Join our full-time, fully-funded PhD program — designed to develop significant competency in social work values and ethics, theory, research methods, a substantive interdisciplinary specialization, and teaching.<\/p>\n\n\n
Social Work Coursework (16 credits) <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Methods Review (4 credit hours)<\/strong><\/p>\n Quantitative Methods 1 and 2\u2014Data Analysis (7 credit hours)<\/strong><\/p>\n Qualitative Methods 1 and 2\u2014Investigative Methodologies (8 credit hours)<\/strong><\/p>\n Advanced Research Methods\u2014Electives (8 credit hours)<\/strong><\/p>\n You’ll take two courses in advanced research methods relevant to your area of specialization. Advanced doctoral students also complete a minimum of two semesters of teaching as online facilitators and classroom instructors at the master\u2019s level within BUSSW. <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Check out Boston University’s PhD in Social Work dashboard to see our program’s career outcomes for graduates, admissions and enrollment data, and more.<\/p>\n PhD in Social Work dashboard.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
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Research Methods Coursework<\/h3>
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\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nSpecializations<\/h3>
\nTo develop expertise in an area, you’ll identify an interdisciplinary specialization organized around a population (i.e., children, immigrants and refugees, older adults), or social problem or social issue (i.e., poverty, housing, trauma, and health disparities).
\nYou’ll then take 3 courses (a minimum of 12 credits) in your chosen area of specialization, one of which is in theory.
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nTeaching Excellence Sequence<\/h3>
\nTo foster teaching excellence among our graduates with specific fluency and teaching practices in social justice and cultural-responsiveness, the teaching sequence prepares future social work academics for excellence in the classroom. The teaching sequence introduces you to both practical and pedagogical aspects of social work teaching. Concurrently with the seminar, you’ll participate in a supported teaching practicum in a curricular area of interest.<\/p>\n
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Teaching Excellence Sequence Coursework (8 credits)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nQualifying Examinations<\/h3>
\nAt the end of coursework after the fourth semester, you’ll take the qualifying exam. With an understanding of social justice reflected in core social work values, the qualifying exam assesses your ability to conduct independent research in preparation for the dissertation. The exam focuses on three areas of expertise, including core social work knowledge and theory, research methodologies, and your area of specialization.
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\nThe program is a full-time program designed to be completed within five years.
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\nUpon successful completion of the qualifying exam, you’ll be accepted to PhD candidacy. Once in PhD candidacy, you will have three years to complete the dissertation requirements successfully.
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nDissertation<\/h3>
\nAs a doctoral candidate, you’ll demonstrate your abilities to conduct independent and original research through the dissertation project. <\/p>\nProgram Data Dashboard<\/h3>
Questions?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
For more information about the PhD program, contact Program Coordinator Lyndsey Browning<\/a> or request information below.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n