PhD in Social Work
Fordham's PhD in Social Work program empowers you to be a social work scholar and leader who can contribute to social work education, research, social policy, and practice.
Completing your doctoral studies in New York City gives you access to renowned experts in the field and an environment that accelerates your professional growth. We support your research and teaching goals so you can contribute work that advances the field.
At a Glance
- Program: Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work
- Credit Hours: 48 credits
- Duration: 2 years of coursework and 2–3 years of comprehensive examinations and dissertation. Full-time plan of study only.
- Next Cohort Begins: August 2027
- Applications Due: February 1 of the year in which the student plans to matriculate. Students are admitted in the fall semester only.
- Location: Lincoln Center
PhD Program Facts
Can you see yourself in the PhD in Social Work program? Start your application today!
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What defines Fordham’s PhD in Social Work program?
For over 110 years, Fordham GSS has educated social workers to make an impact in their own communities and around the world. Our program offers unique opportunities to collaborate with faculty on research, training, and educational projects while earning your PhD in Social Work.
How we fulfill our mission
The integration of research and theory: Our curriculum equips students with the essential knowledge and skills to thrive at the intersection of these domains. Whether they choose to spend a career in academia, policy, or both, PhD graduates will be prepared to serve at the highest level.
Collaboration and mentorship: PhD students learn from—and alongside—our renowned faculty, composed of some of the profession's most accomplished leaders. You will collaborate with faculty members who have served as Fulbright Scholars, worked abroad on society's most pressing issues, published in the field's leading journals, and written books used in classrooms and programs nationwide. Together, you will conduct research for social work's future.Teaching opportunities: You will teach coursework in our Master of Social Work (MSW) program, which is ranked in the top 8% of social work programs nationwide by U.S. News & World Report. Educating the profession's brightest upcoming minds will sharpen your pedagogical abilities and ensure you have the confidence and ability to teach anywhere.
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How to apply for a PhD in Social Work degree
Prerequisites
Applicants must have:
- A master's degree in social work or a related field.
- Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better.
- Graduate GPA of 3.5 or better.
Deadlines
Students are admitted in the fall semester only.
All application materials are due February 1.Required Materials
Every application must include the following elements.
- Completed application form.
- Statement of Career Activities and Plans. This brief essay should indicate why you are pursuing a Ph.D., explain your experience and scholarly interests, and state how the Ph.D. curriculum will help you achieve your career goals.
- Undergraduate and graduate transcripts. Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate schools you attended are required.
- Two academic references.
- Two professional (employment) references. If you do not have two professional references, you may substitute a third academic reference for one professional reference.
- Complete Resume or CV.
- Publications, written reports, and presentations. Please submit copies of your written work that demonstrates your capacity for doctoral study.
- GRE scores. Verbal Ability, Quantitative Ability, and Analytic Writing scores are required.
- The school code for the Graduate School of Social Service is 2252.
- The Ph.D. department code is 5001.
- Further information on the GRE exam can be found on the GRE website.
- Application fee. $75, payable by credit card on the online application page. If you must pay by check, please send a check payable to Fordham University to the address below.
We encourage you to submit all materials via our online application.
If you must send some items by mail, such as published work or a check, please send them to:
Whenever possible, please submit documents electronically to [email protected].
Fordham University
GSS Office of Admissions
113 West 60th Street, Suite 608
New York, NY 10023 -
Fordham provides our PhD in Social Work students with funding through scholarships and graduate assistantships.
Please visit the tuition and financial aid page to learn more about the financial options offered at Fordham GSS.
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Courses at a Glance
- Survey Research Methods (3 Credits)
- Policy Analysis Seminar (3 Credits)
- Data Management and Analysis (3 credits)
Mentorship to guide your research and career
A faculty mentor is assigned to each matriculated student in the first year of the spring semester. Mentors provide guidance on navigating doctoral education, advice for second-year course selection, and letters of recommendation for scholarship, fellowship, assistantship, and employment applications.Advanced research emphasis
All students are required to take at least one semester of an advanced research practicum in conjunction with their third or fourth required research methods course. During the practicum, they will assist a faculty member in an ongoing research activity.
F.A.Q.
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The MSW prepares students for careers in direct practice, administrative social work practice, community organizing, and policy. The PhD program prepares individuals for careers as social work researchers, both within and beyond academia, and as social work educators.
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While having an MSW is preferred, students are eligible to apply to the program with a master's degree in a related discipline (i.e., public health, psychology, sociology, economics, etc.). Students without a background in social work may be required to complete additional coursework.
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No. Students are required to maintain full-time enrollment.
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No. However, the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) requires those teaching practice courses to have post-MSW practice experience. Individuals seeking to obtain faculty positions in a social work program are encouraged to get post-MSW practice experience before completing the doctoral program.
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The incoming cohort typically consists of eight to 10 students per year. At any given time, 35 to 45 students may be enrolled in the Ph.D. program.
Our students come from around the country and the world. Students come with micro and macro practice experience, while others pursue a doctoral degree directly after graduation from an MSW program.
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Practice doctorate programs (DSW) in social work prepare graduates to advance practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels and in higher education and or professional leadership. Research doctorate programs (Ph.D) prepare graduates to become members of the faculty at a university, join a research center addressing social and health problems, or look for advancement in leadership positions requiring research skills.