Academic Programs - PhD
PhD: Overview
The University of Pittsburgh has one of the oldest and most well respected social work doctoral programs in the United States, awarding its first DSW degrees in 1949. In 1963, the DSW degree was changed to a PhD. We have consistently been regarded among the top 10 social work doctoral programs in the nation. We are proud of our heritage and celebrated the 60th Anniversary of our Ph.D. Program in 2009.
Since its inception, The School of Social Work has conferred the PhD degree on hundreds of graduates who enjoy productive careers in social work research, education, administration, and planning. The program provides students with a supportive educational environment which facilitates their progress towards degree completion. Our doctoral program is committed to the school's mission which addresses human dignity, social justice, and social equity for diverse populations.
Our full time program is highly competitive and we accept 6-8 students each year. The students we accept are fully funded with tuition and stipend support for four years of study. Tuition support includes health insurance, and we have a wonderful Social Work Library which is part of the University’s Library System. Doctoral education in Social Work prepares students for leadership roles in social work research, social work education, social policy, planning, and administration. The goal of our program is to provide students with advanced academic training that will allow them to contribute to the knowledge base of our profession.
The doctoral program is open to applicants who have demonstrated intellectual capacity, critical thinking skills, and potential for research and scholarship.
The PhD program does not require a master's degree in social work (MSW) for admission. However, due to program goals, students without the MSW are required to complete the joint Master of Social Work/Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Work program.
JOINT DEGREE OPTIONS
Joint Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Work/Master’s of Public Health (MPH)
This joint program provides a unique opportunity to combine the attainment of a master's degree in Public Health (MPH) and a PhD in Social Work. Since 12 credits can be applied to both degrees simultaneously, and since advising is arranged for all joint students, it is usually feasible for joint students to complete both degrees within the general timetable outlined for the doctoral program, although the number of electives necessarily becomes very restricted.
WOMEN'S STUDIES CERTIFICATE
In addition, the University Of Pittsburgh School Of Social Work is one of a few schools to offer doctoral students the option to simultaneously obtain a certificate in women's studies and a PhD in social work. This certificate is based on a strong interdisciplinary program focusing on new scholarship concerning women and gender. The University of Pittsburgh Women's Studies Program helps scholars broaden their understanding of women's roles in culture and society.
POLICIES
The doctoral program is administered by the director, who is appointed by the dean of the school. Academic policies, including admissions, curricular review and development, and implementation of the program, are set by the doctoral program committee.
Students are welcome to participate in doctoral committee meetings and may yearly elect a student from each class on campus to represent students at the faculty meetings. Matters that involve performance of individual students or decisions on applicants to the program exclude student participation since this would necessitate sitting in judgment on current or prospective peers. In all other respects, meetings are fully open to student representatives.
At the beginning of the first semester, students are assigned to a faculty adviser. However, students are free to change faculty advisers if they so desire. The student and adviser develop an agreed-upon curriculum that will best serve the student.
Doctoral Student Organization (DSO)
The Doctoral Student Organization (DSO) is the student leadership entity for all students in the School of Social Work doctoral program. Its purpose is to support and enhance the academic and personal achievement of social work doctoral students throughout their tenure at the University of Pittsburgh by providing a forum for scholarly presentations, collegial support, free exchange of ideas, discussion of critical issues, and acculturation into the world of academia.
Students in the School of Social Work doctoral program serve DSO directly through membership in the DSO leadership team and through membership as doctoral student representatives on various School of Social Work committees.