FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Ph.D. Program
How do students locate and connect with faculty who share their research interests?
This process begins before students enter the program, with the assignment of advisors. Although it is not always possible to directly match student and advisor interests, we do take them into account when making assignments. Students have the opportunity to meet informally with faculty at a student-faculty supper during orientation. The Ph.D. Seminar is attended by a number of faculty members, and faculty members also give presentations about their research at the seminar. Students may become acquainted with instructors both within the program and in other departments in the University through their course work, in their Research Assistantships, and as part of their Research Practicum experiences, among others.
I want to study clinical work at an advanced level. Can your Ph.D. program accommodate my interests?
The Ph.D. Program in Social Work and Social Research is not a clinical program. All students in the program conduct much of the first year's study around the identification and analysis of a social problem, the development of a multi-level intervention, and the design of an evaluation that addresses the intervention. Students whose background is primarily clinical often find that this approach, with its emphasis on the relationship between practice and policy, adds to their perspective about the etiology and maintenance of individual and family problems. In addition, a number of students conduct dissertation research that may inform clinical practice. However, if what you want is advanced clinical study, then there are several Social Work Ph.D. programs that would better support your interests. You can find out about other Social Work Ph.D. programs at the website of the Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education (GADE).
How do students from different cohorts have the opportunity to get acquainted?
Important program mechanisms include the orientation supper for new students, which is attended by faculty and Ph.D. students, the Ph.D. Seminar, which is attended by all first and second year students, and often students from other years as well, and other elective courses which are taken by students from various cohorts. Students may also work with students from other classes as part of their Graduate Research Assistantships. In addition, the Ph.D. Social Work Student Association (PSSWA) meetings and social events provide great opportunities for students to meet and interact.
Do I have to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) to be admitted to the Ph.D. Program in Social Work and Social Research?
Yes, your scores from the GRE are a required part of the admissions application. We do not have "cutoff" scores. We use the GRE results as advisory, and consider them along with all other parts of your application. Our experience is that very low scores in one or more areas may flag areas of academic weakness that should be addressed before entering any program of advanced study. However, some parts of the GRE, in particular the quantitative section, appears to be depend heavily on the ability to recall and use basic and advanced mathematical concepts. Especially if you have been out of school for some time, we recommend that you obtain and use study guides for the GRE, which contain sample tests and support for reviewing important concepts.
How is financial aid distributed? Will my GRE scores make a difference as to whether I get financial assistance?
In recent years we have been able to offer financial support through the assignment of Graduate Research Assistantships to all incoming students who want them. A Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) provides full tuition (in- or out-of-state) plus a modest salary (GRAs are allowed to work up to .49 FTE, or almost half time). Once students are admitted, we do not refer to their GRE scores as a basis for assigning GRA assistance. There are some scholarship opportunities at the University level that are distributed on the basis of merit, and the applicant's grades and GRE scores may be used by faculty who write letters of support as a way of building a strong application package. See Financial Information.
Is there a way that I can talk with students in the Ph.D. Program before deciding whether to submit an application?
Yes, we can arrange for you to meet students from the program, either in person or by telephone. Contact the Program Director, Maria Talbott, by telephone (503-725-5008) or email.
