The doctoral program moves students from classroom learning to independent research and scholarship and consists of three phases: coursework, the candidacy exam, and the dissertation. Coursework provides the foundation. The candidacy exam demonstrates your mastery of the foundations and preparedness for beginning the dissertation. The dissertation is an independent, yet faculty committee mentored, major research project culminating in a book-length thesis.
The following summarizes the hours required to complete the doctoral program.
30 hours - Required Social Work hours (see required Social Work courses for course information)
20 hours - Other required hours
5 hours - Electives – may be taken in outside departments
6 hours - Advanced research/statistics – may be taken in outside departments
9 hours - Specialization – must include two courses outside Social Work
50 hours - Subtotal = Actual required hours in the doctoral program
30 hours - The Graduate School will apply 30 hours to acknowledge an earned Master's degree.
These hours will be applied at the time of initial enrollment or completion of a Master's degree.
80 hours - Grand Total required hours (50 doctoral program hours + 30 for acknowleding the Master's degree)
Curriculum Overview
Doctoral Coures
Curriculum Timeline
Graduate School
Core Courses
Specialization Courses (13-16)
Electives (4-7)
Candidacy Exam (must register for at least 3 credit hours) --
Dissertation Hours (6)
Total = 75 + 45 hours from the Master’s Degree = 120