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PhD APPLICATION FORMS

PhD COURSES

Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work

The Ph.D. Program in social work is research oriented and interdisciplinary in nature. It prepares graduates for leadership positions in the profession and for careers as social work researchers and educators. Four concentrations are offered: health and mental health, family and child services, displaced populations, and social gerontology.

Ph.D. in Social Work Degree Requirements

Candidates must complete 48 semester credit hours of course work, including 3 hours for the dissertation. A cumulative average of B is required for graduation. Additionally, students must earn a grade of B or better in all core courses and special-interest area courses. A one-year period of full-time residency (9 credits per semester) is required of all students.

The curriculum of the doctoral program consists of four components:

  1. Core Curriculum

  2. Special interest area

  3. Electives, and

  4. Dissertation.

The core curriculum consists of four pro-seminars, one course in the history and philosophy of social welfare, and four courses in advanced social research methods and statistics. All students are required to take the above specified courses as the basis for their study in one of the special interest areas.

Students are expected to take 12 credits in their chosen special interest area. The specific interest area courses are decided upon by the student, his/her academic advisor and the Director of the Doctoral Program. These courses may be taken outside of the School of Social Work, in other schools and colleges of Howard University or in universities of the Consortium of Universities, Washington, DC. Six credits of elective courses are required. If desired, a student may take an internship. This internship can be counted as an elective course if approved by the doctoral program committee.

The qualifying examination is taken at the end of the first year of study, after completion of 18 credit hours. The examination covers the course content in the first-year core courses. Emphasis is placed on the ability to synthesize knowledge. The student must pass the examination in order to continue in the program.

The comprehensive examination is taken upon the completion of all the core courses and special interest area courses. Students are admitted to candidacy after passing the comprehensive examination and receiving the recommendation of the doctoral committee. The candidate is required to present and orally defend the proposal for and subsequently a completed dissertation. Dissertations will be bound.

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Last updated: 28 July 2012
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