Ph.D. in Social Work

Ph.D. Admissions

We are pleased that you are interested in our Ph.D. program in social work. Our school is consistently ranked in the top 10 in the nation, and the doctoral program is a significant reason for that success. Our program has received national and international acclaim for developing innovative and productive social work scholars who appreciate a strengths perspective and a community-based approach to human service.

We have 27 outstanding doctoral faculty members. Our grants for research and training total more than $6 million in aging, child welfare, children’s mental health, corrections, cultural diversity issues, adult mental health and other areas.. Most of our graduates have taken academic faculty positions or leadership positions as researchers.

Our students come from diverse backgrounds, interests, parts of the country and regions of the world. The decision about where to pursue doctoral study has a major impact on one's life and scholarly career. We hope that you will consider seriously the School of Social Welfare at the University of Kansas as the place to advance your doctoral studies. Our program, the university and the surrounding community provide an outstanding environment for scholarly and personal development.

As you continue to explore the Ph.D. program, you will discover that our doctoral program is exceptional due to its strong commitment to the profession of social work and vulnerable populations, rigorous educational preparation of students, numerous financial and faculty support opportunities for students, and excellent faculty and research resources.