PhD in Social Work in Boston United States | Boston University

Their students cultivate essential skills that are fundamental to modern social work practice, education, and research. The vital connections between social work and social science research, theory, and application draw from faculty strengths and specialized knowledge, expanding through cross-disciplinary partnerships and proficiency in fields like healthcare, mental health, trauma, addiction, child welfare, and gerontology. The PhD in Social Work program enables students to collaborate with and gain insights from these experts while pursuing a flexible, multi-method academic path.

The foundational curriculum emphasizes mixed-method training, a commitment to social work principles and equity-focused perspectives, and preparation for teaching excellence. Students enhance their understanding through practical teaching experiences, focused specialization development, and guided research mentorship. These interconnected opportunities create a robust framework for leadership roles in academia, policy, research, and professional practice.

The PhD in Social Work is an intensive, full-time program structured to foster advanced proficiency in social work ethics, theoretical frameworks, research methodologies, interdisciplinary specialization, and instructional techniques.

This 63-credit PhD program spans four semesters (two years), requiring at least 27 research method credits (covering quantitative and qualitative approaches), 12 specialization credits, 16 core social work credits, and 8 credits dedicated to teaching pedagogy and training.