Social Welfare

Program Description: The University of California offers a comprehensive degree in Social Welfare designed to prepare students for impactful careers in addressing social issues and supporting vulnerable populations. This program provides an in-depth understanding of social policies, human behavior, social justice, and community resources, equipping students with the skills necessary for effective social work practice. Through a combination of rigorous coursework, practical internships, and research opportunities, students gain hands-on experience in areas such as child welfare, mental health, public assistance, substance abuse, and homelessness prevention. The curriculum emphasizes ethical practice, cultural competence, and the development of critical thinking skills vital for navigating complex social systems. Students are encouraged to engage with diverse communities and develop innovative solutions to social problems. The program also fosters a commitment to social justice, advocacy, and policy analysis, preparing graduates for careers in government agencies, non-profit organizations, healthcare systems, and private practice. Upon completing the program, students are well-equipped to pursue licensure and advanced roles in social work, contributing to the well-being of individuals and communities. The University of California’s Social Welfare program is committed to fostering a supportive learning environment that emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring graduates are prepared to make meaningful contributions in a rapidly changing social landscape.

Advising

On entering the program, students are assigned an individual adviser. To the extent possible, the student's interest and background are considered in the assignment of the adviser. The assignment is made by the chair, in consultation with the doctoral program committee. Students are sent written notification of their assignment of adviser prior to entering the program. Students ordinarily continue with the initial adviser until successful completion of the written qualifying examinations and until they choose a dissertation chair, usually in the second year. Students may request a change in advisers at any time during the course of study by submitting a request directly to the chair, or to the chair through the current adviser. Once the doctoral committee has been appointed by the Graduate Division, consent and approval of the committee, department, and Graduate Division are necessary for any change in committee structure, including a change in chair.

The student and the adviser establish a schedule of meetings that includes a conference at the beginning of each quarter regarding the student's program of courses. The adviser's written approval is prerequisite to enrollment in all courses. The student and the adviser are expected to meet regularly to review the student's progress.

Each quarter, upon request, a written summary of the student's grades in Social Welfare is provided by the Graduate Adviser. In addition, the adviser or instructors may present a written report to the student, if necessary. Overall progress of doctoral students is reviewed regularly by the doctoral program committee.

Major Fields or Subdisciplines

The program trains research-oriented scholars to advance the field of social welfare through research and knowledge development, and to assume leadership roles in academic, policy, and practice settings. The curriculum is organized into three major areas: (1) specialization in a substantive area of social welfare, (2) integration of social and behavioral science knowledge into social welfare, and (3) research methods. Programs of study are planned in relation to the special and individual needs and interests of students.

Course Requirements

There is a minimum core of required courses which includes: a three-quarter sequence of seminars on  the craft of social welfare scholarship; a three-quarter sequence of seminars on the foundations of scientific inquiry; and two graduate-level courses in statistics. In addition, students are required to take (1) at least three graduate-level courses in the social and behavioral sciences outside the department related to their specialization in social welfare; (2) a combination of at least four additional courses in advanced research methods and statistics; and (3) three quarters of research internship and a two-quarter dissertation seminar.

Every effort is made to individualize the curriculum around a student's area of interest and plans for the dissertation. In order to achieve this goal, a variety of patterns is utilized, including tutorials, small seminar groups, special courses in the M.S.W. program, and courses in other departments and schools of the University.

Written and Oral Qualifying Examinations

Academic Senate regulations require all doctoral students to complete and pass university written and oral qualifying examinations prior to doctoral advancement to candidacy. Also, under Senate regulations, the University Oral Qualifying Examination is open only to the student and appointed members of the doctoral committee. In addition to university requirements, some graduate programs have other pre-candidacy examination requirements. What follows in this section is how students are required to fulfill all of these requirements for this doctoral program.

All committee nominations and reconstitutions adhere to the new Minimum Standards for Doctoral Committee Constitution.

The written qualifying examination consists of two sections:

(1) An examination in social welfare policy and practice, reviewing current theory and research. The examination is given at the end of the third quarter of the first year. This examination is evaluated by the student’s adviser and two members of the doctoral committee.

(2) A major publishable scholarly paper on a social welfare topic, demonstrating the student's mastery of social science theory and methods of scientific inquiry. The paper will be evaluated by a three-member committee appointed by the chair of the doctoral committee.

The qualifying examinations are graded on a pass/fail basis, and passing them is prerequisite for pursuing the dissertation. Students who fail both sections of the examinations are reviewed by the departmental Doctoral Committee, which makes a decision about whether the student is allowed to continue in the program and retake the examination. Students who fail one section of the examinations will be allowed to retake that section. Students permitted to retake the examinations must develop a written remedial work plan with their adviser and have it approved by the chair of the doctoral program. The examinations must be taken no later than the end of fall quarter of the following academic year.

Advancement to doctoral candidacy follows successful completion of both the written qualifying examination and subsequently the required University Oral Qualifying Examination, which covers the dissertation proposal and related areas. It is administered by a doctoral committee requested by the student and approved by UCLA Graduate Division.

Advancement to Candidacy

Students are advanced to candidacy upon successful completion of the written and oral qualifying examinations.

