UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN · UNITED STATES
Joint PhD Program in Social Work and Social Science
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
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Duration
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IELTS
€26k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- Interdisciplinary training in Social Work and Social ScienceDisciplines
- Focus on social justice and vulnerable populationsProgram Focus
- Emphasis on intervention researchResearch Area
The Joint PhD Program in Social Work and Social Science at the University of Michigan is designed to train scholars committed to social justice and the social work profession. The program focuses on developing deep knowledge of social justice issues and preparing graduates to serve vulnerable populations through intervention research. This interdisciplinary program combines expertise from both the School of Social Work and various social science departments.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for international students in the Joint PhD Program?
- For Fall/Winter terms, full-time international doctoral tuition is $30,685 plus $241.19 in mandatory fees. For Spring/Summer terms, full-time tuition is $17,030 plus $121.10 in mandatory fees. These figures are for the 2025-26 academic year.
- What are the entry requirements for international applicants with social work degrees?
- International applicants with an MSW or equivalent from an international institution must apply as Pre-MSW. Syllabus information will be required for a CSWE equivalency review to determine if the degree is comparable to a US-accredited MSW.
- How can international students apply for scholarships or funding?
- Students can apply for the Rackham One-term Fellowship, Conference Travel Funding, and Summer Funding through various school programs. The Personal Debit Account is available for research and dissertation-related expenses.
- What is the application timeline for the Rackham One-term Fellowship?
- The Joint PhD Program reviews applications for the Rackham One-term Fellowship in the spring for the following academic year. Awards are not guaranteed and are given in order of priority.
- What is the main focus of the Joint PhD Program in Social Work and Social Science?
- The program trains scholars committed to social justice and the social work profession, focusing on developing deep knowledge of social justice issues and preparing graduates to serve vulnerable populations through intervention research.
Entry requirements
MSW from an international institutionApplicants with international social work or social welfare degrees must apply as Pre-MSW. Syllabus information will be requested from the degree-granting institution for CSWE equivalency review. If deemed equivalent to a US-accredited MSW, the student will be considered Post-MSW.
Fees
Tuition (international)Doctoral tuition is charged per credit hour or a full-time rate. For Fall/Winter terms, full-time (9+ credit hours) tuition is $30,685, plus mandatory fees of $241.19. For Spring/Summer terms, full-time (5+ credit hours) tuition is $17,030, plus mandatory fees of $121.10. Tuition for candidacy status is $8,110 for Fall/Winter and $4,055 for Spring/Summer. These figures are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition (home)Doctoral tuition is charged per credit hour or a full-time rate. For Fall/Winter terms, full-time (9+ credit hours) tuition is $15,204, plus mandatory fees of $241.19. For Spring/Summer terms, full-time (5+ credit hours) tuition is $8,430, plus mandatory fees of $121.10. Tuition for candidacy status is $8,110 for Fall/Winter and $4,055 for Spring/Summer. These figures are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Living—
Visit the Office of Financial Aid for a detailed description of the full cost of attendance.
How to apply
1. Prepare Your Application MaterialsFocus on highlighting your commitment to social justice, the social work profession, and your passion for improving conditions through intervention research.
2. International Degree HoldersIf you hold an MSW or equivalent from an international institution, you must apply as Pre-MSW. Be prepared to submit syllabus information from your degree-granting institution for evaluation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) to determine equivalency with a US-accredited MSW.
3. Dissertation Committee FormationFor current students, the Dissertation Committee Form must be submitted at least six months prior to your defense. Any changes to committee membership require submitting a revised form to Rackham OARD prior to the oral defense.
4. Dissertation RegistrationRegister for DOC 990 when taking social work or social science preliminary exams. Register for DOC 995 (8 credit hours) for the term in which you plan to defend your dissertation.
Scholarships
Rackham One-term Fellowship—
Conference Travel Funding—
Summer Funding—
Personal Debit Account—
Accreditation
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation is relevant for international applicants with social work degrees.
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students in the Joint PhD Program?
+
For Fall/Winter terms, full-time international doctoral tuition is $30,685 plus $241.19 in mandatory fees. For Spring/Summer terms, full-time tuition is $17,030 plus $121.10 in mandatory fees. These figures are for the 2025-26 academic year.
What are the entry requirements for international applicants with social work degrees?
+
International applicants with an MSW or equivalent from an international institution must apply as Pre-MSW. Syllabus information will be required for a CSWE equivalency review to determine if the degree is comparable to a US-accredited MSW.
How can international students apply for scholarships or funding?
+
Students can apply for the Rackham One-term Fellowship, Conference Travel Funding, and Summer Funding through various school programs. The Personal Debit Account is available for research and dissertation-related expenses.
What is the application timeline for the Rackham One-term Fellowship?
+
The Joint PhD Program reviews applications for the Rackham One-term Fellowship in the spring for the following academic year. Awards are not guaranteed and are given in order of priority.
What is the main focus of the Joint PhD Program in Social Work and Social Science?
+
The program trains scholars committed to social justice and the social work profession, focusing on developing deep knowledge of social justice issues and preparing graduates to serve vulnerable populations through intervention research.