Social Work Ph.D.

The PhD program in social work prepares students to provide intellectual leadership for the social work profession through advanced levels of scholarship, research, theory development, and policy analysis. Students are expected to acquire skill in research design and statistics and to develop a comprehensive knowledge of social work and social welfare history, theory, and policy.

The PhD program does not focus on the development of advanced skills for clinical practice. However, students gain knowledge of practice theory and research related to social work practice. Many graduates assume positions as university faculty. Consequently, the program offers opportunities for students to acquire skills in teaching and curriculum development.