Online Learning Success

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: February 25, 2019
Transfer Credits: Contact one of our enrollment advisors to learn more.

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Explore the psychology of addiction and the various interventions available for individuals and families who are dealing with addictive behavior.
Explore major methods and practices as well as ethical and legal issues that you may encounter as a supervisor working with staff from diverse backgrounds.
Focus your research and studies on the factors that can contribute to criminal behavior, and explore current forms of intervention and help pave the road for advances in individual and group psychotherapy.
Prepare to conduct research and contribute to the knowledge of effective crisis intervention strategies as well as analyze current practices in treating post-traumatic stress disorder and other challenges faced by victims of trauma.
Work with children and families from various backgrounds and in different life stages, and develop advanced skills to provide culturally sensitive support to children and families.
Develop and assess the best possible strategies in practice interventions with individuals and families facing chronic or terminal illness, disability, and issues associated with aging.
Explore the fundamentals of successful collaboration with legislators and lobbyists to create public policies that generate sustainable change, and analyze the economic, governmental, and legal factors that influence decision making on policy related to social welfare.
Gain an in-depth understanding of organizational behavior so that you can better assess the effectiveness of community-based social work organizations.

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

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 advisor 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 an enrollment advisor today by calling , to learn more about tuition costs for this program and financial aid options.

Walden's enrollment advisors are committed to helping identify and leverage opportunities for you to save money on your education.
Our enrollment advisors are ready to answer any questions you may have regarding this program. Fill out the form on this page to be contacted, or call .

Why earn your PhD in Social Work at Walden?

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Learn with Leaders

Walden is the choice for more than 100 state teachers of the year.

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Face-to-face Residencies

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

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Exceptional Student Support

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

Jack Monell

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

Jack Monell | PhD in Human Services Graduate