PhD ProgramAdmissions

Get Ready to Take the First Step
Toward Earning Your PhD

All application documents for admission consideration for Autumn 2026 must have been received and considered complete by Dec. 3 (tentative deadline).

We are unable to consider incomplete applications or applications initiated after the deadline.

The PhD and MSW+PhD programs admit students for in-person Autumn semester only.

- Online Ohio State Application:
  - Graduate Level Application or
  - Graduate Intra-University Transfer Application
- 2026 PhD and MSW-PhD Admission and Funding application (create a document)
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Background and Professional Goals Statement
  - PhD statement for all applicants
  - MSW statement for MSW+PhD applicants not currently enrolled in OSU’s MSW
- Field Evaluation or Letter Summarizing Performance for ASAP eligible MSW-PhD Applicants
- Academic (preferred) or professional writing sample
- TOEFL or other English scores for international applicants
- Three (3) letters of recommendation
- Transcripts from every post-secondary institution attended
For application preparation guidelines see – Application Instructions for the PhD and MSW+PhD

MSW+PhD applicants who have a master’s degree in a related field need only submit a completed application for consideration.

MSW+PhD applicants whose highest degree is a bachelor’s need to meet the following eligibility requirements for admission consideration:

Learn more about the MSW+PhD program