PhD in Social Welfare Program

• 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.

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). 

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.