Sociology and Social Work
Interdisciplinary PhD Program in Sociology and Social Work
The Interdisciplinary PhD Program in sociology and social work is a doctoral program of the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. It is directed primarily to master’s-level social work professionals who wish to enhance their professional competence through further study at the doctoral level. The primary goal of the program is to prepare scholars of social welfare, who will assume leadership positions in universities, governmental agencies, and volunteer organizations.
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 qualitative and quantitative 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 Institute for Geriatric Social Work, Center for Anxiety & Related Disorders, Center for Addictions Research & Services, Health & Disability Working Group, African Studies Center, and Gerontology Center. 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 by writing Interdisciplinary PhD Program, Boston University School of Social Work, 264 Bay State Road, Boston, MA 02215, calling 617-353-3765, or sending an email to sswphd@bu.edu.
