Ph.D. Social Work at University of South Florida

Programme overview

The Ph.D. in Social Work is a full-time interdisciplinary doctorate preparing graduates for academic and research careers and for leadership in social work education and in programmes for diverse, vulnerable and underserved populations. Strategic emphasis areas are Behavioral Health, Global Issues, Health, Leadership and Business, and Societal Change and Innovation.

Faculty: College of Behavioral and Community Sciences | Department: School of Social Work | Duration: 42 credit hours post-master's (72 credit hours post-bachelor's) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Tampa, FL, United States

What you will study

The 42 post-master's credit hours include a 15-credit core (Theoretical Perspectives in Social Work Research, Scientific Communication and Dissemination, Advanced Clinical Practice with Complex Problems, Critical Issues in Social Work, The Social Work Educator in the University), 9 credits in an area of strategic emphasis, at least 12 credits of research methods, at least 4 additional credits and at least 2 dissertation credits. Students pass qualifying examinations and a dissertation proposal defense before candidacy.

Career pathways

Academic and research careers; leadership in social work research and education.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Social Work Ph.D.: normally a Master of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited programme or international equivalent (applicants with a master's in a related discipline considered case by case); master's degree GPA of at least 3.50 on a 4.00 scale; two letters of recommendation; a statement of reasons for seeking admission, career goals and research interests; a professional writing sample; an interview may be requested. Applicants must also meet University of South Florida graduate admission and English proficiency requirements.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Doctoral admission is offered for Fall, Spring and Summer semesters.

Final university deadlines for doctoral programmes: February 15 for Fall, October 15 for Spring, February 15 for Summer. Programme-specific priority deadlines apply for funding and consideration.

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