Earn the highest degree in the social work profession with The Catholic University of America's Ph.D. in Social Work. This program prepares doctoral students to teach, research, and lead from a framework of mercy, charity, justice, and peace, grounded in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Church's social and moral doctrine. The Ph.D. degree signifies the highest academic achievement, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and vision to promote human rights and social justice. It advances the profession through scholarly research, theory building, and leadership, aiming to serve society in preventing, intervening in, and alleviating social problems while enhancing social well-being.
Doctorate
Social Work (PhD)
Degrees
The Ph.D. in Social Work program is a 45-credit-hour plus dissertation degree program.
The curriculum for The Catholic University of America's Ph.D. in Social Work program is designed to equip students with advanced research skills and knowledge for leadership in the social work profession.
Coursework
- Total Credits: Students complete a minimum of 45 credit hours of coursework, covering advanced topics in social work theory, research methods, and statistics.
- Core Courses: Key courses include Multivariate Statistics and Design, Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods, and Advanced Theoretical Frameworks for Social Work.
- Electives: Students choose 6 credit hours of electives tailored to their research interests, such as health, mental health, child welfare, or international development.
Comprehensive Examination
- Components: The comprehensive exam includes a written examination, an integrative paper, and an oral defense. This exam tests students' ability to synthesize and apply their knowledge across the curriculum.
Dissertation
- Proposal: Students must submit a dissertation proposal within two years of attaining candidacy.
- Research: The dissertation must present original research that contributes to the field of social work.
- Defense: Students must defend their dissertation in a public oral examination.
Additional Requirements
- Continuous Enrollment: Students must maintain continuous enrollment by registering each semester for Dissertation Guidance until the dissertation is completed.
$1,200 / credit hour
More information about this degree is available on the School website or by request from our Admissions team.