The PhD Program
Program Goals
- Critical thinking and the formulation of constructs, models, and theory
- Scientific and research methodologies appropriate to social welfare issues and social work practice
- Critical appraisal, synthesis and integration of knowledge from a related field which has relevance for policy and practice in social work and/or social welfare
- Independent research and development of programmatic lines of scientific inquiry
- Dissemination of knowledge through social welfare leadership, publications, and teaching
Course Requirements
The minimum requirement for the degree is 16 units (one unit equals four semester hours) of coursework and research beyond the master's degree. Students with graduate degrees in related disciplines may be required to successfully complete additional coursework. Decisions regarding additional coursework will be made at the time of admission.
Core Courses
Emphasis on research as well as the theoretical foundations and knowledge base of social work are reflected in the core courses. The five primary areas of study are:
- Theories and issues in social policy and social policy analysis
- Theories and issues in social work practice
- Research and statistical competency
- Specialization area, including dissertation research
- Issues and competency in college teaching
Usually, doctoral students will take the following five courses which are specifically designed for doctoral students:
- SW 439
Theory of Social Work Intervention - SW 485
National Social Welfare Policy, II - SW 493
Seminar: Design of Social Work Research - SW 494
Individual Research. This course is designed to enhance skills of doctoral students in social work through research collaboration with a faculty member (two semesters required) - A course on college-level teaching (EOL 490 TC is recommended).
Professional Focus/Interdisciplinary Component
The doctoral student designates a professional focus of study when admitted. Coursework in social work and other academic and professional disciplines, as well as the dissertation, are planned around each candidate's focus.
All students are required to take a minimum of four units of coursework outside the department. Outside courses should be selected to form a core of knowledge to support the student's competency in their area of specialization and aid in the development of a dissertation proposal.
Statement of Professional Focus
A statement of professional focus is to be completed by the student, approved by the adviser, and submitted to the Director of the PhD program prior to taking prelims, and matriculating for the second year of study (i.e. before beginning any additional classes after completing eight units). The statement will: 1) briefly define the area of focus and research question(s) being pursued; 2) identify the discipline and/or academic content (in case the content crosses disciplines, include courses taken or proposed); and 3) identify the research methodology necessary to pursue the questions, including specific courses taken and/or planned.
Research and Statistical Competency
Each candidate is held responsible for competence in research methods and analysis. Students are required to take a minimum of three courses in statistics and research methodology appropriate for the area of specialization. These courses should provide evidence of research proficiency in the area of the dissertation. A minimum grade of B or better is required.
Independent Study
Independent Study is an integral part of doctoral education through which students may pursue individualized, specialized and in-depth learning on a particular subject. It is not a substitute for formal coursework.
On occasion, doctoral students are unable to enroll in coursework that meets the outside course work requirements. In these cases, an independent study is appropriate. The proposal for independent study will be approved and signed by the student, the student's adviser, and the outside graduate faculty member with whom the independent study will be completed and filed with the chair of the Doctoral Committee and in the student's academic record in the School of Social Work.
Students may substitute only two independent study units in lieu of core course requirements in either the Research/Statistics Competency, the Outside Professional Focus/Specialization component or in any combination of these two areas.
Guidelines for Independent Study Proposal
I. Introduction
- Student's general area of study/research.
- Area of interest (mention past experience, education and/or work).
- Student’s specific area of research, or research topic, research question and/or hypothesis.
- The specific problem (use data) the student intends to address.
- What is the student's rationale for taking this independent study?
- How will this aid the student in his/her doctoral study?
- What does the student hope to gain from this independent study?
- What contractual agreement has the student established with the independent study instructor?
- Number of meeting times.
- Type of work that will be pursued, e.g. paper(s), independent research, conducting of interviews, development of an instrument.
- Is the student familiar with the instructor's prior research?
- Is this research applicable to the student's educational goal?
II. Literature Review
What literature (books, articles, journals) will the student use in the readings?
III. Method
How will this independent study assist the student in the methodological design and/or analysis in his/her doctoral study?
IV. Findings/Conclusions
- What will the student have as a finished product after completion of the independent study? (e.g. completed paper, submitted grant application, submitted journal article).
- What arrangements have been made with the adviser regarding the independent study?
Credit/No Credit
Required courses cannot be taken for "Credit/No Credit," (i.e. pass/fail). Students may use the credit/no credit option for electives.
The Student Adviser
Each entering doctoral student is assigned a faculty adviser. This match is based upon the student's expressed interests at the time of admission and the faculty member's interests. The student in consultation with the Director of the Doctoral Program may select a new adviser at any time.
Responsibilities of the student's adviser include:
- Facilitate the student's identification of a professional focus plan
- Facilitate the student's selection of relevant outside course work
- Monitor the student's progress through the program
- Maintain a written record of the student's progress
- Evaluate the student's progress at the end of each semester in cooperation with the Director of the PhD Program