louisville phd applied sociology

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• Department of Sociology

Louisville, KY

Department of Sociology / Department of Sociology is located in Louisville, KY, in an urban setting.

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Graduate Program

The mission of the PhD program is to train doctoral students to become effective scholars and practitioners in sociology by building: (a) a comprehensive understanding of sociological theory, statistics, methods and selected specialization areas; and (b) professional competency in sociological research, instruction, and engagement. We primarily specialize in training students in the following sociological areas:

Crime, Law, and Deviance :  Faculty in this area engage in sociologically informed research on crime-related issues, such as juvenile delinquency, international criminology, gun control, human trafficking, prisoner re-entry, recidivism, substance use, and violence against women. They serve in leadership roles in related professional organizations, including the American Sociological Society, the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, and the American Society of Criminology. Faculty working in this area are: Christopher Huggins , Tony Love ,  Carrie Oser , Claire M. Renzetti , and Janet Stamatel .

Environment and Society : Scholars in this area focus on the relationship between social systems and the ecosphere, with a focus on anthropogenic causes of environmental change, the social construction of environmental problems, and social movements related to environmental justice. Our department has a particular strength in research and service to rural and natural resource-dependent communities, especially agricultural, forested, and mining (post-mining) communities in Kentucky and Appalachia. Faculty working in this area are: Patrick Mooney , Shaunna Scott , Keiko Tanaka , and  Julie N. Zimmerman .

Health and Medical Sociology : Faculty in health and medical sociology conduct research on health disparities, medicalization, stigma, stress processes, HIV risk behaviors and intervention, and substance abuse. They serve in leadership roles in the American Sociological Association's sections on Disability and Society, Mental Health, Aging and the Life Course, and Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco. Our program offers a number of courses in this area, including the social determinants of health, gender and mental health, illness and disability, and dependency behavior. Faculty working in this area are: Anthony R. Bardo , Robyn Brown , Ana S. Q. Liberato , Mairead Eastin Moloney , and  Carrie Oser .

Social Inequalities :  All our faculty conduct research on some area of inequality. We examine disparities related to race, social class, gender, sexuality and disability in institutions such as healthcare, criminal justice, family, and education. The department has a long tradition of research on inequalities of geographic location and the environment, especially among rural populations. Faculty working in this area are:  Anthony R. Bardo ,  Robyn Brown , Jordan Brown ,  Christopher Huggins , Thomas Janoski ,  Ana S. Q. Liberato ,  Tony Love ,  Mairead Eastin Moloney ,  Patrick Mooney , Edward Morris ,  Carrie Oser ,  Claire M. Renzetti ,  Shaunna Scott ,  Janet Stamatel ,  Keiko Tanaka , Mohammad Zannoun , and  Julie N. Zimmerman .

Our students are actively engaged in research projects with faculty from the Department of Sociology, as well as others in the Colleges of Arts & Sciences, Agriculture, Education, and Medicine. They publish frequently in high-quality journals, present at national and international conferences, work in applied research fields, and teach a broad range of sociology courses. Our students have been very successful on both the academic and non-academic job markets.

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This program was approved for students entering the university in the Summer 2024–Spring 2025 catalog year. For more information about catalog year, go to Catalog Year Information .

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology Unit: College of Arts and Sciences (AS) Department: Sociology Academic Plan Code(s): SOC_BA, SOC_BA_O, SOC_BA_CUL, SOC_BA_CUO, SOC_BA_DIN, SOC_BA_DIO

Program Information

This program can be completed in a traditional classroom format or  entirely online .

Students in the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sociology program learn to take an analytical, evidence-driven approach to social issues, as well as gain the interpersonal communication skills necessary to craft persuasive narratives grounded in critical thought. Sociology students focus on diversity and inequality and use their analytical insight into social structures for effective formulation and implementation of democratic social policy.

Those interested in sociology are intrigued by the challenging social issues pervading our world, how society influences and is influenced by them, and how to effectuate change.  BA in Sociology students learn how to address these issues through scientific research and application, and, as our world continuously evolves, sociology students are well prepared to offer insight into these changes and how best to accommodate them.

Given the breadth, adaptability, and utility of sociology, employment opportunities are plentiful in social service agencies; federal, state, and local governments; non-profit organizations; and private enterprises

Completion of this degree requires work to be submitted for the department’s Learning Outcomes Measurement. For details, contact the department.

