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.

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