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Graduate School of Social Work
Ph.D. Program

Admissions

1. An earned master's degree in social work (M.S.W.) from an accredited school of social work or its equivalent is preferred. An applicant whose master's degree is in a related field will be considered, but additional graduate course work will be required to eliminate deficiencies.
2. Demonstrated academic excellence including a minimum grade point average of 3.5 (A=4.0) or its equivalent in all previous graduate work. Applicants who do not meet the minimum grade point average requirement but who demonstrate excellence in other areas of the admissions criteria may be considered.
3. Two years post master's full-time social work related employment or its equivalent is preferred. Preference will be given to applicants with successful paid post-master's employment in social work.
4. A minimum of three and a maximum of five letters of recommendation from professors, professional employers, and associates who are familiar with the applicant's competencies. Three of these recommendation letters must be submitted by professors.
5. Samples of the applicant's publications, papers, or other materials reflecting academic and research excellence.
6. A written narrative describing the applicant's interest in the Ph.D. program.
7. An admissions interview, either in person or by phone.

Non-M.S.W. applicants may be considered for admission to the doctoral program if the following conditions are met:

1. The applicant must have a master's degree in one of the social or behavioral sciences from an accredited college or university.
2. An applicant who does not hold the M.S.W. degree may receive conditional acceptance upon completion of three (3) courses taken in an accredited social work program. The courses to be taken will be stipulated by the doctoral committee.
3. Preference will be given to applicants who have a minimum of two (2) years of paid social service experience under the supervision of an LMSW social Worker (or the equivalent). (A component of this requirement is the readiness of the LMSW supervisor to attest to both the effectiveness of the individual's practice and the individual's positive identification with the profession of social work.)

Note: All applicants to the Ph.D. program are required to submit a non-refundable application fee, which is currently $50.00.