Ph.D. Program

The Ph.D. Program in Social Work and Social Research prepares students to understand critical social welfare problems, to conduct research and policy analysis related to the solution of these problems, to teach in accredited schools of social work, to take responsibility for program development and administration in the human services, and to assume leadership positions in the social welfare community.

Students in the Ph.D. program develop:

• knowledge and skills in applied research, using a wide range of methods;
• Ability to analyze and apply theories of human behavior to important social contexts, such as family, work, and community
• Capacity to analyze, design, and evaluate social policies and programs; a balanced focus on policy and practice in organizational settings

The course of study is organized around a social problem selected by the student. A set of core courses builds skills in analyzing problems, designing and evaluating interventions, and conducting applied research.

After the core is completed, work is highly individualized as students plan their course of study and dissertation research in consultation with faculty advisers. To add an interdisciplinary perspective to the study of the social problem, work in other departments is required.

There is a required research practicum and an elective teaching practicum. Students complete a dissertation that is an original and independent investigation of a social problem within their field of specialized knowledge.

The program offers opportunities to integrate practice, policy, and research by encouraging students to collaborate with investigators on various programs including:

• Regional Research Institute for Human Services
• The Research and Training Center on Family Support and Children's Mental Health
• Reclaiming Futures--Building Community Solutions to Substance Abuse and Delinquency
• The Center for the Improvement of Services to Children and Families (formerly the "Child Welfare Partnership")