The Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (Ph.D.) gives experienced 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. There are part- and full-time options for completing course work. Classes are offered in the late afternoon and early evening, one or two days a week, depending on whether students elect the part- or full-time option.
Students who elect the part-time option take 48 of the 51 required credits one day a week for eight semesters (two courses per semester). Students who elect the full-time option take courses two days a week (four courses a semester) for two years. The remaining course, a year-long, three-credit course, is scheduled at the convenience of the students and instructors.
In addition to maintaining a grade point average of B+ (3.3 on a four-point scale) throughout the course of doctoral study, students are required to pass four qualifying examinations mid-way through their course work. These examinations test students’ mastery and integration of the first eight courses in the curriculum. In order to be eligible to take the qualifying examinations students must have a minimum grade point average of B+. They must pass all four qualifying examinations before continuing with the remaining coursework.
Students are required to complete and successfully defend a dissertation based on original, independent research. Students must have an accepted dissertation proposal within two years after completing coursework. All requirements must be completed within 10 years.
Students must apply for admission by May 15 for entry in the following fall semester. Financial assistance and graduate assistantships are available for qualified candidates. |
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