MSW/PhD Dual Degree Program
Parker Hall, South Campus, home to the PhD student lab
Evaluating social issues, affecting policy and improving practice -- it's how social researchers help to grow social knowledge. Our MSW/PhD program prepares ambitious social justice advocates for a career in conducting meaningful and impactful research.
Our curriculum statement articulates our commitment to the promotion of social justice, the protection of human rights, and the necessity of addressing structural oppression and inequities in power and resources.
Program Overview [5:23]
You will first earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree in a program rooted in evidence-based practice and trauma-informed and human rights perspectives before moving on to the advanced analysis and research opportunities of the PhD program. The dual-degree program reduces the total time and credits compared to completing each degree separately. While there is a reduction in total credit hours for the dual degree program, you must meet all other requirements for both degree programs.
We offer two MSW/PhD program tracks: Traditional and Advanced Standing.
Both course of study options are full-time and on-campus only and incorporate our signature trauma-informed and human rights perspectives.
Advanced Standing MSW/PhD Program
- For students with a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program that meet the additional requirements
- 480 total field placement hours (one 480 hour advanced placement)
- Full time (4+ years) and on campus only
First Year
Summer Semester
Fall Semester
SW 542 Perspectives on Trauma and Human Rights
SW 552 Field Instruction III, 4 credits
SW 555 Field Seminar (0.5 credit)
Advanced Interventions
SW 663 Social Work Scholarship (1 cr)
Research Methods
Spring Semester
SW 553 Field Instruction IV
SW 555 Field Seminar (0.5 credit)
Advanced Topics
Advanced Topics
MSW Elective
Proseminar
Advanced Analysis
Second Year
Fall Semester
SW 663 Social Work Scholarship (1 cr)
SW 690 Research Internship
Proseminar
Advanced Analysis
Electives (choose two)
Spring Semester
SW 663 Social Work Scholarship (1 cr)
SW 690 Research Internship
Proseminar
Advanced Analysis
Elective
Elective
Third Year
Fall and Spring Semesters
Fourth Year (and beyond)
Fall and Spring Semesters
Funding Overview
| Period | Curriculum | Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Summer Advanced Standing Courses | MSW courses | Self-Funded |
| Year 1 | MSW & PhD courses | Tuition Waiver |
| Year 2 | PhD Courses | Tuition Waiver + Assistantship |
| Year 3 | Comprehensive Exams & Dissertation | Tuition Waiver + Assistantship |
| Year 4+ | Dissertation | Self-Funded |
All accepted MSW/PhD students are offered a competitive standard funding package. Additional funding may be available through fellowships.
All Advanced Standing MSW/PhD students are guaranteed a graduate assistantship for two years, beginning in year two. Assistantships are 10-month appointments, 20 hours per week with a base stipend of $23,000 per year.
Starting in the first year, students also receive full tuition coverage for up to 50 credits. This typically covers the required courses for three years. (The first summer semester of advanced standing MSW courses is self-funded.)
If students continue past three years (and/or 50 credits), students must secure their own funding (e.g., working on a faculty research grant, teaching, serving as a field liaison).
Fellowship Opportunity
Schomburg Fellowships are available for academically outstanding new MSW/PhD in Social Welfare students. These awards come with a substantial stipend. MSW/PhD students will be considered for these at the time of admission.
Learn More
Request MSW/PhD Information Session Recording
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