UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN · UNITED STATES
PhD in Social Work
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
48 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- 47 credit hoursRequired Coursework (excluding dissertation)
- Full-time, in-residenceProgram Structure
- Interdisciplinary curriculumProgram Focus
- Advanced research methods and statisticsCurriculum Emphasis
- Comprehensive exam and dissertation defenseGraduation Requirements
The PhD in Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin is a full-time, in-residence doctoral program designed to prepare students for advanced research and scholarship in the field. The interdisciplinary curriculum emphasizes rigorous training in advanced research methods and statistics, equipping graduates to contribute significantly to social work knowledge and practice. The program requires 47 credit hours of coursework, excluding the dissertation. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in academia, research institutions, and advanced practice settings. The program fosters a commitment to social justice and encourages candidates with personal and professional readiness to strengthen the field through impactful research and scholarship.
Curriculum
The program requires 47 credit hours of coursework, excluding the dissertation. The curriculum is structured to provide a strong foundation in research and statistical analysis, with opportunities for specialization through electives.
- Year 1
- Theories of Social Work: From Conceptualization to Application
- Quantitative Data Analysis I
- Research Methods I: Quantitative Methods
- Colloquium on Social Work Education and Research
- Quantitative Data Analysis II
- Research Methods III: Qualitative Methods
- Research Methods in Minoritized Populations
- Elective Course
- Year 2
- Pedagogy in Social Work
- Specialization Area Seminar
- Elective Courses
- Year 3
- Research Practicum or Advanced Research/Statistical Methods Course
- Advanced Research Methods or Statistical Methods Course
- Writing Practicum or Elective
- Dissertation Research
- Year 4
- Dissertation Research
Careers
Graduates of the PhD in Social Work program are prepared for leadership roles in various sectors of the social work field.
- Academia (Professors, Researchers)
- Research Institutions
- Advanced Practice Settings
- Policy Analysis
- Program Development
Frequently asked questions
- What are the general entry requirements for the PhD in Social Work program?
- Applicants are required to have a Bachelor's Degree. While not explicitly stated as required, a Master's degree or significant relevant experience is typical for PhD applicants.
- What are the English proficiency requirements for international students?
- International applicants must submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores. Specific score requirements are not detailed on the program page and should be confirmed with Graduate Admissions. Exemptions may apply for those holding a bachelor's degree from a U.S. institution.
- How do I apply to the PhD in Social Work program?
- You must complete the online application through the Cockrell School of Engineering's graduate admissions portal, submit three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, transcripts, and GRE/English proficiency scores. Do not use the ApplyTexas application.
- What is the application deadline for Fall admission?
- The application deadline for Fall admission is December 1st.
- What is the total duration of the PhD program?
- The PhD program is designed as a full-time, in-residence program. While coursework is completed in the first few years, the program includes dissertation research which typically extends over four years.
- What are the tuition fees for international students?
- Tuition and fees are subject to change. Graduate students are charged flat rate tuition based on their college, but specific rates for the PhD in Social Work are not detailed on the program pages and should be obtained from the university's tuition and fees schedule or the Graduate School. International students should also inquire about additional international fees.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's DegreeRequired for admission.
Master's DegreeWhile not explicitly stated as required, the program is a PhD and typically applicants have a Master's degree or significant relevant experience.
TOEFLNot specified on program page. Check Graduate Admissions.
IELTSNot specified on program page. Check Graduate Admissions.
International applicants may be exempt from English proficiency requirements if they hold a bachelor's degree from a U.S. institution or an institution in a country where English is the sole official language. A master's degree from such an institution does not grant exemption.
Fees
Tuition (international)Graduate, law, and professional students are charged flat rate tuition for the college in which they are enrolled. Specific rates for the PhD in Social Work are not detailed on the provided pages and should be obtained from the university's tuition and fees schedule or the Graduate School.
Tuition (home)Graduate, law, and professional students are charged flat rate tuition for the college in which they are enrolled. Specific rates for the PhD in Social Work are not detailed on the provided pages and should be obtained from the university's tuition and fees schedule or the Graduate School.
LivingNot specified on provided pages.
Tuition and fees are subject to change and should be confirmed with the university. For detailed information on current tuition, fees, and payment deadlines, please refer to the UT Austin Registrar's website and the My Tuition Bill portal. International students should also inquire about additional international fees.
How to apply
1. Complete Online ApplicationSubmit the online application through the Cockrell School of Engineering's graduate admissions portal.
2. Prepare Supporting DocumentsGather necessary documents including three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose (1-2 pages), and a PDF copy of your current transcripts.
3. Submit GRE ScoresHave official GRE general test scores sent to the Office of Graduate Admissions (OGA) using university code 6882. GRE scores are valid for 5 years.
4. Submit English Proficiency ScoresInternational applicants must submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores, unless exempt (e.g., degree from a U.S. institution).
5. Pay Application FeePay the non-refundable application fee: $65 for domestic applicants, $90 for international applicants.
6. Ensure Document ReceiptIt is the applicant's responsibility to ensure all required documents are received by OGA by the application deadline.
Scholarships
Graduate School FellowshipsVaries
College & Department FellowshipsVaries
Externally Funded FellowshipsVaries
LASSO PortalVaries
Accreditation
Not specified on provided pages.
Frequently asked questions
What are the general entry requirements for the PhD in Social Work program?
+
Applicants are required to have a Bachelor's Degree. While not explicitly stated as required, a Master's degree or significant relevant experience is typical for PhD applicants.
What are the English proficiency requirements for international students?
+
International applicants must submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores. Specific score requirements are not detailed on the program page and should be confirmed with Graduate Admissions. Exemptions may apply for those holding a bachelor's degree from a U.S. institution.
How do I apply to the PhD in Social Work program?
+
You must complete the online application through the Cockrell School of Engineering's graduate admissions portal, submit three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, transcripts, and GRE/English proficiency scores. Do not use the ApplyTexas application.
What is the application deadline for Fall admission?
+
The application deadline for Fall admission is December 1st.
What is the total duration of the PhD program?
+
The PhD program is designed as a full-time, in-residence program. While coursework is completed in the first few years, the program includes dissertation research which typically extends over four years.
What are the tuition fees for international students?
+
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Graduate students are charged flat rate tuition based on their college, but specific rates for the PhD in Social Work are not detailed on the program pages and should be obtained from the university's tuition and fees schedule or the Graduate School. International students should also inquire about additional international fees.