Degree Summary

Some credit hours from the General Education Requirements may be satisfied by courses defined by the program, in which case additional electives will be required to complete the minimum hours for the degree. See the Degree Requirements tab for specific coursework.

Sociology offers three BA options (two tracks and one non-track). For all three options, including the non-track, please refer to the Track Requirements tab.  

Specific coursework information can be found on the Degree Requirements tab.

Departmental Admission Requirements

Admission to the BA in Sociology requires:

• Completion of SOC 301 with a grade of C or better;
• Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0; and
• Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in Sociology, if any courses have been taken. 

The Change Major Request form can be found under the Academic Progress tile on ULink.

General Education Requirements

*All degrees require the completion of the University-wide General Education Program (link provided above).  Some General Education requirements may be met in the requirements for the major or supporting coursework, in which case additional electives may be required to complete the minimum hours for the degree.

College/School Requirements

Program/Major Requirements

Sociology majors may take no more than six hours of “Special Topics” courses in Sociology to meet degree requirements.

At least 50 of the total minimum hours required must be at the 300 level or above.

Completion of the intermediate level of a single foreign language

In addition to courses counted toward General Education; 6 hours must be at 300 level or above

May be incorporated into other degree requirements

May be used to satisfy a General Education: Cardinal Core requirement.

SOC 303  and SOC 320 must be completed with a grade of C or better.

The list of approved CUE courses appears above. At least one of the 400-level courses taken to satisfy track requirements must be a designated CUE course. 

Students may be allowed to substitute a statistics course for SOC 301 and/or a methods course for SOC 303 but must gain the permission from the Department of Sociology Undergraduate Advisor prior to doing so and must take a 300+ level sociology elective in lieu of the required sociology course.  Students must also earn a C or better in the statistics and/or methods course from the other department for it to count it toward sociology degree requirements. 

Non-Track Sociology BA 

Ba in sociology with a track in diversity and inequality, ba in sociology with a track in sociology of culture, track requirements .

Students who satisfy General Education Requirements by courses defined by the program will require additional electives to complete the minimum hours for the degree.

Academic Plan Code(s): SOC_BA, SOC_BAO

SOC 350  may be used to satisfy this degree requirement depending on the appropriateness of its topic and with the department undergraduate advisor's approval.  Other sociology electives may be substituted upon approval from the department undergraduate advisor.

One of these 400-level electives must be a designated Sociology CUE course. 

Academic Plan Code(s): SOC_BA_DIN, SOC_BA_DIO

SOC 350  may be used to satisfy this degree requirement depending on the appropriateness of its topic and with the department undergraduate advisor's approval. Other sociology electives may be substituted upon approval from the department undergraduate advisor.

Academic Plan Code(s): SOC_BA_CUL, SOC_BA_CUO

Flight Plan

Non-track ba in sociology.

Academic Plan Code: SOC_BA, SOC_BAO

Track in Sociology of Culture

Academic Plan Code: SOC_BA_CUL, SOC_BA_CUO

This elective must be chosen from among the following courses: SOC 305 , SOC 325 , SOC 327 , SOC 329 , SOC 344 , SOC 346 , SOC 350 (if the topic is related to the sociology of culture), SOC 374 or SOC 380 . Other electives may be substituted with approval from the undergraduate advisor. 

This elective must be selected from among the following: ANTH 205 , ANTH 309 , ANTH 310 , ANTH 318 , ANTH 320 , ANTH 321 , ANTH 328 , ANTH 331 , ANTH 332 , ANTH 334 , ANTH 339 , ANTH 340 , ANTH 343 , COMM 433 , COMM 435 , GEOG 324 , PAS 214 , PAS 272 , PAS 273 , PAS 310 , PAS 311 , PAS 330 , PAS 344 , PAS 372 , WGST 201 , WGST 303 , WGST 395 , WGST 522 , WGST 523 , or WGST 538 . 

This elective must be chosen from among the following: SOC 415 , SOC 420 , SOC 425 , SOC 450 (if the topic is related to sociology of culture), SOC 454 , SOC 455 , SOC 464 , SOC 470 , or SOC 472 . Other electives may be substituted with approval from the undergraduate advisor. 

