PhD in Social Work

Make significant contributions to your field as a researcher or college-level educator.
Acquire new skills in social work theory and program evaluation through scholarly research that enables you to position yourself as an expert and thought leader.

The PhD in Social Work program was designed to provide students will allow you to:

  • Design, implement, and analyze your own research related to the social work profession
  • Choose from several unique specializations, to focus on what is important to you
  • Network with expert faculty members and peers at face-to-face residencies

Fast Facts

Next Start Date: TBD

Transfer Credits: Up to 20 credits

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Specializations

A PhD specialization in Impact Leadership in Social Work Administration prepares social work professionals to impact their community through high-level social work roles.
A PhD specialization in Advanced Clinical Practice and Supervision prepares social work professionals to make a difference in their community as an advanced social work clinical supervisor.
A PhD in Social Work with a Social Work Education specialization prepares students to become impactful social work educators in an array of educational settings.

Curriculum

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be prepared to:

  • Utilize current research, best practices, and theory to promote prevention and intervention strategies that address social problems and needs of social groups
  • Employ various research and statistical tools to find data used to address the etiology and dynamics of social problems and social needs
  • Evaluate the role of research and evaluation in social work in improving social interventions and advancing theory development
  • Apply ethical decision making and practices in social work

Doctoral Degree Coach

A Personalized Guide to Completing Your Doctorate

Earning your online PhD in Social Work and Administration requires commitment, perseverance, and hard work. You can do it, and Walden is here to help—with our Doctoral Degree Coach™.

  • Man at Crossroads

    Map and Track Milestones

    Break your research down into manageable, sequential steps. See where you are, what’s ahead, and what you’ve already accomplished—all in one place.

  •  

    Meet Weekly Targets

    No more guesswork. Set prompts based on your to-do list and receive reminders and updates directly to your inbox.

  • Shaking Hands

    Connect With Faculty

    Stay on the same page and keep your progress on track. With shared access to your dashboard, your chair can easily guide you through your checklists, goals, and timelines.

  • Three Books Lined Up

    Access Helpful Resources

    Quickly find support from the right person at the right time. Our comprehensive resource guide points you in the right direction—no more frustrating searches.

More about our PhD in Social Work program

Depending on your specialization, Walden's PhD in Social Work will prepare you to move forward with a career as a:*

  • Researcher
  • Educator/professor/faculty member
  • Supervisor or evaluator in the social work field
  • Policy analyst

*Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.

An MSW is required for entrance into the PhD in Social Work program. You will also be required to submit a completed online application, employment history, and official transcripts.

Your enrollment specialist will help you gather all of the required materials starting with your application all the way through your first day of classes.

Tuition costs will vary depending on your previous education. Get in touch with a Walden Enrollment Specialist today at 855-203-5779, to learn more about tuition costs for this program and financial aid options.

Walden’s Enrollment Specialists are committed to helping identify and leverage opportunities for you to save money on your education.

Our Enrollment Specialists are ready to answer any questions you may have regarding this program. Fill out the form on this page to be contacted or call 855-203-5779.

Why earn your PhD in Social Work at Walden?

learn-with-leaders-small

Learn with Leaders

Walden is the university of choice for 130+ state teachers of the year.

exceptional-student-services

Face-to-face Residencies

Practice applying what you learn on-site and network with expert faculty members.

relevant-curriculum

Exceptional Student Support

Benefit from our 24/7 tech support, Writing Center, Career Services Center, and more.

learn-with-leaders-small

Learn with Leaders

Walden is the university of choice for 130+ state teachers of the year.

exceptional-student-services

Face-to-face Residencies

Practice applying what you learn on-site and network with expert faculty members.

relevant-curriculum

Exceptional Student Support

Benefit from our 24/7 tech support, Writing Center, Career Services Center, and more.

“My mentor was my first-year advisor and my dissertation chair. This was an excellent relationship."

Jack Monell | PhD in Human Services Graduate

Enrollment Restrictions by State

Walden currently cannot enroll residents of the following states/districts into the PhD in Social Work program: Kentucky and Wisconsin.

ONGOING MILITARY OFFER:

A 15% tuition reduction for servicemembers, veterans of the U.S. armed forces, employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and their spouses.*

*A 15% tuition reduction is available to new students who are servicemembers, veterans of the U.S. armed forces, or employees of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This tuition reduction is also available if you are a spouse of a servicemember, veteran, or employee of the VA. This tuition reduction cannot be retroactively applied. Tuition reductions are applicable to tuition only and do not apply toward books, materials, and other supplies or fees needed for a course.

Walden may change the tuition reduction offered hereunder at any time, but such change will not affect the tuition reduction for students who are currently enrolled at Walden and using the existing tuition reduction. All tuition reductions, grants, or scholarships are subject to specific eligibility requirements. Contact a Walden University Enrollment Specialist for details.

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, https://www.hlcommission.org/.