Get your PhD in Social Work
The doctor of philosophy (PhD) program in social work prepares students to conduct research that contributes to the knowledge base of social work, to become leaders in the profession, and to teach social work in postsecondary educational institutions.
Students are required to earn 78 semester hours to earn the degree. Those who enter the program with a MSW are granted 30 semester hours credit; they must complete an additional 48 semester hours for the degree. Individuals with master's degrees in related disciplines (for example, psychology or sociology) may choose to earn a PhD in Social Work without first earning the MSW. Credit from a related master's degree may be applied to the PhD degree program, as determined by the School of Social Work.
Students complete required coursework, research, and teaching practicums; pass a comprehensive exam; write a dissertation; and defend the dissertation in an oral exam. Their work includes courses in one of four outside disciplines—sociology, psychology, public health, or education—to assist them in preparation for the comprehensive examination and dissertation.
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You'll find degree overviews, requirements, course lists, academic plans, and more to help you plan your education and explore your possibilities.
Current course list
The MyUI Schedule displays registered courses for a particular session and is available to enrolled students. The list view includes course instructors, time and location, and features to drop courses or change sections.
Individualized and interdisciplinary curriculum
The program allows students to develop a coherent program of study to pursue their own research interests. Students take coursework in a core social work curriculum, a concentration (sociology, psychology, education, or public health), research methods, and electives in order to develop a focal area of social work knowledge (e.g., family violence). Students may methods and electives in any college or department at the University of Iowa. The median time to complete the degree is four years.
The School of Social Work provides a supportive environment with substantial opportunities for mentoring and interaction with faculty members. Throughout the PhD program, the school assists students in developing a program of study based on their unique educational and career goals. There are many opportunities to work closely with faculty members. In the first two years, students complete a mentored research practicum with a faculty member and a mentored in-class teaching practicum. During the second year, students choose a faculty member to guide them through the comprehensive examination and dissertation processes.
The following are the general categories of coursework required to earn the degree; for more specific information on courses, curriculum, and requirements of the Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work, visit the UI General Catalog.
| Title | Hours |
|---|---|
| Core curriculum | 16 |
| Concentration courses | 9 |
| Research methods and/or statistics | 9 |
| Additional upper-level electives | 6 |
| Dissertation hours | 8 |
| Hours applied from Master's Degree | 30 |
| Total hours | 78 |
PhD frequently asked questions
Can I apply to the PhD program without an MSW?
Yes, applicants without an MSW can apply to the PhD program. However, they must have a master’s degree in another field, and additional coursework may be required to establish foundational knowledge in social work. The admissions committee evaluates applications holistically based on academic background, research experience, and alignment with program goals. You can review the program’s requirements in the PhD Handbook.
What is the difference between the MSW and PhD programs in terms of funding?
If funds are available, PhD students earning the degree full-time are offered funding with their admission decision, and therefore receive priority for graduate assistantships, which include tuition coverage, a stipend, and health insurance.
MSW students do not have usually have funding. While there may be limited graduate assistantships or scholarships available for MSW students, the majority of MSW students finance their education through loans. Learn more about funding opportunities on the funding page.
What is the admissions process for the combined MSW/PhD program?
Applicants interested in the combined program must apply separately to both the MSW and PhD programs. Each program’s admissions committee will independently review the applications. Approximately 10% of applicants to the combined MSW/PhD program are admitted.
How many additional courses or credits are required for the combined MSW/PhD program?
The number of additional credits depends on your academic plan, which is developed in collaboration with the PhD program director. Sample academic plans are available in the PhD Handbook.
What are the job prospects after completing the PhD program?
Graduates of the PhD program often pursue academic careers as faculty members, as well as research, policy, and leadership roles in social work and related fields. The program emphasizes preparation for roles in both academia and research-intensive settings.
Are academic references required for the PhD application?
Yes, academic references are strongly recommended as they can best speak to your research skills and ability to succeed in a rigorous PhD program. If you have been out of academia for an extended time, professional references may be considered, but academic references are strongly preferred.
