Social Welfare PhD

The PhD in Social Welfare is a highly flexible interdisciplinary degree program that prepares graduates to be independent social work researchers and scholars. Our PhD students benefit from a small-by-design program that facilitates meaningful connections with peers and mentors. Students engage with our diverse, dedicated and growing faculty, with particular expertise in trauma, veterans’ issues, aging, social policy, and refugee and immigrant communities. Further, students receive stable, generous funding through assistantships and scholarship programs.

Curriculum

Our PhD program is for those with a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited program or international equivalent. If you do not have an MSW, we offer a dual-degree program leading to the MSW and the PhD in social welfare.

Minimum of 47 credits
Full-time (4+ years) and on-campus only
Program start: Fall semester only

First Year

Fall Semester

SW 663SEM - Social Work Scholarship Credits: 1 - 3
Proseminar Courses
Research Methods Courses
Advanced Analysis Courses

Spring Semester

SW 663SEM - Social Work Scholarship Credits: 1 - 3
Proseminar Courses
Advanced Analysis Courses
Elective Courses

Second Year

Fall Semester

SW 663SEM - Social Work Scholarship Credits: 1 - 3
SW 690LAB - Research Internship Credits: 1 - 8
Proseminar Courses
Advanced Analysis Courses
Elective Courses

Spring Semester

SW 690LAB - Research Internship Credits: 1 - 8
Elective Courses
Elective Courses
Elective Courses

Third Year

Fall and Spring Semesters

Fourth Year (and beyond)

Fall and Spring Semesters

Dissertation

Total Credit Hours: Minimum of 47

Special Requirements

Applicants must have a master’s degree in social work (MSW) from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program or international equivalent.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

1) Deepen our understanding of social problems and their solutions

2) Create and implement innovative methods for studying complex issues

3) Conduct rigorous and original analyses

4) Engage in conversation and collaboration across disciplines, professions, and communities

5) Uphold social work ethics and a commitment to social justice

6) Engage in creative and effective strategies to disseminate and impart knowledge in social work and related disciplines.

SED Statement

This program is officially registered with the New York State Education Department (SED).