Doctoral Dissertation

Every doctoral degree program requires the completion of an approved dissertation that demonstrates the student's ability to perform original, independent research and constitutes a distinct contribution to knowledge in the principal field of study.

Final Oral Examination (Defense of Dissertation)

Not required for all students in the program. The decision as to whether a defense is required is made by the doctoral committee.

Time-to-Degree

Normative time-to-degree is eighteen academic quarters. Time for completion of the degree cannot exceed seven years (21 academic quarters). Students are expected to complete all course requirements, defend their dissertation proposal and be advanced to candidacy within three years (nine quarters). Time for completion of the dissertation varies from two to six quarters after advancement to candidacy. A student who has not completed the degree requirements within the maximum seven-year (21 academic quarters) limit is not allowed to continue in the program without the permission of the departmental Doctoral Committee.

Requirements

Our doctoral program receives numerous applications from highly qualified applicants around the world. The majority of our admitted students have an MSW degree but we also accept students with a master’s degree in a related field (such as public policy or psychology). The doctoral committee seeks applicants who have a commitment to a research career in social welfare and who show great scholarly promise. Applications are assessed individually based on all components of the portfolio. Contact with potential faculty mentors is invited, but not required for admission to our program.

For applicants to the MSW/PhD program, please note that space in this program is often limited to 1-2 students per year. The admissions committee may refer some very well qualified combined applicants to the MSW program, with an option to reapply to the PhD program in the future.

1. UCLA Graduate Online Application (if you are applying for the combined MSW/PHD, complete the Social Welfare section on the UCLA Graduate Online Application).
2. ONE official copy of transcripts from each college or university attended in the United States or abroad. Unofficial transcripts are uploaded on the UCLA Graduate Online Application. Mail your official copies to UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs
3. GPA Worksheet. This worksheet calculates Grade Point Average for the end of your undergraduate education and graduate school. Use separate worksheets for each. Upload this form with transcripts or in the supporting documents section of the online application.
4. Official copy of scores from the Graduate Record Examination earned within the last five years.
5. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores, if your native language is not English. (The TOEFL or IELTS is required of all non-native speakers unless they have completed two years of university-level coursework in an English-language institution).
6. Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your academic and scholarly work. At least one of the references must be from a professor who has taught you. Letters of recommendation can be sent directly to the department. Enter your recommenders name and email address on the UCLA Online Application. Upload instructions will be sent to them by the online system.
7. A two- or three-page typed personal statement describing: 1) Your reasons for pursuing doctoral education at UCLA Luskin at this time; 2) Specific academic and work experiences that have prepared you for doctoral education; 3) Your educational objectives while in the doctoral program; and 4) Your future professional objectives.
8. Curriculum vitae.
9. Evidence of ability to think creatively and to write clearly. Published articles, a master’s thesis, unpublished papers, or term papers may be submitted as evidence.

The University of California offers various financial aid options for students enrolled in Social Welfare programs, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Prospective and current students are encouraged to explore federal and state financial assistance programs, such as the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), which can provide access to need-based grants and loans. Additionally, the university has institutional scholarships specific to social welfare fields, awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, or community involvement. Students can also participate in work-study programs that offer part-time employment opportunities on campus, allowing students to earn money while gaining relevant experience in social services. Many students utilize loan options, including federal Direct Stafford Loans and Perkins Loans, to finance their education, with flexible repayment plans available after graduation. The university also promotes financial literacy, offering counseling sessions to help students manage their finances effectively throughout their studies. For international students or those with specific eligibility requirements, additional financial aid options may be available, and they are advised to consult the university's financial aid office for personalized guidance. Furthermore, some social welfare programs at the university might collaborate with local agencies and foundations to provide additional funding opportunities or stipends for students engaged in community projects or internships. Overall, students pursuing social welfare degrees at the University of California can access a comprehensive range of financing options designed to reduce the financial burden of higher education and support their academic and professional goals in the social welfare sector.

The Social Welfare program at the University of California offers a comprehensive educational experience designed to prepare students for a variety of roles in social services and community support. This program emphasizes developing a deep understanding of the social issues facing diverse populations, including poverty, mental health, child welfare, and aging. Students engage with core courses that cover social policy, human behavior and the social environment, research methods, and social work practice, ensuring a well-rounded foundation for future professional work. The curriculum integrates both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, enabling students to apply concepts in real-world settings through supervised fieldwork, internships, and community engagement projects. The program is committed to fostering cultural competence, ethical practice, and social justice, aligning with the university’s mission to serve society and promote equitable access to resources and opportunities. Faculty members are experienced practitioners and scholars who provide mentorship and research opportunities, contributing to innovative solutions to social challenges. Graduates of the program are equipped with the tools necessary for employment in public agencies, nonprofit organizations, healthcare institutions, and policy development. In addition to coursework, students participate in seminars, workshops, and community partnerships that enhance learning and professional networking. The program also offers specialization options, allowing students to focus on areas such as child and family welfare, health and mental health, or policy advocacy. Overall, the University of California’s Social Welfare program aims to cultivate competent, compassionate social workers and administrators dedicated to improving individual well-being and social conditions.