social Work ranked No. 4 best graduate school for social work in the nation 

Posted on April 9, 2024

Tied for No. 2 public, No. 4 overall, UNC School of Social Work is recognized alongside a score of Carolina programs ranked Top 10 in the nation in their respective categories by the magazine.  

Months after being ranked fourth in national research and development (R&D) expenditures among R1 higher education institutions, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work earned another No. 4 ranking today.  

The School of Social Work moved up three spots in the latest U.S. News & World Report “Best Graduate Schools” rankings , rising to a tie for fourth in the nation among the 319 surveyed social work schools accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education.  

The School ranked No. 1 among schools of social work across the Southeast and tied for second nationally among public universities. 

Dean Ramona Denby-Brinson said being ranked second among all public university social work programs was especially meaningful due to the school’s responsibility to serve local, national and global communities. 

“Our new national ranking is exciting news,” Denby-Brinson said. “Among many measures of success, the ranking recognizes the tremendous contributions of our faculty and staff. Our MSW (Master of Social Work) program is preparing practitioners, researchers and advocates who improve life for thousands of people each day. We are honored to be recognized by our peers for the excellence displayed by our faculty in all they do.” 

Executive Vice Provost Amy Locklear Hertel, a clinical assistant professor at the School, said “The UNC School of Social Work is a true asset on campus, to our state, and the globe. By drawing our attention to pressing issues of our most vulnerable populations, to developing strong communities and systems, to informing policy as well as practice, the UNC School of Social Work is preparing social service practitioners and researchers to fully ‘advance equity, transform systems, and improves lives’ — just as the School’s mission states.” 

She went on to say, “It is an honor to be a clinical faculty member in the School.” 

Since arriving at the School as dean in August 2021, Denby-Brinson worked closely with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners to establish a strategic plan that helped to elevate the graduate programs, modernize the curriculum, and increase student enrollment by providing access and flexible degree offerings while using advanced learning modalities and proven pedagogical tools.  

“Our graduates are prepared to work with individuals, families and communities to solve complex problems,” Denby-Brinson said. “The practice approaches that we teach derive from the impactful research produced by our faculty. We have a strong faculty, and they are tackling entrenched issues and devising real world solutions.” 

“I’m delighted to hear this news, and to note that the School has consistently ranked in the Top 10 since 1997,” said Dean Emeritus Jack Richman.

The latest rankings were compiled based on peer assessments from administrators, deans and faculty of accredited degree programs and are compiled on a scale of one (marginal) to five (outstanding). The surveys were sent in fall 2023 and early 2024. 

Related Stories

Building Dividends in Zambia

A group representing UNC School of Social Work visits Solwezi, Zambia, with longtime collaborators from Rising Fountains Development Program (RFDP), a Zambian nonprofit organization founded in 2000, to learn more about local women’s savings and credit groups.

UNC School of Social Work ranked fourth in national research expenditures

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work researchers helped the school secure a top four placement in the latest NSF HERD Survey.