PhD in Social Work

PhD Program Objectives

• Create research knowledge that is informed by anti-racist and anti-oppressive lenses.
• Conceptualize, design and execute rigorous research dissertations that enable critical analysis of theories, practices and policies to generate new knowledge.
• Intentionally utilize ethical research standards to create and disseminate knowledge with an emphasis on social change.
• Engage actively with communities at the local, regional, national and global levels to create and use research knowledge.
• Become social work educators and leaders committed to extending the body of knowledge through research, teaching, leading in influencing policy and modeling leadership for the next generation of social workers.

Program Info

Application Requirements and Deadlines

The application deadline for Fall admission is March 15, or permission from the Program Director. Applicants must have an MSW or an equivalent degree, 3.3 GPA and preferably 2-3 years of post-master’s work experience. Applicants should submit the following:

• Graduate application and $60 fee
• Three letters of recommendation addressing academic ability and other skills
• 3-4 page personal statement
• Writing sample showcasing academic/scholarly writing skill and style. A writing sample can be an academic paper written in the last 5 years, a report written for an agency, a publication or an original paper of approximately 5 pages on a social issue.
• Transcripts from all tertiary academic institutions
• Cover letter
• Résumé

Additional Requirements for International Students

Additional information is required from applicants with degrees from non-native English-speaking countries as well as an official TOEFL score of 80 or higher OR IELTS score of 6.5 or higher.