School of Social Work

Academic Programs - PhD

PhD: Overview

The University of Pittsburgh has one of the oldest and most respected social work doctoral programs in the United States, awarding its first DSW degrees in 1949. In 1963, the program's degree was changed to a PhD. It has consistently been regarded among the top 10 doctoral social work programs in the nation. We are proud to be currently celebrating the 60th Anniversary of our Ph.D. Program which continues to effectively prepare our graduates to bridge research and relevance in an ever changing and complex world.
Since its inception, The University of Pittsburgh has conferred the PhD degree on hundreds of graduates who have gone on to productive careers in social work research, education, administration, and planning. The program provides students with a supportive educational environment which facilitates student 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. 
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 the profession. Our graduates have made important scholarly contributions to many areas of the profession.

The doctoral program is open to applicants who have demonstrated they have the intellectual capacity, critical thinking skills, and potential for research and scholarship which contributes to the knowledge base of the profession of social work. 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.

The Doctoral Program of the School of Social Work also offers two joint degree options

In addition, the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work is one of only 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.

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. When the chairperson of the dissertation committee is selected, that person becomes the student's adviser.

Joint Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Work/ Master of Public Health

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.

Separate applications are required for admission to each program. Those seeking further information regarding the requirements and processes for this dual degree program are encouraged to contact Valire Carr Copeland, Director of the Doctoral Program, 412-624-6324, sswvcc@pitt.edu.

Doctoral Student Organization Constitution