Sociology & Social Work
The primary purpose of the Interdisciplinary Program in Sociology and Social Work is to prepare researchers and scholars of social work who will assume leadership positions in universities, government, and social welfare agencies.
Central to the program’s mission is promoting research and scholarship that link social science theory and advanced research methods with the pressing social problems of concern to social work. Core theory material addresses classical and contemporary sociological theories, the organizational dynamics of the social work profession, and perspectives on U.S. social policy and programs.
Doctoral students choose specializations in social work and sociology to organize their advanced training. Social work specializations focus on either social policy research or clinical research, and may address the wide range of social work areas of inquiry, such as poverty, child welfare, health services, and aging. Social science specializations include, for example, urban studies, family sociology, race and ethnic studies, and sociology of religion.
The faculty of the School of Social Work has numerous funded projects to support doctoral Research Assistants. Teaching Assistant positions are also available in the second year of study and beyond. Teaching colloquia are offered within the School for faculty and doctoral students to discuss teaching strategies, dilemmas, and contemporary challenges. Graduate students may also benefit from many institutional resources for learning at Boston University including: the Institute for Geriatric Social Work, the Center for Addictions Research and Services, and the Center for Anxiety Related Disorders.
More information about the program is available from the doctoral program’s administrative assistant at 264 Bay State Road, Boston, MA 02215; (617-353-9675).
Application and Admission
Admission is open to those who hold a Master of Social Work degree or a Master’s degree from an allied discipline or profession and who have professional experience related to the objectives of social work. Applicants should have a background in basic inferential statistics. Applicants are accepted for September admission. In addition to the application, applicants must submit: transcripts, results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT), three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a writing sample. Completed applications for admission and financial aid should reach the Graduate School of Arts & Science’s office no later than January 15.
Financial Assistance
Financial support is available to both incoming and continuing students. The Graduate School awards graduate student fellowships on a competitive basis. Research assistantships are frequently available through grants awarded to members of the program faculty. Teaching fellowships are awarded to students in the second year or later semesters.
Curriculum and Course Requirements
Students must meet all University and program requirements for the PhD. Full-time residence for all three semesters’ coursework is recommended.
A minimum of 12 courses (48 credit hours) is required for the post-master’s PhD degree, as indicated below.
Core Program
All students must complete two courses in sociological theory—GRS SO 701 Advanced Sociological Theory (Classical) and GRS SO 708 Contemporary Sociological Theory—and two courses in social work theory—SSW WP 901 Sociology of the Social Work Profession and SSW WP 903 Perspectives on Social Welfare Policy. All students must complete three courses in research methods/statistics—GRS SO 702 Proseminar in Research Methods, GRS SO 709 Field Research, and CAS MA 684 Multivariate Analysis.
Specializations
Specialized study is encouraged in two fields, with one to be an established area of concentration in sociology and the other to be a related area in social work. Students often complete 2 courses (8 credit hours) in their sociology specialization and 3 courses (12 credit hours) in their social work specialization. Sociology concentrations may be selected from the substantive specializations found in the Department of Sociology entry in this catalog. Social work specializations may be selected from social welfare policy or from clinical research, and substantive foci may include aging, child and family welfare, and substance abuse, among others.
Qualifying Examinations and Critical Essay
There is a written examination requirement in social work theory. A critical essay is also required. The essay is to be an assessment and synthesis of the student’s two specialized subfields within sociology and social work. Upon completion of the essay, the candidate must pass an oral examination in the indicated specializations.
Residency Requirement
See General Requirements for the PhD section in this bulletin.
Dissertation
Program approval of the dissertation proposal is obtained through a prospectus consultation examination. Two or more members of the affiliated program faculty supervise the candidate during preparation of the dissertation. This written document is to be a scholarly contribution to knowledge, presented clearly, precisely, and in good literary style. Candidates are encouraged to publish selected parts of their dissertation in professional journals and the entire dissertation as a book.
Final Oral Examination
Candidates, upon completion of the dissertation, present themselves for a final oral examination before a committee of the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. The examination is based primarily on the dissertation and related issues in the field of concentration.
