Our part-time program option is designed to permit students to complete degree requirements over an extended period of time. The part-time option makes it possible for students to work or engage in other activities during much of the time they are enrolled, and complete all degree requirements within a five-year period.

All required courses in social work and the student's cognate area are completed within the first three years of the program. In year three, students will take the Research Practicum in the Fall Semester. The Comprehensive Qualifying Examinations are taken after completion of relevant coursework. During the fourth and fifth 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 PhD 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 full-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.