PhD in Social Work is a 2-3 year doctorate course in Social Work. This course is specially designed for professionals for advancement in their profession and in their careers. This is a research-based course where the candidates usually work in a specific area. They conduct their own research on the problems residing in our society. The course usually covers topics like Quantitative Scientific Methods, Survey of Research Methods in Social & Behavioral Science, Integrating Public Policy Issues, Outcomes into Social Work Research, Doctoral Teaching Practicum, and Dissertation direction. Candidates opting for the course should have a passion for research and aspire to present at conferences or publish their findings in respected journals. The curriculum for a Ph.D. in Social Work typically includes coursework in research methods, statistics, social policy analysis, advanced social work theory and practice, and specialized courses in the student's area of research interest. In addition to coursework, students are usually required to complete a dissertation, which involves original research on a topic in social work.
Course Level | Doctorate Degree |
Duration of the Course | 3-6 years |
Examination Type | Semester |
Eligibility | Master Degree / M.Phil in a related subject |
Admission Process | Entrance exam and personal interview |
Top Job Areas | Educational Institutes, Human Services Industry, Publishing Houses, Newspapers, Magazines, Philosophical Journals, Research Institutes, Consultancy Services, Law Firms, etc. |
Top Job Positions | Lecturer & Professor, Social and Community Service Manager, Schoo,l and Career Counsellor, Social and Human Service Assistant, Health Educator and Community Health Workers, Teachers and Researchers, Human Services Worker, Novelist, Writer or Editor, Journalist, Philosophical Journalist, Researcher, Scientist, etc. |
Most PhD programs in Social Work require applicants to take an entrance exam, such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). Some programs may also require a writing sample or other evidence of research skills.
Entrance Exams |
UGC NET |
TISS RAT |
To be admitted into a PhD program in Social Work, you will typically need to meet the following criteria:
A Master's degree in Social Work or a related field |
A strong academic record, including a minimum GPA of 3.0 |
Relevant professional or research experience |
Strong letters of recommendation from academic or professional references |
A well-written statement of purpose outlining your research interests and goals |
Results from the required entrance exam(s) |
The duration of a PhD program in Social Work varies depending on the program and the student's individual progress. Typically, these programs take 4-6 years to complete.
To apply for a PhD program in Social Work, you will typically need to complete an online application and submit the following materials:
Official transcripts from all universities attended |
Results from the required entrance exam(s) |
A statement of purpose outlining your research interests and goals |
A resume or CV |
Letters of recommendation from academic or professional references |
Writing samples or research papers |
Application fee |
The specific requirements and application procedures may vary by program, so it is important to carefully review the application instructions for each program you are interested in applying to. |
To apply for a PhD in Social Work, you will need to fill out an application form that is available on the website of the university or college that you want to apply to. You will need to provide personal information, academic background, work experience, research interests, and other relevant information. You may also need to submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
The application process for a PhD in Social Work typically involves the following steps:
The application fee for a PhD in Social Work varies from university to university. Typically, the fee is between $50 and $100. In addition to the application fee, you may also need to pay tuition fees, which can range from Updated Soon per year.
Semester I
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Semester III
| Semester IV
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Job Position | Job Description |
Social and Community Service Managers | Social and community service managers are responsible to coordinate and organize social service programs and community organizations. They are in charge of managing staff that provides social services to the public. |
School and Career Counsellors | School counselors are responsible to help candidates develop social and academic skills and succeed in school. Career counselors take responsibility to assist people with the method of making career decisions by helping them grow skills or choose a career or educational program. |
Social and Human Service Assistants | Social and human service assistants are responsible for providing client services, including support for families, in a wide variety of fields, such as rehabilitation, psychology, and social work. They are in charge of assisting other workers, likewise social workers, and they empower clients to find benefits or community services. |
Health Educators and Community Health Workers | Health educators are in charge of teaching people about behaviors that promote health. They are responsible to develop and implement strategies to enhance the health of peoples and communities. Community health workers are responsible to collect information and discuss health problems with members of specific populations or communities. |
Some of the top colleges for a PhD in Social Work in the US include:
Q.1 - What is the procedure for PhD Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.
Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?
ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.
Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?
ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.
Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?
ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.
Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.
Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?
ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?
ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.
Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?
ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.
Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?
ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.
Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?
ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.
Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?
ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.
Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?
ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.
Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?
ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.