Track in Diversity and Inequality

Academic Plan Code: SOC_BA_DIN, SOC_BA_DIO

This elective must be chosen from one of the following: SOC 305 , SOC 306 , SOC 315 , SOC 325 ​, SOC 327 , SOC 329 , SOC 334 , SOC 343 , SOC 346 , SOC 350 (if the topic is related to diversity and inequality), SOC 374 , or SOC 392 . Other electives may be substituted with approval from the undergraduate advisor. 

This elective must be selected from one of the following: ANTH 309 , ANTH 310 , ANTH 318 , ANTH 320 , ANTH 321 , ANTH 331 , ANTH 339 ,   CJ 352 , CJ 360 , CJ 375 , CJ 405 , CJ 430 , CJ 440 , COMM 325 , COMM 326 , ECON 331 , GEOG 324 , GEOG 340 , HIST 313 , HIST 319 , HIST 320 , HIST 322 , HIST 324 , HIST 326 , PAS 205 , PAS 247 , PAS 305 , PAS 324 , PAS 325 , PAS 327 , PAS 333 , PAS 335 , PAS 338 , PAS 339 , PAS 344 , PAS 364 , PAS 374 , PEAC 325 , POLS 315 , POLS 316 , POLS 318 , POLS 323 , POLS 324 , POLS 327 , or WGST 349 . 

This elective must be chosen from one of the following: SOC 410 , SOC 415 , SOC 417 , SOC 420 , SOC 425 , SOC 442 , SOC 450 (if the topic is related to diversity and inequality), SOC 454 , SOC 456 , SOC 460 , SOC 464 , SOC 470 , or SOC 472 . Other electives may be substituted with approval from the undergraduate advisor. 

The Flight Plan outlined above is intended to demonstrate one possible path to completing the degree within four years.  Course selection and placement within the program may vary depending on course offerings and schedule, elective preferences, and other factors (study abroad, internship availability, etc.). Please consult your advisor for additional information about building a flight plan that works for you.

Degree Audit Report Degree Audit reports illustrate how your completed courses fulfill the requirements of your academic plan, and which requirements are still outstanding. Degree audits also take transfer credits and test credits into account. "What-if" reports allow you to compare the courses you have completed in your current academic plan to the courses required in another academic plan.  Should you have questions about either report, please consult with your academic advisor.

Flight Planner The Flight Planner tool is available for you to create a personalized Flight Plan to graduation.  Advisors have access to review your Flight Planner and can help you adjust it to ensure you remain on track to graduate in a timely manner.

To create these reports:

• Log into your ULink account.
• Click on the Academic Progress tile.
• To run a Degree Audit report, click on "View my Degree Audit."
• To create a What-if report, click on "Create a What-if Advisement Report."
• To run a Flight Planner report, click on "Use My Flight Planner."

Click here to run a Degree Audit report, create a What-if report, or run a Flight Planner report.

The University of Louisville is committed to and will provide equality of educational and employment opportunity for all persons regardless of race, sex, age, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, pregnancy or veteran status.

Every effort has been made to make the catalog accurate as of the date of publication. However, the University of Louisville reserves the right to change programs of study, academic policies, academic requirements, fees, course information, procedures for the confirmation of degrees, or the announced academic calendar and related deadlines without prior notice. Copyright © 2024-2025, University of Louisville. All rights reserved.

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Applied Sociology (PhD)

Belknap campus, louisville, united states, 36 months program duration, 1,550 usd tuition fee/year, 01 jun, 2023 application deadline, yes scholarships, program overview, main subject, study level, admission requirements, exam scores, important dates, application, undergraduate.

• Candidates are required to submit references or letter(s) of recommendation for acceptance
• Candidates are required to submit an essay(s) for acceptance

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Tuition fee, scholarships, domestic students, international students.

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

In this guide you will find:

Where to look for scholarship opportunities

How to apply to scholarships relevant to you

A list of available scholarships around the world

A scholarship application checklist

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The University of Louisville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and offers undergraduate degrees in more than 50 fields of study!

We also offer scholarship opportunities for international undergraduate students. Click here to find out more about International Student Scholarships.

