60 monthsProgramme duration
AugStarting Month
Programme overview
Main Subject
Social Work
Degree
PhD
Study Level
PHD
Study Mode
On Campus
Doctoral studies in social work at the University of Utah are grounded in empirical research and focus on the preparation of research scholars for academic or professional leadership whose potential for influence is in the wider society and the global community. The program emphasizes theory and skill development for applications in research, teaching, policy, and practice. The principal goal of the doctoral program is to prepare students to contribute to the development and dissemination of knowledge in the field of social welfare and the profession of social work. Specifically, the program seeks to achieve the following goals: To provide students with applied knowledge and analytical skills to address major policy and practice issues, challenges and trends in social work and social welfare. To prepare students for leadership roles: analyzing, evaluating, and guiding practice and policy for a variety of social work fields and populations. To equip students to contribute to the development and dissemination of research informed practice and practice informed research using traditional and emerging methods. To prepare students for academic roles including the development and delivery of courses, curricula, and programs. There are two delivery strategies for the Ph.D. program with identical standards of rigor, program requirements, and expectations for students. The campus-based program admits full- and part-time students each fall semester. The Technology-Enhanced Doctoral (TED) program, designed for geographically-bound advanced social work practitioners, admits students for summer residencies every four to five years.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Social Work
Degree
PhD
Study Level
PHD
Study Mode
On Campus
Doctoral studies in social work at the University of Utah are grounded in empirical research and focus on the preparation of research scholars for academic or professional leadership whose potential for influence is in the wider society and the global community. The program emphasizes theory and skill development for applications in research, teaching, policy, and practice. The principal goal of the doctoral program is to prepare students to contribute to the development and dissemination of knowledge in the field of social welfare and the profession of social work. Specifically, the program seeks to achieve the following goals: To provide students with applied knowledge and analytical skills to address major policy and practice issues, challenges and trends in social work and social welfare. To prepare students for leadership roles: analyzing, evaluating, and guiding practice and policy for a variety of social work fields and populations. To equip students to contribute to the development and dissemination of research informed practice and practice informed research using traditional and emerging methods. To prepare students for academic roles including the development and delivery of courses, curricula, and programs. There are two delivery strategies for the Ph.D. program with identical standards of rigor, program requirements, and expectations for students. The campus-based program admits full- and part-time students each fall semester. The Technology-Enhanced Doctoral (TED) program, designed for geographically-bound advanced social work practitioners, admits students for summer residencies every four to five years.
Admission Requirements
3+
7+
100+
- A Master of Social Work degree from an accredited school of social work. In exceptional circumstances, a student with a Master’s degree in a related field may be admitted, however, compensatory MSW level work may be required.
- At least a 3.0 GPA as evidence of superior academic achievement in undergraduate and graduate education.
- Priority will be given to students who have completed an introductory statistics course (graduate or undergraduate) in the last two years with a final grade of B or better. At a minimum, the statistics course should have covered probability, descriptive statistics, and an introduction to t-tests and the general linear model.
- A minimum of two years post-MSW social work or related practice experience is recommended, as certification for most institutions requires instructors teaching practice courses to have some practice experience. This experience should demonstrate the applicant’s professional competence, ability to undertake advanced study, and potential for leadership.
- The University of Utah requires a minimum TOEFL score of 80 IBT or 550 PBT or a minimum IELTS score of 6.50. The College of Social Work, due to the intensive need for excellent communication skills, requires a minimum score of 100 IBT or 600 PBT, or an IELTS score of 7.0 to 7.5.
- The Statement of Purpose offers you the opportunity to articulate your self-assessment as a strong candidate for admission to the College of Social Work PhD Program. The doctoral program focuses on developing your scholarly skills in research and teaching in higher education and thus, your views about social work scholarship as well as your future role as a scholar educator are central to assessing your fit with the program. Please be as specific as possible in answering the questions below. Maximum length: 6 (six) double-spaced pages, font size 12.
[NOTE: Place your last name and first initial on every page of all documents.] - Three (or more) academic and/or professional letters of reference from people who can attest to your personal qualifications, character, and dependability. These letters should be submitted directly by the writers, through the online Application for Admission.
- A sample of writing in the form of a published article, a manuscript that is being submitted for publication, a report that has been completed in connection with a research interest, or a paper that has been prepared specifically for admission to the College of Social Work PhD Program. Some applicants submit a paper that was completed during their MSW studies.
- A personal Skype interview, if recommended by the PhD Admissions Committee.
- Completion of the Graduate School Application for Admission, including the upload of all documents requested during the application process. Please note that your application will not be processed without receipt of the non-refundable application fee. Prospective students can check if they qualify for application fee waivers here. Students who are on or requesting a visa are not eligible for a fee waiver.
*NOTE: The GRE is no longer a required component of the application for admission.
60 Months
Aug
- Candidates are required to submit references or letter(s) of recommendation for acceptance
- Candidates are required to submit an essay(s) for acceptance
Tuition fees
Domestic
0 USD
International
0 USD
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