Ph.D. Frequently Asked Questions

Social work scholars who:

• have a Master degree in social work or related social and/or health science fields
• are eager to do meaningful research, contribute diligently to projects
• aspire to redefine the future of social and economic justice

It should be complete, submitted on time, reflect your ability to present yourself clearly, have a strong focus in your interests and lines of scholarly inquiry, and demonstrate your commitment to a long-term and rigorous program of study.  

Experience in social work and related fields is highly valued. Applicants aspiring to become university faculty members in schools of social work are most competitive if they hold an MSW and have two years of post-MSW social work experience before commencing their doctoral studies.

Yes, you could apply to our program. However, we strongly encourage you to examine carefully which aspects of social problems you are interested in doing research on and for which populations you are interested in advocating. We also encourage you to take courses that help you gain and improve your research experience.

Most students in the Ph.D. program report that balancing a full time job and the program is very challenging.   If you are considering a Ph.D. program, it is important to factor in the reality that the first two years are particularly demanding. Students are advised to make a space in their life to accommodate the many demands the program requires in order to be successful. The part-time option in the program is more reasonable if one wishes to keep a full-time job. 

The first and second-year Ph.D. Seminar is attended by a number of faculty members, who also present their research at the seminar. Students have the opportunity to interact with instructors from their program and other university departments through coursework, research assistantships, research practicum experiences, and other contexts.

To facilitate interactions among students from different cohorts, several key program mechanisms are in place. Firstly, the new student welcoming event, attended by both faculty and Ph.D. students, helps to initiate connections. The Ph.D. Seminar, attended by all first and second-year students, as well as students from other years, further promotes cross-cohort engagement. Additionally, elective courses bring together students from various cohorts, offer another way for interaction. Graduate Assistantships offer opportunities for collaboration across different class years. Moreover, the Ph.D. Social Work Student Association (PSSWA) organizes meetings and social events, providing networking and interaction opportunities for students.