Arts and Humanities (6)

Art - fine art (bfa), english (ba), french (ba), geography, applied (bs), history (ba), history with 3+3 track to law (ba), humanities (ba), individualized major (liberal studies) (ba), music composition (bm), music education (bm), music general (ba), music history (bm), music instrumental performance (bm), music organ performance (bm), music theory (bm), music therapy (bm), music vocal performance (bm), music, jazz performance (bm), music, piano performance (bm), philosophy (ba), spanish (ba), theatre arts (bs), urban studies (bs), business and management (6), bachelor of business administration (bba), business administration in accountancy (bsba), business administration in computer information systems (bsba), business economics (bs), equine business, bachelor of science in business administration (bsba), finance, bachelor of science in business administration (bsba), management (bsba), marketing, bachelor of science in business administration (bsba), engineering and technology (6), bioengineering (bs), chemical engineering (bs), civil engineering (bs), computer science (ba), computer science and engineering (bs), electrical engineering (bs), industrial engineering (bs), mechanical engineering (bs), life sciences and medicine (6), anthropology (ba), anthropology (bs), biology (ba), biology (bs), dental hygiene (bs), health and human performance (bs), neuroscience (bs), nursing (rn-bsn online program) (bsn), online bachelor of arts in psychology, online rn to bachelor of science in nursing, psychology (ba), psychology (bs), natural sciences (6), chemistry (ba), chemistry (bs), mathematics (ba), mathematics (bs), physics (ba), physics (bs), sustainability (ba), social sciences and management (6), american sign language interpreting studies (bs), asian studies (ba), communication (ba), communication (bs), criminal justice (bs), criminal justice with a 3+3 track to law (bs), early elementary education (bs), economics (ba), latin american and latino studies (ba), middle/secondary education (bs), online bachelor of arts in political science, online bachelor of arts in sociology, online bachelor of arts in women’s, gender and sexuality studies, online bachelor of science in criminal justice, online bachelor of science in organizational leadership and learning, online bachelor of science in sport administration, online bachelor of social work, organizational leadership and learning (bs), organizational leadership and learning, track in healthcare leadership (bs), pan-african studies (ba), pan-african studies (bs), political science (ba), political science (bs), public health (ba), public health (bs), social work (bsw), sociology (ba), sociology (bs), sport administration (bs), women's, gender and sexuality studies (ba), women's, gender and sexuality studies (bs), women's, gender and sexuality studies with a 3+3 track to law (ba).

The legislative functions of the Graduate School are vested in the Graduate Council, which consists of elected representatives of the Graduate Faculty. The Council establishes minimum guidelines and policies that maintain high standards for administering graduate education at the University of Louisville.  The dean of the Graduate School serves as chair of this body and of the Graduate Faculty.

The dean and the dean's staff are responsible for the administration of the rules and regulations of the Graduate School and are expected to maintain and safeguard the standards and policies of the school as outlined by the Graduate Faculty and the Graduate Council. Graduate students participate in the operation and decision-making process of the Graduate School through the Graduate Student Association—to which all graduate students belong—and its executive committee, the Graduate Student Council, which consists of one elected representative from each graduate program. A representative of the Graduate Student Council serves as a voting member of the Graduate Council. Graduate students are actively sought as members of many of the standing committees of the Graduate School, and they are urged to participate and become involved in the administration of the Graduate School through these channels.

English (MA)

