MSW/PhD Dual Degree Program

parker hall.

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 Details

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.

Traditional Advanced Standing

Traditional MSW/PhD Program

  • For students with a bachelor's degree in any undergraduate major
  • 900 total field placement hours (420 hour foundation placement + 480 hour advanced placement)
  • Full-time (5+ years) and on-campus only

This curriculum is effective Fall 2024. If you started your MSW program prior to Fall 2024, please follow the curriculum listed in the Student Handbook for the year in which you began your program.

First Year

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

Second Year

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

Third Year

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

Fourth Year

fall and Spring Semesters

Fifth Year (and beyond)

Fall and Spring Semesters

Funding Overview

Period Curriculum Funding
Year 1 MSW courses Self-funded
Year 2 MSW & PhD courses Tuition waiver
Year 3 PhD courses Tuition waiver + Assistantship
Year 4 Comprehensive exams & dissertation Tuition waiver + Assistantship
Year 5+ Dissertation Self-funded

All accepted MSW/PhD students are offered a competitive standard funding package. Additional funding may be available through fellowships.

All MSW/PhD students are guaranteed a graduate assistantship for two years, beginning in year three. Assistantships are 10-month appointments, 20 hours per week with a base stipend of $23,000 per year.

Starting in year two, students also receive full tuition coverage for up to 50 credits. This typically covers the required courses for three years. (The first year of the program is self-funded.)

If students continue past four 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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