PhD in Social Work
The PhD in Social Work at Boston University aims to prepare the next generation of social work and social welfare scholars and leaders to address the complex social challenges of the 21st century. Building upon the School of Social Work's robust commitment to social justice and empowerment of historically marginalized and vulnerable populations, the program provides rigorous training in the theory, research methods, and values of the social work profession necessary to solve urgent human and societal problems. Graduates are exceptionally well trained in multiple methods and interdisciplinary linkages to other social and behavioral sciences. Through a curriculum that encompasses research, clinical and policy practice knowledge, and teaching pedagogy and practice, the program offers a rich educational foundation for future social work leaders in the academy, as well as the practice and policy arenas.
Learning Outcomes
Demonstrate mastery at a doctoral level of core social work and social justice theory.
Demonstrate mastery at the doctoral level of interdisciplinary area of inquiry (specialization).
Demonstrate the ability to conduct rigorous applied scholarship and make a significant original contribution to social work.
Curriculum and Course Requirements
The PhD program is a full-time course of study. The program welcomes one cohort of students per year, beginning in September. Students must meet all requirements set forth in the PhD Handbook, including a minimum of 16 courses for the post-master's PhD (as indicated below), and complete a minimum of 63 units.
Core Program
Core Social Work Knowledge (16 units)
SSW KC 902 Proseminar in Social Work (0 units)
SSW SR 910 Doctoral Dissertation Seminar (4 units)
SSW SW 905 Contemporary Social Problems: A Social Work Perspective (4 units)
SSW WP 901 Social Justice, Values & the Social Work Profession (4 units)
SSW WP 903 Perspectives on Social Welfare Policy (4 units)
Core Mixed Methods (19 units)
CAS SO 702 Sociological Methods (4 units)
QUANTITATIVE SEQUENCE
SPH BS 704 Introduction to Biostatistics (3 units)
SPH BS 723 Introduction to Statistical Computing (4 units)
QUALITATIVE SEQUENCE
SSW SR 906 Qualitative Research Methods (4 units)
SSW SR 907 Advanced Qualitative Research Methods (4 units)
Advanced Research Methods Electives Coursework (8 units)
Students will take two courses in advanced research methods relevant to the individual conduct of research in an area of specialization.
Teaching Excellence Sequence (8 units to be taken concurrently in the Spring Term)
SSW SW 908 Teaching Seminar (4 units)
SSW SW 909 Teaching Practicum (4 units)
Guidelines for the Teaching Practicum
Students must complete a teaching practicum with an instructor of record for a traditional in-person MSW classroom course. The Teaching Practicum is graded as Pass/Fail, with grades submitted by the faculty mentor at the end of the grading period.
Interdisciplinary Specialization (12 units)
Students identify an interdisciplinary specialization organized around a population (i.e., children, immigrants and refugees, older adults) and/or a social problem/issue (i.e., poverty, housing, trauma, health disparities) and complete 12 unit hours of study in their chosen area of specialization. Four units of the specialization must be taken in a theory course. Students have considerable flexibility with respect to electives; however, it is expected that all electives include content and assignments appropriate for doctoral study.
The specialization is developed by the student in collaboration with their faculty advisor and approved by the doctoral program director.
21 January 2025
School of Social Work
264 Bay State Road,
BOSTON,
Massachusetts,
02215, United States
Admission to the PhD program is open to those who hold a Master of Social Work degree or a master’s degree from an allied discipline or profession in the social sciences or public health fields. Professional experience related to the values and social justice mission of the social work profession is also considered. Previous research experience is strongly recommended.
For the TOEFL,
Score of 100 (total) on the Internet-based test.
25 on Reading
25 on Listening
25 on Speaking
25 on Writing
The minimum band score for the IELTS test is 7.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.