Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work

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The University of Kansas's Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work program prepares students to become leaders in social work practice and policy through research, teaching, and scholarship. The program emphasizes critical thinking, advanced research skills, and a commitment to racial, social, economic, and environmental justice. Graduates are highly sought after for faculty positions and other leadership roles in the field.

مخطط البرنامج

Degree Overview:

The Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work program at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare aims to prepare students to become leaders nationally and internationally in advancing social work practice and policy through research, teaching, and scholarship. The program equips graduates with critical knowledge and skills to become innovative stewards of the discipline, generating and disseminating knowledge as researchers, scholars, and educators. The school is recognized for its pioneering work in the Strengths Perspective for social work practice, with Ph.D. students playing a key role in its advancement.

Program Objectives:

• Cultivate creative and critical thinking about social work practice, social policy, and guiding theoretical frameworks.
• Develop advanced quantitative and qualitative research skills.
• Offer opportunities for innovative scholarship and the development of teaching skills.
• Provide a student-centered educational approach.
• Support students through financial aid and mentorship.
• Foster appreciation for human diversity and the development of a global perspective.
• Emphasize racial, social, economic, and environmental justice.
• Provide Study Abroad opportunities.

Outline:

Curriculum:

• History and Philosophy: This course delves into the intellectual history, current status, and innovation of social work ideas, ideologies, and theories.
• Research Sequence: Students learn both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, designs, advanced modes of analysis, theory for research, appropriate applications, and research design that centers racial and social justice.
• Policy: This course analyzes policies of interest to students and their impact on targeted populations.
Students develop and apply a critical perspective when considering human problems, strengths, and strategies for change and transformation.
• Integrative Papers and Electives: These allow students to deepen their understanding in areas of special interest.
• Teaching Seminars: Required courses and seminars for graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) prepare students to become effective educators.
• Dissertation: Involves advanced and focused research into a topic selected by the student, using quantitative, qualitative, historical, conceptual, or other methods of inquiry.

Course Schedule:

• Year 1:
• Fall: SW 911 (1 credit), SW 978 (3 credits), SW 980 (3 credits), SW 981 (3 credits) - Total: 10 credits
• Spring: SW 911 (1 credit), SW 979 (3 credits), SW 983 (3 credits), SW 985 (3 credits) - Total: 10 credits
• Year 2:
• Fall: SW 912 (1 credit), SW 975 (3 credits), SW 982 (3 credits), SW 989 (3 credits) - Total: 10 credits
• Spring: SW 912 (1 credit), SW 976 (3 credits), SW 987 (3 credits), Elective (3 credits) - Total: 10 credits
• Year 3:
• Fall: Elective (3 credits), SW 999 (1-9 credits), Elective (3 credits) - Total: 7-15 credits
• Spring: SW 990 (Integrative Paper) (1-9 credits) - Total: 1-9 credits
• Year 4:
• Fall: SW 999 (3 credits) - Total: 3 credits
• Spring: SW 999 (9 credits) - Total: 9 credits

Total Program Hours:

60-76 credits

GTA & GRA - Teaching and Research Opportunities:

• Ph.D. students contribute to the school's model of strengths and community-based research, service, and education.
• Many students work on research projects and serve as teaching assistants under faculty supervision.
• Doctoral research assistants work in areas such as aging, asset-building, child welfare, criminal justice, diversity issues, domestic violence, health and disability, child and adult mental health, poverty, social policy, substance misuse, and LGBTQ+ populations.

Assessment:

• Integrative Paper: Demonstrates the student's ability to integrate knowledge and skills across curriculum areas related to a theme of inquiry developed within their chosen specialization.
• Comprehensive Examination (Dissertation Proposal Defense): An oral examination after completion of the integrative paper.
• Dissertation: An approved research project that involves writing and defending a doctoral dissertation.

Teaching:

• Faculty: The school is committed to diversity, inclusion, and multicultural perspectives.
Many faculty members are involved in research and service projects that aim to positively impact Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) as well as other oppressed groups.
• Teaching Seminars: Prepare students to become effective educators.

Careers:

• High Demand for Graduates: Demand for Ph.D. graduates is high.
• Career Paths:
• Faculty positions at premier research universities and smaller colleges and universities throughout the United States and abroad.
• Teaching, research, and administrative endeavors.

Other:

• The program is dedicated to educating scholars who desire to build knowledge for the profession through quantitative, qualitative, theoretical, or conceptual analyses, and historiographic investigations.
• International students from all regions of the world are encouraged to apply.
• The School is committed to diversity, inclusion, and multicultural perspectives.
• The School's mission focuses on teaching, inquiry, and practice that benefit populations who have been oppressed by systems and institutions.
• The program is nationally and internationally recognized as a prime innovator in the Strengths Perspective for social work practice.

Note:

The provided text does not contain information about specific fees, admission requirements, or the application process.