The curriculum leading to the Ph.D. in Social Work combines a core curriculum in social work with outside coursework drawn from related disciplines and includes thorough training in research methodology and data analysis. The curriculum allows the student reasonable flexibility in tailoring programs of study to their special area(s) of interest under the guidance of their advisor and committee.

Learn more about the Ph.D. in Social Work on the School of Social Work website.

Students interested in graduate work should refer to the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.

Learning Objectives

  1. Empower future social work practitioners through state-of-the-art pedagogical approaches to professional education.
  2. Engage in compelling, interdisciplinary research that enhances health and well-being across local and global community systems.
  3. Generate and disseminate knowledge through education and research that transforms professional practice and social policy.
  4. Advance social, environmental, and economic justice through professional education, community-engaged scholarship, and transformative leadership in the field.

Effective Fall 2023

Research Methods
Two Statistics Courses: 16-8
Qualitative Methods Course 23
Social Work Content
SOWK 701Contemporary Issues in Social Work3
SOWK 702Social Welfare Policy3
SOWK 703Pedagogical Approaches in Social Work3
SOWK 704Theory for Applied Social Sciences3
SOWK 705Systematic Research for Scientific Inquiry3
SOWK 706Advanced Research Methods for Social Work3
Electives9
Selected with approval of committee. At least 3 credits must be graduate level research methods.
SOWK 799Dissertation 312
Master's Degree Credit30
Program Total Credits:78-80

 A minimum of 78 credits are required to complete this program. 48 credits of post-master's work are required. 

1

Students can choose from the following, or seek approval for an equivalent: EDRM 606, EDRM 701, PSY 652, PSY 653, STAR 511, STAR 512.  

2

Students can choose from the following, or seek approval for an equivalent: EDRM 704, JTC 665, SOC 610.

3

12 credits minimum

For more information, please visit Requirements for All Graduate Degrees in the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.

Summary of Procedures for the Master's and Doctoral Degrees

NOTE:  Each semester the Graduate School publishes a schedule of deadlines. Deadlines are available on the Graduate School website. Students should consult this schedule whenever they approach important steps in their careers.

Forms are available online.

Step Due Date
1. Application for admission (online) Six months before first registration
2. Diagnostic examination when required Before first registration
3. Appointment of advisor Before first registration
4. Selection of graduate committee Before the time of fourth regular semester registration
5. Filing of program of study (GS Form 6) Before the time of fourth regular semester registration
6. Preliminary examination (Ph.D. and PD) Two terms prior to final examination
7. Report of preliminary examination (GS Form 16) - (Ph.D. and PD) Within two working days after results are known
8. Changes in committee (GS Form 9A) When change is made
9. Application for Graduation (GS Form 25) Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website
9a. Reapplication for Graduation (online) Failure to graduate requires Reapplication for Graduation (online) for the next time term for which you are applying
10. Submit thesis or dissertation to committee At least two weeks prior to the examination or at the discretion of the graduate committee
11. Final examination Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website
12. Report of final examination (GS Form 24) Within two working days after results are known; refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website
13. Submit a signed Thesis/Dissertation Submission Form (GS Form 30) to the Graduate School and Submit the Survey of Earned Doctorates (Ph.D. only) prior to submitting the electronic thesis/dissertation Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website.
14. Submit the thesis/dissertation electronically Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website
15. Graduation Ceremony information is available from the Graduate School website