Am I exempt from submitting an English proficiency test if I completed a degree in the United States?
Yes, applicants who have completed a degree at a U.S. institution are typically exempt from English proficiency test requirements. For more information, review the English proficiency requirements.
Are there application fee waivers available?
Yes, the University of Iowa provides application fee waivers for eligible students, including those facing financial constraints. You can find information about eligibility and the application process on the graduate admissions fee waiver page.
However, it is important to note that the School of Social Work does not have funding for international application fee waivers. International applicants are encouraged to check the university’s general fee waiver policies for potential options.
What funding opportunities are available for PhD students?
PhD students are typically funded in graduate assistantships in teaching and/or research. These positions provide tuition coverage, a stipend, and health insurance.
What are the prerequisites for the PhD program?
Applicants must have a master’s degree (MSW or a related field), experience in social work or a related area, and foundational knowledge in research and statistics. An introductory statistics course is required of admitted students before beginning the program.
What is the typical duration of the PhD program?
The PhD program typically takes four to five years to complete. The exact duration may vary depending on your academic background, research focus, and dissertation timeline.
Do I need to take specific courses before applying to the PhD program?
Introductory statistics is a prerequisite for beginning the PhD program. Other courses may be required if you lack an MSW or foundational social work knowledge. Refer to the PhD Handbook for details.
Can I take courses from other departments as a PhD student?
Yes, PhD students are required to take interdisciplinary courses that align with their research interests. Examples include courses in public health, sociology, and education.
What type of student thrives in the PhD program?
Students in our program are go-getters and self-starters who are encouraged to build the fortitude to investigate and use their resources to find answers to their questions. Learning how to navigate complex systems is an essential skill in social work and research. We encourage students to apply these skills not only to their own research but also to programmatic questions and challenges.
Can I speak with someone about the program and its requirements?
Yes, we encourage prospective applicants to schedule a meeting with the PhD program director or faculty to discuss the program, funding opportunities, and job prospects after graduation.
Contact the School of Social Work at ssw-admissions@uiowa.edu with your questions and we will direct you to the right place/person for more information.
Where can I find the PhD Handbook?
The PhD Handbook provides detailed information about program requirements, policies, and sample plans of study.
What makes the University of Iowa’s PhD in Social Work program unique?
The University of Iowa’s PhD in Social Work program offers a highly interdisciplinary approach that encourages students to develop individualized academic plans tailored to their research interests. Students have access to:
- A collaborative academic environment with small class sizes.
- Opportunities to work closely with faculty on cutting-edge research projects.
- Interdisciplinary course options across departments like Public Health, Sociology, and Psychology.
- Strong mentorship that supports students in developing skills for careers in academia, policy, or research.
Additionally, the program places a strong emphasis on fostering independence, critical thinking, and the ability to navigate complex systems and social problems through rigorous investigation—essential skills for social work scholars and researchers.
What kinds of formal and informal support networks exist in the department?
The School of Social Work prides itself on a supportive academic community. Formal support includes:
- Mentorship from faculty advisors who guide students in their research and career development
- Writing and research workshops to enhance academic skills
- Access to campus resources like the Graduate College’s professional development programs
- Financial support to attend conferences
Informal support networks include:
- Peer mentorship among PhD students
- Social gatherings and networking events organized by the department
- Access to university-wide student groups and graduate student belonging initiatives
These resources foster both academic and personal growth, ensuring students feel supported throughout their time in the program.
What are recent alumni doing now?
Recent alumni of the PhD program have gone on to hold positions in academia, research institutions, and leadership roles in social work policy and practice. Examples include:
- Faculty positions at universities across the United States
- Leadership roles in nonprofit organizations and government agencies
- Research positions in think tanks and policy organizations
The School of Social Work’s alumni network is expansive, and many graduates maintain strong ties with the program, offering guidance and opportunities to current students.
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