PhD Program

We are delighted to learn of your interest in our PhD program. Click here to Apply Online. If you would like our College catalogue please click here for information. 

Please note that our Ph.D. program is a research-based degree and it focuses exclusively on the preparation of social work educators.  The focus addresses an important need and makes our doctoral program unique.

If you find that our Ph.D. program is consistent with your career goals, we invite you to apply.  Please return the College's Ph.D. application form, your personal statement of career goals, and a sample of your social work writing directly to the College of Social Work by March 1, 2010 for Fall 2010 admission.

The Graduate School's application, fee, official transcripts, and GRE or MAT scores must be submitted directly to the Graduate School.  Check with the individuals you have selected as references to make sure they submit their material directly to the Graduate School in due time.  If you have further questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to write or call the Director of Doctoral Studies, Dr. Arlene Andrews. 

Dr. Arlene Andrews
Director of Doctoral Studies
College of Social Work
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC 29208

phone (803) 777-1126
fax (803) 777-3498
e-mail: aandrews@mailbox.sc.edu

Admission to the Ph.D. program is highly selective; only a small number of applicants will be admitted for each fall semester. Candidates are sought who possess both attributes and career goals that are consistent with the focus of the program. Persons with some experience in social work education are especially sought. Requirements for admission include:

1. A master's degree in social work from a CSWE accredited graduate program.
2. A grade point average of 3.5 or above for graduate level work.
3. Evidence of scholarly potential and career interest in social work education as indicated by two letters of reference.
4. A personal statement reflecting a description of professional experience and career goals.
5. Submission of Graduate Record Examination (general) scores or Miller Analogies Test scores.
6. A personal interview with one or more members of the doctoral admissions committee.
7. A sample of the applicant's scholarly writing.
8. The Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) for International Students of (570) pencil and paper or (230) computer score.

The doctoral committee, however, acknowledges the unique experiences and situations of some applicants who may, for example, have many years of post-BSW experience in the human services. The doctoral committee values diversity and reserves the right to consider these applicants. The individual strengths of each candidate will be considered. Post-MSW social work experience will be one factor to be considered in selecting the best class from among a pool of applicants.

Doctoral students will be admitted in the Spring to begin full-time study in the Fall. All applicants must have the approval of the Doctoral Committee. An applicant's undergraduate and graduate academic record, scores on the GRE/MAT, post-MSW work experience, commitment to social work education and indicated potential for success in the study of social work at the doctoral level are among factors considered. A class will be selected with every effort made to choose a group of individuals with high potential to learn from each other as well as from the faculty.
 

Satisfactory completion of the following components are required for the Ph.D. in social work:

• Course requirements for the degree in social work listed in the Course of Study;
• Elective courses outlined in the student's Plan of Study;
• A qualifying examination to be admitted to candidacy;
• A written and oral Comprehensive Examination;
• A dissertation proposal that meets with the approval of the doctoral committee;
• Completion and oral defense of the dissertation;
• A foreign language equivalency.

The course of study consists of five curriculum areas:

• Social Work Policy
• Human Behavior in the Social Environment
• Social Work Practice
• Social Work Education
• Social Work Research

Click here to view the complete Ph.D. Curriculum.

All admitted students will be considered for graduate assistantships and other financial aid that may be available. Applicants are asked to indicate their requirements for financial assistance at the time they apply. In the last several years, we have been able to support all admitted students who requested financial aid with a monthly stipend and a graduate assistantship.

Information about finding funding for doctoral study

University of South Carolina Financial Aid Office

U.S. News & World Report rates College Social Work among the top graduate schools. Check the website for U.S. News 2000 ranking:

Information about finding funding for doctoral study

PHD News Webpage

Please address to:

Dr. Arlene Andrews
Director of Doctoral Studies
College of Social Work
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC 29208

phone (803) 777-1126
fax (803) 777-3498
e-mail: aandrews@mailbox.sc.edu