PhD in Social Work
Request InformationHelp shape the future of the field as a scholar, researcher, or leader.
- Course-Based Courses with a set schedule May 31, 2021
- Up to 20 Credits
Reach a new level of professional distinction
Walden’s PhD in Social Work online degree program helps you prepare to practice at the highest level of the social work field as a researcher, college-level educator, or administrative leader. A challenging curriculum enables you to analyze advanced theory and explore some of the most pressing and cutting-edge issues in social work today. Align your studies with your interests by choosing one of eight specializations, such as Addictions and Social Work, Medical Social Work, or Clinical Expertise. Four face-to-face academic residencies support the learning experience by giving you the opportunity to collaborate with professors and colleagues, build your social and professional community, and enhance your ability to effect positive social change.
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granter of doctoral research degreesLearn from the No. 1 granter of doctoral research degrees in the U.S. 1 Walden has been serving the needs of doctoral learners at a distance for 50 years.
From in-person residencies to dissertation writing and research guidance, our online program is focused on helping you finish your PhD.
Specializations allow you to hone your expertise in a particular area of the field, such as clinical supervision or social work administration, among others.
For Walden, social change is not just something we talk about—it’s who we are. Our students, alumni, faculty, and staff are contributing to real change around the globe.
Program Savings
Receive up to a $4,000 grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on May 31, 2021. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Get Started NowAddictions and Social Work
This specialization explores the psychology of addiction and the various interventions available for individuals and families who are dealing with addictive behavior.
Clinical Expertise
Explore majors methods and practices as well as ethical and legal issues that you may encounter as a supervisor working with staff from diverse backgrounds
Criminal Justice
In this specialization, you can focus your research and studies on the factors that can contribute to criminal behavior, such as addiction, homelessness, and unemployment.
Disaster, Crisis, and Intervention
This specialization can help prepare you to conduct research and contribute to the knowledge of effective crisis intervention strategies as well as to analyze current practices in treating post-traumatic stress disorder and other challenges faced by victims of trauma.
Family Studies and Interventions
This specialization can help you develop advanced skills to provide culturally sensitive support to children and families.
Medical Social Work
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.
Policy Practice
Explore the fundamentals of successful collaboration with legislators and lobbyists to create public policies that generate sustainable change.
Social Work Administration
This specialization is designed to help you gain an in-depth understanding of organizational behavior so that you can better assess the effectiveness of community-based social work organizations.
Admission Requirements
Program Admission Considerations: MSW degree accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply. More information for international applicants.
Learning Outcomes
As a graduate of Walden’s online PhD in Social Work program, you 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 gather 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.
- Critically evaluate the history of social work, its mission, and its core values.
- Promote social change by collaborating with leaders, agencies, and universities to advocate for policies and programs that advance the economic and social well-being of culturally diverse clientele.
- Assess the role of diversity in characterizing and shaping the human experience.
- Apply ethical decision-making and practices in social work.
Career Impact
A PhD in Social Work from Walden is an elite credential that can set you apart in the market and bring new respect from peers, employers, clients, and students. You’ll be prepared to make a difference through influential roles in research, teaching, policymaking, or administration.
Earn a degree that puts you in demand. Employment for social and community service managers is expected to grow by 13% through 2028—much faster than the average for all occupations.2 Jobs for postsecondary teachers are expected to grow at a rate of 11% through 2028.3
A PhD in Social Work can prepare you to pursue career options such as:
- College professor/educator
- Researcher
- Evaluator
- Agency leader
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
A PhD in Social Work can prepare you to work in settings such as:
- Universities
- Community agencies
- Government
- Research think tanks
FAQ About Walden’s Online PhD in Social Work
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The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) has designated March as National Professional Social Work Month, a celebration that highlights the important contributions of social workers. Social work professionals make a meaningful impact on nearly every aspect of society as advocates for the vulnerable and underserved. Dr. Barbara Solomon, namesake of Walden University’s Barbara Solomon School of Social Work, exemplifies this tradition of service. A longtime Walden University board member and respected leader in the field, Dr. Solomon is recognized by the NASW as a Social Work Pioneer and is an inductee in the California Social Work Hall of Distinction. Walden is proud to count Dr. Solomon as a member of our community and celebrates the outstanding accomplishments of our social work students and alumni.
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While both degree paths can help prepare you for a career devoted to making a difference in people’s lives, it’s helpful to look closer to determine which program better aligns with your interests and goals. If you’re looking to pursue a career in academia, a PhD in Social Work program allows you to focus on advancing your skills as a researcher and educator. If you would like to focus more on how research can be applied to social work programs and policies, as well as gain key leadership and management skills needed to improve your practice, a DSW program is the better choice. Put simply, a PhD can better prepare you to teach, whereas a DSW can prepare you for a professional career in the field.
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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment in the field of social work is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2018–2028.1 This growth is projected to include a variety of positions within a variety of industries. Those who earn their PhD in Social Work often pursue careers in research and academia; however, there are many options available to professionals who obtain this degree, including:
- Postsecondary social work education
- Human resource management
- Community and social services management
- Employee training and development management
- Policy analyst
- Social work agency leader
1Source: www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
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Furthering your education is often a good idea, but it’s important to find a degree program that aligns with your personal and professional goals. If you’re looking to pursue a social work career that centers on conducting research and/or teaching, then a PhD in Social Work is the best choice for you. Walden’s PhD program is designed to give you skills and knowledge that can be applied to a career in academia immediately, whether as a scholar, researcher, or university professor. Whether you want to work in the public or private sector, a PhD in Social Work from Walden can prepare you to make a difference wherever you go.
Questions about our PhD in Social Work?
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