PhD in Social Welfare Program
PhD students at orientation, summer 2017
Research is a means of social change. Our interdisciplinary PhD program will prepare you for conducting research of consequence in a supportive collaborative environment.
Curriculum Overview
- Credit hours: Minimum of 47
- Length: Minimum of 4 years (8 semesters)
- Program start: Fall semester
- 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.
| Year | Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
|---|---|---|
Year 1
| Scholarship Proseminar (1 cr.) | Scholarship Proseminar (1 cr.) Proseminar Advanced Analysis Elective |
| Year 2 | Scholarship Proseminar (1 cr.) Proseminar Advanced Analysis Elective Research Internship (2 cr.) | Elective Elective Elective Research Internship (2 cr.) |
| Year 3 | Comprehensive exams Dissertation | Comprehensive exams Dissertation |
| Year 4 | Dissertation | Dissertation |
- Except the social work-based proseminars and research internship, courses may be taken in any sequence and in any department at UB.
- Unless otherwise noted, all courses are worth three credits.
Funding Your Education
Funding Overview
All accepted PhD students are offered a standard funding package. Additional funding may be available through fellowships.
| Year | Curriculum | Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Coursework | Tuition waiver¹ + Assistantship² |
| Year 2 | Coursework | Tuition waiver + Assistantship |
| Year 3 | Comprehensive exams & dissertation | Tuition waiver³ + Assistantship |
| Year 4 | Dissertation | Self-funded⁴ |
¹Tuition waiver = full tuition coverage at in-state rate for domestic U.S. students (out-of-state rate for international students) for up to 47 credits.
²Assistantship = 20 hours per week; 12-month appointment; $16,000 per year.
³Tuition waiver in year 3 applicable only if students have not reached the 47 credit limit.
⁴Beginning in year 4 (and/or 47 credits), students must secure their own funding (e.g., working on a faculty research grant, teaching, serving as a field liaison).
Scholarship & Fellowship Opportunities
Presidential and Schomburg Fellowships
Fellowships are available for academically outstanding new PhD in Social Welfare students. These awards come with an assistantship and stipend in addition to tuition. View details on our financial aid resources page.