Geography, applied (ms), history (ma), humanities (ma), interdisciplinary studies (ma), interdisciplinary studies: concentration in sustainability (ma/ms), master of arts in art (creative) and art history, music composition (mm), music education (mat), music education (mme), music history and literature (mm), music performance (mm), music theory (mm), spanish (ma), studio art and design (mfa), theatre arts (mfa), urban planning (mup), accountancy (mac), business analytics (ms), bioengineering (meng), bioengineering (ms), chemical engineering (meng), chemical engineering (ms), civil engineering (meng), civil engineering (ms), computer science (ms), computer science and engineering (meng), electrical engineering (meng), electrical engineering (ms), engineering management (meng), industrial engineering (meng), industrial engineering (ms), materials and energy science and engineering (ms), mechanical engineering (meng), mechanical engineering (ms), online master of engineering in engineering management, online master of science in civil engineering, online master of science in computer science, online master of science in industrial engineering, online master of science in materials and energy science & engineering, anatomical sciences and neurobiology (ms), anthropology (ma), biochemistry and molecular genetics (ms), biostatistics (ms), clinical investigation sciences (msc), communicative disorders (ms), dentistry (msd), epidemiology (ms), exercise physiology (ms), health administration (ms), health data analytics (ms), interdisciplinary studies: concentration in healthcare ethics (ma), master of science in biology, microbiology and immunology (ms), nursing (msn), nursing - clinical nurse leader (msn), oral biology (ms), pharmacology and toxicology (ms), physiology (ms), chemistry (ms), interdisciplinary studies (ms), mathematics (ma), physics (ms), art education (mat), communication (ma), counseling and personnel services (med), couple and family therapy (ms), criminal justice (ms), early elementary education (mat), health and physical education (mat), higher education administration (ma), human resources and organization development (ms), interdisciplinary early childhood education (mat), interdisciplinary early childhood education, alternative certification (mat), middle school education (mat), middle school education - alternative certification 5-9 (mat), online mat in interdisciplinary early childhood education, online master of arts in teaching in special education, online master of education in special education, online master of education in teacher leadership, online master of science in social work, online master of science in sport administration, pan-african studies (ma), political science (ma), public administration (mpa), public health (mph), secondary education (mat), social work (mssw), sociology (ma), special education (med), special education, concentration in learning behavior disorders p-12 (mat), special education, concentration in learning behavior disorders p-12, alternative certification (mat), special education, concentration in moderate/severe disabilities p-12 (mat), special education, concentration in moderate/severe disabilities p-12, alternative certification (mat), special education, non-teaching (med), sport administration (ms), teacher leadership (med), women's, gender and sexuality studies (ma), full-time mba (1), business administration (mba), english rhetoric and composition (phd), humanities (phd), interdisciplinary studies (phd), urban and public affairs (phd), entrepreneurship (phd), chemical engineering (phd), civil engineering (phd), computer science and engineering (phd), electrical engineering (phd), industrial engineering (phd), interdisciplinary studies: specialization in translational bioengineering (phd), mechanical engineering (phd), anatomical sciences and neurobiology (phd), audiology (aud), biochemistry and molecular genetics (phd), biology (phd), biostatistics (phd), interdisciplinary studies: specialization in bioinformatics (phd), interdisciplinary studies: specialization in translational neuroscience (phd), microbiology and immunology (phd), nursing (phd), nursing practice (dnp), pharmacology and toxicology (phd), physiology (phd), psychology - clinical (phd), psychology - experimental (phd), public health sciences: specialization in epidemiology (phd), public health sciences: specialization in health management and policy (phd), public health sciences: specialization in health promotion and behavioral sciences (phd), chemistry (phd), mathematics, applied and industrial (phd), physics (phd), counseling and personnel services (phd), criminal justice (phd), curriculum and instruction (phd), doctor of philosophy in educational leadership and organizational development, doctor of social work (dsw), educational leadership and organizational development (edd), online doctor of social work (dsw), pan-african studies (phd), social work (phd).

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Top 5 PhD in Social Work Online Programs

Find your perfect school.

Author: Melissa Maypole/ Reviewed by: Julie McCaulley/ Publication Date: June 2024

Social work is a helping profession, and pursuing a terminal degree in this field is a noble pursuit. Noble or not, such an academic program requires a great sacrifice of time and effort. Not everyone can devote these resources to an on-campus PhD. Fortunately, over a dozen colleges and universities in America have stepped up to fill the gap with convenient social work doctorates that can be completed via distance education. In this ranking, we explore the top doctoral degrees in social work for those who want to take on influential leadership roles in this vital field.

Methodology

To develop this ranking, our editors first sought to identify all colleges and universities in the U.S. offering an online doctoral program in social work. This initial search yielded 17 schools. After applying the tuition filter to ensure affordability, we were left with just 5 programs. Finally, we applied our site-wide methodology for graduate programs . What follows is our ranking of the top online doctorates in social work.

Featured Programs

#5—university of st. thomas, st. paul, minnesota, online doctor of social work.

