PHD Social Work Admissions

How to Apply

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EXTENDED DEADLINE:  January 6th, 2025 for Fall 2025 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.

Kent School of Social Work rose garden outside of Oppenheimer Hall. 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.

Applicants begin by completing the Graduate School application and paying the application fee (http://louisville.edu/graduate/apply). Recipients of certain government assistance programs may be eligible to waive this fee (http://louisville.edu/admissions/apply/fee)

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:

  1. Review of application materials by the doctoral admissions committee
  2. Admission committee interviews with those selected
  3. Recommendations of selected applicants are forwarded to the Graduate School

 

Admission Standards

Application Materials

  • PhD Application Guidance Checklist
  • Graduate School 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
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work program does not require the GRE for applicants