Social Work

The doctoral program at the Graduate School of Social Work (GSSW) trains master's-level human service professionals to become social work researchers, educators and policy experts. This program is among the oldest social work doctoral programs in the West, enrolling students from across the nation and around the world. PhD students spend their time in the field conducting powerful research and developing solutions for the most pressing problems in society. Throughout the program, students work alongside GSSW faculty who are committed to scholarship rooted in social justice.

The doctoral curriculum includes advanced content in theory, policy and research methodology. Students learn and practice quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods research approaches as well as analytic techniques. Our extensive network of community-based partners-from large healthcare systems to social service providers to schools and community organizers-gives PhD students the opportunity to collaborate on community-engaged research. PhD students work with faculty mentors to apply their skills in ongoing research projects locally, nationally and internationally.