Tuition : $21,611

St. Thomas University offers an online doctorate in social work program through its Morrison Family College of Health. Designed for students who desire to teach social work at the postsecondary level, the 45-credit hour program is comprised of eight-week online classes such as:

• History of Social Work and Social Work Education
• Pedagogies in Social Work Education: Theories and Practice
• Grant Writing
• Social Work Theoretical Perspectives

In addition to online courses, students are also required to complete an on-campus orientation as well as annual residencies. St. Thomas University is accredited at the institutional level by The Higher Learning Commission.

• Nationally ranked best value school
• Cohort-based
• Multiple on-campus visits are required
• Less affordable

#4—Our Lady of the Lake University

San antonio, texas, phd in social work.

Tuition : $17,658

The online PhD in social work from Our Lady of the Lake University emphasizes social work leadership within minority-serving institutions. Offered through the Worden School of Social Service, the online doctoral program features a blend of synchronous and asynchronous programming. Course titles comprising the curriculum for the program may include:

• Social Work Policy
• Scholarly Writing and Publication
• Decolonized Pedagogy
• Epistemology and Theories

Doctoral students will have the opportunity to participate in a paid teaching assistantship program. A one-week summer residency is also required in addition to online coursework. OLLU is accredited to award this doctorate in social work online by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The school is also a member of the Group for Advancement of Doctoral Education in Social Work (GADE).

• GADE member
• Paid teaching assistantship
• Top-rated graduate programs in social work
• Residency required
• Some synchronous elements

#3—Spalding University

Louisville, kentucky, doctor of social work.

Tuition : $12,960

The comprehensive online doctor of social work degree from Spalding University requires 50 credit hours of online coursework. Sample course titles include:

• Innovative Practices for Justice and Social Change
• Teaching in Social Work
• Grants and Financial Management
• Research for Advanced Social Work Practice

The program is accelerated, enabling students to earn their social work doctorate in just two years of distance learning. Its format includes both synchronous and asynchronous elements. Spalding University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

• No residency requirements
• Graduate assistantships available
• Small cohorts
• Accelerated format
• Low graduation rate
• Less diverse

#2—Norfolk State University

Norfolk, virginia.

Tuition : $9,084

Norfolk State University offers a flexible online PhD in social work that can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. The curriculum for this 54-credit hour program consists of course titles such as:

• Program Evaluation in Social Services
• Theory for Family-Centered Social Work Practice
• Research Methods for Social Work
• Social Welfare History and Philosophy

A comprehensive exam and doctoral dissertation are also required as culminating elements of the program. Norfolk State holds its institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

• Part-time option
• Top regional university
• Dissertation required

#1—University of Utah

Salt lake city, utah.

Points : 11

Tuition : $7,353

A new program offered by the University of Utah, the online PhD in social work, will soon be accepting applications for its first cohort. This distance-delivered offering is fully synchronous, and students will attend classes remotely at the same time as on-campus students. Courses required for the degree include:

• Teaching and Pedagogy
• Systematic Reviews
• Advanced Research and Grantwriting
• Secondary Data Analysis

During the first two years of the program, week-long on-campus visits are required each semester. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities has accredited the University of Utah to award this online doctorate in social work.

• Affordability
• More interactive
• Top-rated public school
• Multiple visits to campus required
• Less flexible

About PhD in Social Work Online Programs

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that jobs for social workers will grow by 7% between 2022 and 2032. That’s faster than average compared to other occupations in the United States. A PhD in social work can prepare social workers to take on top leadership roles in this field, including those in clinical practice, research, and teaching.

While somewhat rare, online doctoral programs in social work do exist. These convenient degree programs enable students to earn their credentials from anywhere in the world and complete their coursework on their own schedule. It’s important to point out, though, that most (not all) of these programs require on-campus residencies. Be sure to read the fine print.

Types of Online Doctorates in Social Work

If you’re considering an online doctoral degree in social work, you need to know that not all of these programs are the same. Although they share a lot in common, certain details will vary from one school to the next, and these specifics could make or break your learning experience. Here are some of the different types of social work programs at the doctoral level.

PhD Versus DSW Programs

If you’re pursuing an online social work doctorate, it’s likely a PhD or DSW program. These programs are similar but have a different focus. PhD programs prepare graduates to work as researchers or professors in the field of social work. DSW programs provide the foundation for advanced social work practice in clinical settings.

Fully Online Versus Hybrid Degrees

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a doctoral degree program in social work that can be completed entirely online, though it is possible. Most programs that are advertised as online doctorates actually require some campus visits. If your schedule requires a full courseload of online classes only, be sure to confirm this with an admissions counselor prior to enrollment.

