PhD Social Work at University of Pittsburgh

Programme overview

The PhD in Social Work trains scholars for leadership roles in social work research, education, social policy, planning and administration. The programme provides advanced academic training to expand the profession's knowledge base, with a faculty that includes nationally recognised leaders in social work practice and research.

Faculty: School of Social Work | Department: School of Social Work | Duration: 4 years of funding | Intake: Fall only | Location: Pittsburgh, PA, United States

What you will study

Doctoral coursework, research training and a dissertation, with dual, joint and cooperative degree options and affiliated centres on race and social problems, behavioral health practice and child welfare.

Career pathways

Roles in social work research, social work education, social policy, planning and administration.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Open to applicants with demonstrated intellectual capacity, critical thinking skills and potential for research and scholarship. Admission is for fall term only; application deadline December 15. The full-time programme is highly competitive with 5-8 students admitted each year, fully funded with tuition and stipend support for four years including health insurance.

Domestic applicants: USD 27,412 a year (2026-27). Pennsylvania-resident graduate tuition, School of Social Work, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

International applicants: USD 40,686 a year (2026-27). Out-of-state (non-PA resident) graduate tuition, School of Social Work, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

Intake: Fall only

Duration: 4 years of funding

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