PHD Social Work Admissions
Application deadline is December 1st every year for the following fall semester entry
Thank you for your interest in applying to the Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work Program at the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science. Admission to the PhD program is competitive.
Applicants should utilize the Application Checklist to ensure that all application requirements and relevant deadlines are met. Please email the PhD Program, to answer any questions related to submission of application materials.
Student Admission Selection Process
Admission is typically limited to individuals who hold a Master in Social Work degree from programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) or international equivalents. We also prefer that applicants have two years of post-master’s work experience. However, applicants without a Master’s degree in social work, but with a Master’s degree in another related discipline are welcome to apply and will be considered on a case by case basis. Admission decisions are made by the doctoral faculty after considerations of the applicant’s completed written application and an interview (if agreed to by the doctoral faculty) with the applicant.
The admission process involves:
- Review of application materials by the doctoral admissions committee
- Admission committee interviews with those selected
- Recommendations of selected applicants are forwarded to the Graduate School
Admission Standards
Application Materials
For details download PHD Application Checklist [PDF]
- Graduate School application
- Doctoral program application
- $65 non-refundable application processing fee
- Transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- Writing sample
- Personal statement
- Resume
- TOEFL (if required)
Admission Requirements
- Master’s degree in Social Work from programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) or international equivalents. (a Master’s degree in another related discipline are welcome to apply and will be considered on a case by case basis.)
- Two years of post-master’s degree social work experience
- An interview after review of submitted application materials
- Undergraduate 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA), and a graduate GPA of 3.5 or higher on 4.0 scale
- Competitive Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores (http://www.ets.org/gre.) Information about taking the GRE can be obtained by calling the Prometric Testing Center in Louisville: 502-423-0478, and the University of Louisville routinely offer GRE preparation courses.
* Update 7/13/2022: The Kent School of Social Work and Famly Science is suspending the GRE requirement for 2023-2024 applicants.
Application Deadline
December 1st for Fall 2023 start
Additional Information