The program requires 50 post-Master's credits of course work at least 6 dissertation credit hours, and at least two consecutive full time semesters. The curriculum consists of three components:

I. Core Curriculum (41 credit hours):

These are required courses that include advanced research design and analysis, theory development, policy analysis, change theories, ethics, teaching in social work, and professional seminars.

II. Individualized Plan of Study (9 credit hours):

These credit hours are devoted to students' individual interests and may include additional statistical courses offered in the summer semesters, and qualitative research.

III. Dissertation (6 or more credits):

The dissertation includes the design and implementation of a major research project, the results of which are expected to contribute to the social work knowledge base.

What are the Comprehensive Examinations?

This exam provides the format by which students demonstrate that they can apply and integrate their course work to their specific research topics. Students are eligible to take this exam, written and oral, upon successful completion of all required hours: 41 hours of core courses, 9 hours of individualized work, and 6 dissertations hours (total of 56 hours).

 A student is admitted to candidacy when the Ph.D. Program Director certifies that all pre-dissertation degree requirements, including the comprehensive examination, have been satisfied.

 Following the passage of the comprehensive examination, students will enroll in DOCT 600, or Candidacy, as they are now candidates for the Doctor of Philosophy degree (Ph.D.). This is actually a fee that equals the dollar amount of two credit hours. Once students enroll in DOCT 600 the first semester after completing their exams, they should be automatically enrolled in DOCT 600 every semester thereafter, including summer semesters, until the dissertation is completed. (Updated 11.26.2010.)

What is the Cost?

The current tuition is detailed on the following site: University of Louisville Bursar's Office