University of Georgia

About the Program

Students complete a minimum of two full years of core and elective courses, followed by comprehensive examinations and completion of the dissertation research project. During the first year, students complete core courses in the history and philosophy of social work, theory and the philosophy of science, research methods, and statistics. During the second year, coursework topics include additional research methods, a research practicum, social work education, teaching practicum and elective courses centered on the student’s areas of interest. The research dissertation is the capstone of the student’s educational experience. Dissertation topics are proposed by the student and require approval from the student’s doctoral advisory committee. At least 60 credit hours are required to graduate.

Course Descriptions and Program Grade Requirements (PDF)

PhD Program Curriculum Details

Year One

Fall (12 credit hours)
SOWK 8217—History & Philosophy of Social Welfare and Social Work (3)
SOWK 8116—Quantitative Research Methods in Social Work (3)
SOWK 8176—Data Analysis & Statistical Inference I (3)
SOWK 8417—Integrative Seminar (3)

Spring (12 credit hours)
SOWK 8022—Theory (3)
SOWK 8166—Qualitative Research Methods in Social Work (3)
SOWK 8186—Data Analysis & Statistical Inference II (3)
SOWK 8417—Integrative Seminar (3)

Summer 
No required coursework. Students may take electives.
If awarded an assistantship for the fall and spring semesters students are eligible for the reduced summer tuition rate of $25.00 plus applicable fees. Students must register for at least 9 credit hours to receive this tuition reduction.

Year Two

Fall (12 credit hours)
SOWK 8227—Social Work Education and Pedagogy (3)
SOWK 8306—Doctoral Research Practicum I (3)
Research Methods or Statistics Course 1 (3)
Elective 1 (3)*

Spring (12 credit hours)
SOWK 8315—Social Work Education Practicum (3)
SOWK 8307—Doctoral Research Practicum II (3)
Research Methods or Statistics Course 2 (3)
Elective 2 (3)*

Summer
No required coursework. Students may take comprehensive exams, dissertation prospectus, or electives.
If awarded an assistantship for the fall and spring semesters students are eligible for the reduced summer tuition rate of $25.00 plus applicable fees. Students must register for at least 9 credit hours to receive this tuition reduction.

The following additional courses are required to graduate:

SOWK 8428—Comprehensive Exams (3)
SOWK 8240—Dissertation Prospectus (3)
SOWK 9000—Doctoral Research (6)
SOWK 9300—Doctoral Dissertation (9)

* At least one of the two required electives must be taken outside of the School of Social Work. Electives may be in the form of either a traditional course or an independent study. If taken as an independent study, the student in collaboration with the faculty supervising the independent study, will create a course plan to be submitted by the student to the Ph.D. program director for approval prior to the course.

Please note: This is a suggested timeline for completion of the degree. Excluding the first two years of coursework, each student’s timeline will vary according to his or her program of study.

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