Social Work

Our PhD Program balances theory-driven research based on strong methodological and analytic skills. Graduates are prepared to be productive researchers and skilled teachers in prominent schools of social work, and we offer competitive support for qualifying students. Designed for students to obtain their degree in three to five academic years, the first part of the program consists of core doctoral coursework, including epistemology, statistics, systematic reviews, and qualitative and quantitative methods, as well as substantive elective classes, followed by independent research culminating in the dissertation process. Coursework in our interdisciplinary program promotes strong critical and inter-professional thinking, and integrative, evidence-based approaches to social problems, drawing from a solid social science theory base. Pedagogical skills are developed through combined approaches of mentoring and classroom teaching, supplemented by training through the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence. The graduation requirements and curriculum enhance our intensive, research-driven approaches to build and test new practice paradigms with a focus on systems change. We prepare students for exciting roles in which they will contribute to the development of knowledge in the field of social welfare and the profession of social work.

The College of Social Work has an exceptional faculty, recognized for their work in the fields of child welfare, gerontology, marriage and family supports, juvenile justice and corrections, disabilities, immigrants and refugees, women/gender roles, health, mental health, and substance abuse.

We have two curriculum delivery strategies (onsite and distance) with the same program requirements, standards of rigor, and expectations for students. Our flexible coursework options enable students to maintain their roles in the community. Both full-time and part-time students are admitted each fall semester to our regular campus program, in existence since 1972. Our summer-intensive Technology-Enhanced Doctorate (TED) began in 2000, with a new cohort admitted every four to five years.

The College of Social Work and the Center for Public Policy and Administration have established a dual degree program that offers the PhD in Social Work and the Master of Public Administration (MPA) degrees. The purpose of this partnership is to prepare students in a unique interdisciplinary fashion to assume leadership roles in nonprofit organizations or institutions of government concerned with the social welfare of the public. Applicants must follow admission requirements and be accepted by both programs.

The Ph.D. degree requires a master’s degree plus a minimum of 50 credit hours beyond the master’s degree (a minimum of 30 core, 6 elective, and 14 dissertation hours). The following are also required:

1. Two years of graduate study beyond the master’s degree. At least two consecutive semesters of full-time study (nine credit hours) must be taken in residence.
2. The core courses provide students with knowledge and skills critical for creative problem-solving in the profession. Students are required to complete 30 credit hours in core courses. In addition, students are required to complete at least 6 hours of electives.
3. Satisfactory performance on a qualifying examination. The Ph.D. Committee will establish the requirements for the qualifying examination, which may include but not be limited to a written comprehensive examination.
4. Admission to Ph.D. candidacy by vote of the Ph.D. Committee upon completion of the qualifying examination and coursework.
5. Completion of an approved dissertation including at least 14 hours of dissertation research.
6. Successful defense of the dissertation, including a dissertation proposal presented prior to the student’s defense.
7. Completion of all dissertation work within three years from the date of admission to candidacy (unless an extension is approved by the Ph.D. Committee).
8. Completion of all course work toward the degree within seven years of admission to the program (unless an extension is approved by the Ph.D. Committee and The Graduate School, University of Utah).

*For specific curriculum information contact the program at 801-585-5979.

Social Work Core Courses

• SW 7111 - Quantitative Research: Theory and Design 3 Credit(s)
• SW 7122 Quantitative Research II: Secondary Data Analysis 3 Credit(s)
• SW 7120 - Scholarly Writing and the Critical Review of Academic Literature 2 - 3 Credit(s)
• SW 7130 - Epistemological and Theoretical Perspectives for SW Research 3 Credit(s)
• SW 7211 - Introduction to Analysis 3 Credit(s)
• SW 7221 - Advanced Analysis 3 Credit(s)
• SW 7512 - Qualitative Research Methods of Social Inquiry, Field Research 3 Credit(s)
• SW 7113 - Knowledge for Social Work Practice: Systematic Reviews 3 Credit(s)
• SW 7520 - Development of Biopyschosocial Intervention Models 3 Credit(s)

Social Work Specializations

Program specialization is tailored to each student’s needs and interests. A minimum of six (6) elective credit hours are required in coursework focused on a content area or issue of interest to each student. At least three of these must be taken outside the College of Social Work. In addition, students may enroll in guided readings or independent study with faculty throughout the University. Study should be focused on the development of knowledge and skill in a substantive area within the field of social welfare. Substantive areas are usually characterized by the selection of a social problem (e.g., child abuse, mental illness, delinquency) on which to focus study and develop expertise. Students are expected to develop substantive knowledge that relates to the variety of people and populations-including minorities and women-that are affected by the social problem. Study also includes a focus on a range of interventive strategies and public policies that might be used to effect social change related to the problem.

Statistics Requirement

Two statistics courses are required to complete the program. Additional statistics courses at the University are encouraged.

Dissertation Research

Students are required to present a dissertation proposal to a faculty committee after candidacy has been granted. Upon completion of dissertation research, students defend their research at a meeting open to the University community. Fourteen (14) hours of dissertation study are required.

• SW 7970 - Dissertation Research 1 - 12 Credit(s)

Applications for admission to the program must be received by the College of Social Work no later than February 1 (This date is subject to change. For information contact the program at 801-585-5979). Late applications are accepted on a space-available basis. Admission requirements include:

1. A master’s degree in social work from an accredited school of social work.
2. Evidence of superior academic achievement in undergraduate and graduate education.
3. Minimum of two years of social work experience that demonstrates the applicant’s professional competence, ability to undertake advanced study, potential for leadership, and emotional maturity. (This requirement may be waived at the discretion of the Social Work Ph.D. Committee)
4. Satisfactory performance on the GRE, taken within five years prior to the admission year.
5. For international applicants whose primary language is not English, the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) must be taken.
6. A personal interview, if requested by the Ph.D. Committee.
7. Three letters of reference.
8. A sample of writing in the form of a published article, a manuscript being submitted for publication, a report completed in connection with a research interest, or a paper prepared specifically for admission to the Ph.D. program.
9. A written statement of educational and professional intent.

Transfer Credit. All transfer work must be approved by the student’s supervisory committee and conform to policy guidelines and requirements of the University and of the respective departments. The last full year of work must be taken at the University of Utah.

Scholarships

Research and teaching assistantship opportunities are also available at the College of Social Work. Our PhD students find working in our Social Research Institute, Goodwill Initiatives on Aging, or our Utah Criminal Justice Center offers critical career and scholarship enhancement. These institutes sponsor grant-funded research and demonstration projects regarding such issues as child welfare practice and cross-system reforms, juvenile and criminal justice reforms, aging, mental health, the challenges faced by welfare families, substance involved families, and services for persons with disabilities.

• American Association of University Women International Fellowships ($15,060)
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Graduate Fellowships ($2,500 per year, renewable)