Ph.D - Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work
The PhD Program is designed to develop scholars prepared to create knowledge through research that informs interventions and policies and educate future social workers to address critical social problems and pursue social justice. The program is designed to prepare its graduates for positions in academic and related research settings.
Students have the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of nationally recognized faculty within the school and university with expertise in the areas of social and child welfare, child & family well-being, gerontology, health & mental health, justice & criminality, school social work, substance abuse and international social work.
Graduates of our program have gone on to work as faculty members in schools of social work nationally and internationally as well as in a variety of other research, administrative and policy positions. Links to our core course descriptions and schedule are provided below, along with the doctoral handbook.
This program is open to all eligible applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age.
Contact us and attend one of our prospective student information sessions to learn more about the program. Download Program Brochure [PDF] 23rd, 2024 Information Session from
About the Program
Professional Development Workshop Series
The PhD program offers professional development workshop sessions as part of the Mentoring and Professional Development portion of the PhD curriculum. These sessions focus on preparing candidates for the job market. View the upcoming list of PD sessions here: 2023 - 2024 Professional Development Workshop Series.
Additional Information:
Universities where Kent alumni hold positions [PDF]