Sociology & Social Work

Central to the program’s mission is promoting research and scholarship that link social work’s professional concerns with sociological theories and methods. Core theory material in the program addresses classical and contemporary sociological theories, the organizational dynamics of the social work profession, and perspectives on American social policy and programs. Courses in research methods address both quantitative and qualitative approaches.

Advanced doctoral students choose specializations in both sociology and social work. The research and teaching interests of the social work and sociology faculties span a wide range of theoretical, methodological, and substantive areas, including urban studies, substance abuse, mental health, gerontology, child welfare, family studies, medical sociology, deviance, political economy, institutional analysis, race and ethnic relations, social stratification, and policy analysis.

Graduate students may also benefit from resources available at many of the specialized centers of Boston University. These include the Center for Anxiety & Related Disorders, Center for the Study of Addictions, Center for Survey Research, Gerontology Center, and Institute for Geriatric Social Work. Students also have access to the Social Work Computer Laboratory for the conduct of their own research projects.

More information about the program is available from the doctoral program’s administrative assistant at 264 Bay State Road, Boston, MA 02215; (617-353-9765).

Application and Admission

Admission is open to those who hold a Master of Social Work degree or who hold a master’s degree from an allied discipline or profession and who have practice-related experience relevant to the objectives of the program. Applicants are required to submit the results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). Applicants should have a background in basic inferential statistics. Applicants are accepted for September admission. 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 who have demonstrated competence in areas of the curriculum where teaching assistance is needed.

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 required 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 must 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, including deviance, social stratification, and urban studies, among others. 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.