UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN · UNITED STATES
Joint Doctoral Program in Social Work and Social Science
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
—
Duration
7.0
IELTS
€26k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
The Joint Doctoral Program in Social Work and Social Science at the University of Michigan offers a unique interdisciplinary approach for students interested in pursuing doctoral research at the intersection of social work and a chosen social science discipline. This program allows students to specialize in Anthropology, Psychology, or Sociology while integrating this with their social work studies. Applicants must apply directly to the School of Social Work and the Rackham Graduate School. The program is designed for students who wish to conduct research that bridges the theoretical and practical aspects of both social work and a social science field, preparing them for careers in academia, research, and advanced practice settings.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for international students?
- For the 2025-26 academic year, full-time non-resident tuition is $30,685 for Fall/Winter terms (9+ credits) and $17,030 for Spring/Summer terms (5+ credits). Mandatory fees are additional.
- What are the English language proficiency requirements?
- International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency with a TOEFL iBT score of 100 (with specific section minimums) or an IELTS score of 7.0 (with specific section minimums).
- How do I apply to the Joint Doctoral Program in Social Work and Social Science?
- You must apply online to both the Rackham Graduate School and the School of Social Work. Key application components include a Statement of Purpose, Personal Statement, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and English proficiency scores if applicable.
- What are the academic qualifications needed for admission?
- A Bachelor's degree is required. While an MSW degree is preferred, it is not strictly required for all applicants. You must also select a specialization from Anthropology, Psychology, or Sociology.
- Does the program offer funding for doctoral students?
- Yes, doctoral students admitted to the program receive funding that includes tuition, health and dental benefits, and a stipend for living expenses, contingent upon maintaining good academic standing.
- What are the career outcomes for graduates of this program?
- Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, research, and advanced practice settings.
Entry requirements
Previous DegreeApplicants must have a Bachelor's degree. An MSW degree is preferred, but not strictly required for all applicants. Those without an MSW are admitted and apply to both the School of Social Work and Rackham Graduate School.
TOEFL iBT100 (with section scores 23+ in listening & reading, 21+ in speaking & writing)
IELTS7.0 (with section scores 6.5+)
Applicants must designate one of the three social sciences (Anthropology, Psychology, or Sociology) for specialization. GRE scores are no longer required. Applicants interested in the Joint PhD program need only to apply to the School of Social Work, not the Social Science department directly. Political Science department is not accepting Joint Social Work students for Fall 2024.
Fees
Tuition (international)Full-time non-resident tuition for 9+ credit hours is $30,685 per academic year (Fall & Winter terms). Half-term (Spring & Summer) tuition for 5+ credit hours is $17,030.
Tuition (home)Full-time resident tuition for 9+ credit hours is $15,204 per academic year (Fall & Winter terms). Half-term (Spring & Summer) tuition for 5+ credit hours is $8,430.
LivingEstimated living costs are not specified in the provided text.
Tuition is assessed per credit hour. The amounts listed are for full-time enrollment (9+ credits for Fall/Winter, 5+ for Spring/Summer) for the 2025-26 academic year. Mandatory fees are additional ($241.19 for Fall/Winter, $121.10 for Spring/Summer).
How to apply
1. Apply to Rackham Graduate SchoolSubmit your application online through the Rackham Graduate Application portal.
2. Apply to the School of Social Work (MSW Application)Complete the online MSW application. On the 'Getting Started' page, indicate you have applied to another department (Joint Doctoral Program in Social Work and Social Science) for the same term. You will not need to pay an additional application fee if you've paid for your doctoral application.
3. Submit Statement of PurposeThis is a crucial part of your Rackham application. It should clearly articulate your research interests, preparation for doctoral studies in both social work and your chosen social science, your interest in the joint program, career objectives, and the connection to U-M faculty research. It should not exceed five double-spaced pages.
4. Submit Personal StatementA concise (1-2 pages) statement discussing how your personal background and life experiences have motivated your decision to pursue graduate study at U-M.
5. Provide RecommendationsSubmit three letters of reference. Ideally, at least two should be from university faculty/advisors who can assess your research potential. If you have relevant work experience in the past two years, one letter should be from a supervisor. These are submitted via the Rackham application's online form.
6. Submit TranscriptsUpload unofficial transcripts (PDF format, under 10MB) from all institutions where a degree was earned or is in progress. Ensure they meet the specified upload requirements.
7. Submit Résumé/CVInclude relevant employment, volunteer experience, academic honors, research, publications, and other relevant activities.
8. Demonstrate English ProficiencyIf English is not your native language, provide official scores from an accepted English proficiency test (e.g., TOEFL iBT: 100, IELTS: 7.0). Scores are valid for two years.
9. Complete Supplemental FormsFill out the required supplemental forms, including the primary Social Work supplemental form.
Scholarships
Doctoral FundingIncludes tuition, health and dental benefits, and a stipend for living expenses.
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students?
+
For the 2025-26 academic year, full-time non-resident tuition is $30,685 for Fall/Winter terms (9+ credits) and $17,030 for Spring/Summer terms (5+ credits). Mandatory fees are additional.
What are the English language proficiency requirements?
+
International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency with a TOEFL iBT score of 100 (with specific section minimums) or an IELTS score of 7.0 (with specific section minimums).
How do I apply to the Joint Doctoral Program in Social Work and Social Science?
+
You must apply online to both the Rackham Graduate School and the School of Social Work. Key application components include a Statement of Purpose, Personal Statement, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and English proficiency scores if applicable.
What are the academic qualifications needed for admission?
+
A Bachelor's degree is required. While an MSW degree is preferred, it is not strictly required for all applicants. You must also select a specialization from Anthropology, Psychology, or Sociology.
Does the program offer funding for doctoral students?
+
Yes, doctoral students admitted to the program receive funding that includes tuition, health and dental benefits, and a stipend for living expenses, contingent upon maintaining good academic standing.
What are the career outcomes for graduates of this program?
+
Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, research, and advanced practice settings.