Part-Time Versus Full-Time Programs

You may find that the social work doctorate you’re considering is offered on a full-time or part-time basis. This is an important consideration as it will dictate how much time you need to spend on your coursework each week. It will also determine how long it takes you to complete your program. For instance, full-time programs require a bigger time commitment in the short term but allow you to earn your degree faster.

Admissions Requirements for Online PhD Social Work Programs

Another significant consideration when deciding which online PhD in social work to pursue is admissions requirements. It’s easy to make the mistake of thinking that all admissions requirements are the same for these types of programs, but that isn’t the case. You’ll need to visit the school’s website for specific admissions details. Still, there are some common requirements you can expect to see. These may include:

• Master’s in social work from a CSWE-accredited program
• Minimum GPA (usually 3.0 or higher)
• Writing sample
• Professional resume
• Personal statement or essay
• Letters of recommendation

It’s okay to apply to more than one program but keep in mind that you will need to pay application fees to each school you apply to.

Online Doctorate in Social Work: Curriculum

When considering a degree program of any kind, it’s normal to ask the question: “What will I study?” Still, it can be a challenging question to answer without knowing the exact program or school you’ll be attending. After all, curriculum details for doctoral programs in social work can vary considerably depending on the program you choose. Still, some overlap can be expected. Below, we’ll list some common course titles and topics that comprise these types of doctoral programs.

Sample Doctoral Courses in Social Work

• Social and Behavioral Intervention Research
• Philosophy of Science and Knowledge Development
• Statistical Methods in Education, Psychology, and Social Work
• Seminar in Professional Social Work Issues
• Public Service and Social Change
• Conceptualizing Social Problems to Inform Intervention
• Explanatory Theories for Larger Social Systems
• Policy Analysis and Advocacy in Comparative Social Policy Context
• Intellectual Foundations of Social Welfare and Social Work

Online PhD in Social Work: Concentrations

One way you can customize your curriculum for a doctorate in social work is to elect a concentration. Not all programs offer this option, but some do. Here are some of the available concentrations for social work doctoral studies.

• Advanced Practice
• Social Policy and Policy Analysis
• Social Policy and Administration
• Social Work Practice Scholarship
• Social Planning, Policy, and Administration
• Public Health
• Social Work Education
• Family Violence

Note that this is not an exhaustive list, and not all of these concentrations will be available online.

Even if the school you choose doesn’t offer formal concentrations, keep in mind that some will allow you to design your own course of study alongside a faculty advisor.

Frequently-Asked Questions Regarding Online Social Work PhDs

If you’re thinking about pursuing a terminal degree in social work, it’s likely you have questions. Below, our editors will try to answer some of the common questions students tend to have about these types of programs. It’s best to speak to an enrollment counselor or other school officials for specific information about a particular school or program.

Q: How long does it take to earn a doctorate in social work online?

A: Time to completion will vary by program and course load. Some accelerated PhDs in social work are also available. Most programs will require between three and four years of study.

Q: How much does it cost to get a social work PhD?

A: Tuition for schools offering a doctoral degree in social work can vary widely. During the research phase for this ranking, our editors discovered programs for less than $7,500 per year as well as those exceeding $66,000 per year.

Q: Do doctoral programs in social work require dissertations?

A: Some do. It depends on the program you choose. PhD programs in social work are more likely to require a dissertation compared to a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program.

Career Questions for Online Doctorates in Social Work

Q: how much will i make with a doctorate in social work.

A: Your exact pay will depend on your employer and where you work. Still, PayScale.com reports the average wage for individuals with a PhD in social work to be $95,000 per year.

Q: Are social work jobs in demand?

A: Yes! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in this field are currently growing faster than average.

Q: What professional organizations should I join in social work?

A: There are numerous professional associations in social work to consider. Some of the most established groups include:

• National Association of Social Workers
• Clinical Social Work Association
• Society for Social Work and Research
• Council on Social Work Education
• National Center for Education Statistics: College Navigator
• PayScale.com: College ROI
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Highest Paying Social Work Jobs
• Top 10 Affordable Online Master’s in Social Work
• 10 Accelerated Online MSW Programs