PhD in Social Work

Program Overview

The University of Manitoba's PhD in Social Work program equips students with advanced research and teaching skills in social work. Focused on promoting human rights, diversity, and social justice, the program includes coursework, a candidacy examination, and a dissertation research project. Graduates are prepared for careers in research, teaching, and practice, aiming to make a positive impact on individuals, families, and communities.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The University of Manitoba PhD in Social Work focuses on developing skills for research and teaching in the field of social work. Our goal is to advance the fields of social work practice and social policy, striving to promote respect for human rights and dignity, individual worth and wellbeing, diversity, social inclusion and the principles of social justice.

Outline:

Course work

You must complete 24 credit hours of approved 7000 level course work beyond the Master of Social Work degree. You will select your courses in consultation with your advisory committee to further your specialized program of study. We strongly recommend that you include courses focusing on both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The PhD Program Committee must approve your course selection.

Sample course offerings

SWRK 8010: Perspectives on Knowledge for Social Work (3 credit hours) SWRK 8100: Social Work Past and Present: Trends, Institutions and Practices (3 credit hours) SWRK 8200: Indigenizing and Decolonizing the Global Academy: The Role of Social Work Education and Practice (3 credit hours) For full course descriptions please visit the Academic Calendar.

Candidacy examination

The candidacy examination should be taken within a year of completion of coursework. The candidacy examination consists of a major paper on a topic within your general area of study and an oral examination of the topic covered in the paper. A candidacy examination committee will be appointed when you begin to prepare for your candidacy examination. This three-person committee, which includes your advisor, is responsible for administering the candidacy examination.

Dissertation research

Your PhD advisory committee, chaired by your thesis advisor, provides advice and guidance in the development of the proposal for the dissertation and during the ongoing research phase. Normally, advisory committee members become members of the examining committee for the dissertation during the final examination for the PhD degree.

Assessment:

Methods of assessment

The methods of assessment for the PhD program are designed to evaluate the student's knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of social work. These methods include:

• Coursework: Students are assessed on their coursework through a variety of methods, including exams, papers, and presentations.
• Candidacy examination: The candidacy examination is a major paper and oral examination that students must complete in order to advance to candidacy for the PhD degree.
• Dissertation: The dissertation is a major research project that students must complete in order to earn the PhD degree.
The dissertation is evaluated by a committee of faculty members.

Criteria for assessment

The criteria for assessment for the PhD program are based on the following:

• Knowledge: Students must demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the field of social work, including its history, theory, and practice.
• Skills: Students must demonstrate strong research skills, including the ability to design and conduct research studies, analyze data, and write research reports.
• Abilities: Students must demonstrate the ability to think critically, solve problems, and communicate effectively.

Teaching:

Teaching methods

The teaching methods used in the PhD program are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful researchers and teachers in the field of social work. These methods include:

• Lectures: Lectures are used to provide students with an overview of the field of social work and its major theories and concepts.
• Seminars: Seminars are used to provide students with an opportunity to discuss research findings and to develop their own research skills.
• Workshops: Workshops are used to provide students with hands-on training in research methods and other skills.
• Mentoring: Students are assigned a faculty mentor who provides them with guidance and support throughout their program.

Faculty

The faculty in the PhD program are leading researchers and teachers in the field of social work. They have a wide range of expertise, including:

• Social work theory and practice
• Research methods
• Social policy
• Social justice
• Indigenous social work

Careers:

Potential career paths

Graduates of the PhD program in social work are prepared for a variety of careers in research, teaching, and practice. These careers include:

• Research scientist
• University professor
• Social work administrator
• Policy analyst
• Social work practitioner

Opportunities

Graduates of the PhD program in social work have a wide range of opportunities to make a difference in the world. They can work to improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities by conducting research, teaching, and developing social policies.