Full-time students may complete the degree requirements in four years. During the first two years of the program, students receive advanced training in social work theory, statistics and research methodology. Students also complete at least nine credit hours in coursework in a cognate discipline (e.g., psychology, sociology, education, health, gerontology) associated with their area of research.

Students will complete their Comprehensive Qualifying Examinations after completing the relevant coursework.

During the third and fourth years of the program, students will complete a one-credit Dissertation Seminar, any remaining elective courses and all of their dissertation credits. 

All students have a seven-year time limit to complete all requirements for the Ph.D. degree. The seven-year period begins with the end of the semester during which the student was admitted to doctoral study.

Some courses are offered on alternating years, so students will work with their advisor and the Doctoral Program Director to develop a plan of work during orientation.

The PhD Program is also available in a part-time format. 

* In addition to the required coursework identified above, students will be required to complete 25 credits in elective courses. Students may be able to apply up to 25 MSW or post-MSW certificate credits in research, policy and theory courses relevant to the student's proposed area of research as approved by the Director of the Doctoral Program. Requests for transfer credits will be evaluated at the time of admission to the PhD Program.