Before social work was even a profession that you could go to school for, smaller local institutions such as the church helped to deal with social inequalities.
Today the field extends far beyond just the issue of inequality and poverty – it also follows the issues of sexual orientation, religion, race, and other protected classes. Modern-day social work is highly social justice-oriented and those who are actively working within this sector must be passionate about helping to improve the lives of others. Advanced social workers work directly with people, conduct research, and inform social policy.
College Choice has ranked the 60 best PhD programs in social work. These programs are compiled based on factors such as school reputation, financial support, and graduation rate. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, social workers are expected to experience job growth of 16 percent from 2016 to 2026, a much higher rate than the national average. Based on this statistic, it can be predicted that the need for advanced social workers will be on the rise. Keep reading to find out more information about the degree.
What type of PhD in social work should you get?
While a master of social work is the highest degree needed for most positions within the field, those who are hoping to go into academia or research can either get a doctor of philosophy or a doctor of social work. Sometimes the degree title will be called social welfare instead but there is virtually no difference in curriculum or content. While a PhD is primarily research-focused, a DSW is targeted more for those interested in higher clinical practice positions.
Although the majority of these programs are offered on-campus, some of them do have online courses. Most on-campus programs are created with adult professionals in mind. Some schools even allow students to choose part- or full-time status. Classes are generally offered only a few days of the week in the evenings allowing students to still continue their professional day job.
Check out the 50 best masters in social work degrees here.
Featured PhD Programs in Social Work
Explore our featured online programs and find the right match for you today.
How much money do people with a PhD in social work make?
Despite the fact that the median salary of social workers regardless of education level is $49,470, those who hold a PhD in social work tend to have a much higher average salary. According to PayScale, those with a Ph.D. make an average of $68,000. This is higher than what the average of a Master's holder in the field makes, which is an average of $52,000.
Factors that influence salary could include:
State
Type of institution (i.e. education, government, hospital)
Years of experience
City versus rural location
What can you do with a PhD in social work?
The field of social work is divided into two main categories: those in research and academia, and those in actual clinical practice. Because the PhD program is research-intensive and focuses more on theory, this program is ideal for future educators and policymakers. Several PhD holders go on to become fully tenured professionals at prestigious universities. In addition, they may also work in institutions and governmental organizations that directly influence policy and practice.
Many PhD holders do practice social work in a clinical setting, but it is often said that this degree is not necessary for that. If one does choose to practice, they may work in hospitals, local non-profit organizations, or in schools. Practice work is more community-based with direct contact with individuals. Both jobs, whether in research or practice, are strongly social justice-centered.
What are the requirements for a PhD in social work?
Strong applicants should already possess a master of social work degree in order to apply. In some schools, there is a rigorous MSW/Ph.D. dual program for excellent students who only hold a bachelor's degree. The PhD program will last a total of four to five years, with the first couple years consisting of coursework. After the basic coursework has been completed, students will begin their research to go on to present and complete a final dissertation.
During the program, students may be required to complete a teaching or research practicum. These practicums involve working closely with faculty usually in exchange for some form of compensation such as a stipend and a tuition waiver. Throughout the PhD program, students are expected to maintain a high degree of scholarship, with most schools requiring a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher.
