Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work
Our program is designed to develop scholars who are prepared to create knowledge through research that informs interventions and policies and educates current and future social workers.
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Learn advanced skills and innovative practices
If you are looking to advance your degree to elevate your current professional career path or launch a career focused on research and teaching, there is no better place to pursue your graduate degree than right here at the University of Louisville, a nationally recognized R1 institution.
Experience learning, mentorship and collaboration with renowned faculty holding fellowships in national organizations including the Society for Social Work and Research, Gerontological Society of America and the Association for Oncology Social Work.
As a student, you will engage with a diverse group of nationally recognized faculty within the Kent School and the University that have expertise in the areas of social and child welfare, child and family well-being, gerontology, oncology, mental health, justice and criminality and substance abuse. Our Center for Family and Community Well-Being also provides opportunities for collaboration.
Since 1936, the Kent School of Social Work and Family Science has prepared individuals for a professional and rewarding career in social work. Generations of changemakers have pursued their degrees, both nationally and globally, as they work to expand their knowledge in advanced social work practice.
Come learn with us and build professional relationships that last a lifetime.
Explore campus life and the Kent experience
Make your passion the catalyst for positive change
Ignite your passion for research and teaching. Pursue your advanced social work degree and develop the skills to help individuals, families and communities address complex social problems. Our PhD program is waiting for you.
Discussion between deans and alumni fellows
Wilson Wyatt Alumni Fellows and Dean John. W. Miller, Jr. set down for a real conversation on the topic of social work, discussing the “why” behind their mission and how they work to make positive change in the world around them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Admission is typically limited to individuals who hold a master’s degree in social work from programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) or international equivalents. We prefer applicants have two years of post-master’s work experience. Applicants holding a master’s degree in a discipline other than social work are welcome to apply, and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Admission decisions are made by the doctoral faculty after consideration of the applicant’s completed written application and interview (if agreed to by the doctoral faculty).
The admission process involves:
- Review of application materials by the doctoral admissions committee.
- Admission committee interviews with those selected.
- Recommendations of selected applicants are forwarded to the Graduate School.
Program research assistantships, teaching assistantships and Graduate School appointed scholarships and assistantships are available for incoming full-time students. Applicants who are seeking financial assistance should state in their application letter that they would like to be considered for an assistantship or fellowship.
The PhD program offers professional development workshop sessions as part of the mentoring and professional development portion of the PhD curriculum. Sessions focus on preparing candidates for the job market.
We strive to develop well-rounded graduates that build, educate and support the social work profession while upholding the profession’s code of ethics. Graduates will demonstrate:
- Advanced critical thinking skills and the knowledge necessary to lead in the social work profession as researchers, advocates and educators
- Mastery of an area of theoretical and methodological expertise to address specific social problems
- Mastery of research methodology and advanced statistics, including quantitative and qualitative methods
- The knowledge and skills necessary to prepare future social workers to address complex social problems
You may go online to do a virtual tour or schedule a campus tour any time. Links are below. You may also contact us directly and we will schedule a time to meet with you, tour the Kent School and Belknap Campus area and introduce you to Kent faculty and staff. Contact us at 502-852-3931.
