The Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (Ph.D.) gives practitioners the skills and knowledge to effect significant change in social welfare policy and practice.  Its emphasis on critical thinking and on preparing students to develop knowledge for all methods of social work practice prepares them to provide leadership in the profession as scholars, educators, researchers and administrators in social agencies.

This 51-credit program allows candidates to pursue doctoral study while they continue to work. Classes are offered one day a week in the late afternoon and early evening.  In this plan of study, students take 48 of the 51 required credits one day a week for eight semesters (two courses per semester).  The remaining course is a year-long, three-credit course is scheduled at the convenience of the students and instructors.
Note: Beginning in 2008-2009, there will be a full-time option that allows students to complete course work in two years. For further information, please contact 516.877.4385.

In addition to maintaining a grade point average of 3.3 (on a four-point scale) throughout the course of doctoral study, students are required to pass qualifying examinations that test mastery and integration of the first two years of study, and to complete and successfully defend a dissertation that evidences original, independent research. Students who have completed the first two years of study with a minimum grade point average of 3.3 are eligible to take the qualifying examinations and to pass all of them before continuing with the remaining two years of course work. They are required to have an accepted dissertation proposal by the end of their sixth year in the program and to complete all requirements, including the dissertation, within 10 years of entry.

Students must apply for admission by April 1 for entry in the following fall semester. Financial assistance and graduate assistantships are available for qualified candidates.