The PhD program prepares students to assume positions of leadership in the field of social welfare. Graduates contribute to the knowledge base of social work and related fields as faculty, researchers, policy analysts, and executive administrators.
The PhD in social work is conferred by the Rutgers University Graduate School-New Brunswick in conjunction with the School of Social Work. Students complete a 72 credit program including:
- 30-48 course credit hours (holders of an MSW degree from an accredited program can transfer 18 credits into the PhD program).
- Research internship
- Written qualifying examination
- Dissertation
The program is guided by a belief in maximizing student choice, and students work with their advisors to assemble courses that will build a coherent body of knowledge in the student’s chosen area of interest. The distribution of PhD courses includes required, restricted choice electives, and free elective courses.
University wide opportunities: In completing course requirements students have the opportunity to choose from a range of courses in top ranked departments within the Graduate School-New Brunswick. Research Internships may be completed at university research institutes or with social work or social science faculty. Cross-registration may be arranged with Princeton University, New Brunswick Theological Seminary, or Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center.
PhD Program Enrollment
New students admitted Fall 2007: 6
Total students in program, May 2006: 45