Why Get a Ph.D. in Social Work?

Are you an experienced social work clinician or administrator ready for professional growth and a change in career focus? If so, consider doctoral study...for you, the profession, and for our clients.

For you...

Schools of social work nationwide need to fill faculty positions at a rate greater than doctoral programs can currently supply. The profession needs educators and scholars in BSW, MSW, and doctoral programs currently in operation and in those slated for the future. Are you considering an academic career? If so, a doctorate should be in your immediate plans.

For the profession...

Advancement of the social work knowledge base relies upon social work scholars and the flow of research and theory to the practice community. Do you envision yourself as a player in the knowledge-building enterprise of the profession, studying practice and its effects? Studying the dynamics of human behavior and functioning? Studying groups, communities, and organizations? Evaluating policies and their impacts? Disseminating findings in professional forums and publications? If so, doctoral study is your entry into these activities.

For our clients...

Social work leaders and advocates, equipped to analyze complex situations and bring scientific research to bear on solutions, are needed in our age of shrinking services; welfare reform; managed care; individual, family and collective violence; changing immigration policy and patterns; emerging forms of families; and increasingly co-occurring psychosocial and biomedical conditions. You can contribute; a Ph.D. will advance your capabilities and effectiveness.