PhD in Social Welfare Program
PhD students at orientation, summer 2019
Research is a means of social change. Our interdisciplinary PhD program will prepare you for conducting meaningful and impactful research in a supportive collaborative environment.
Curriculum Overview
- Credit hours: Minimum of 47
- Length: Minimum of 4 years
- Program start: Fall semester only
- Prerequisites: Master of Social Work (MSW) degree
Our PhD program is designed for those with an MSW degree. If you do not have an MSW, we offer a dual-degree program leading to the MSW and the PhD in social welfare.
First Year
Fall semester
Spring semester
Second Year
Fall semester
SW 663 Social Work Scholarship (1 cr)
SW 690 Research Internship
Proseminar
Advanced Analysis
Elective
Spring Semester
Third Year
Fall and Spring Semesters
Fourth Year (and beyond)
Fall and Spring semesters
Funding Package and Fellowships
Funding Overview
All accepted PhD students are offered a competitive standard funding package. Additional funding may be available through fellowships.
All PhD students are guarunteed a graduate assistantship for four years. Assistantships are 10-month appointments, 20 hours per week with a base stipend of $20,000 per year.
Students also receive full tuition coverage for up to 47 credits. This typically covers the required courses for four years.
If students continue past four years (and/or 47 credits), students must secure their own funding (e.g., working on a faculty research grant, teaching, serving as a field liaison).
Fellowship Opportunities
Presidential and Schomburg Fellowships are available for academically outstanding new PhD in Social Welfare students. These awards come with a substantial stipend. PhD students will be considered for these at the time of admission.