One Admission – Two Degrees
The combined MSW/PhD is a program that allows a single application and admission process. The PhD Program is for people who are interested in making a difference through practice informed research. We are preparing the next generation of social work scholars.
Eligibility
Applicants with a master’s degree in a related field or applicants with a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field are eligible to apply. Successful applicants among those whose highest degree is the bachelor’s must meet the following criteria.:
- 3.5 undergraduate GPA; and
- Have a B- or better in a research and a statistics class.

Estimated timeline to Degree Completion
- MSW Degree: 1 to 2 years
- PhD Coursework: 2 years
- Candidacy: 6 months to 1 year
- Dissertation: 1 to 2 years
- Total: 4.5-7 years
Funding
MSW/PhD students are eligible for a 25% or Graduate Research Associate (GRA) position during the MSW portion of their degree. These positions cover 50% of tuition costs and provide a stipend for 10 hours of work per week for nine months. Once in the PhD portion, students are eligible for a 50% GRA with tuition coverage in exchange for 20 hours of work per week for nine months.

Questions
For general questions about the MSW, please contact the MSW Office at msw@osu.edu.
For questions about the PhD Curriculum, please contact Dr. Mo Yee Lee, PhD Program Director, lee.355@osu.edu.
For questions about the MSW+PhD application or general questions about the PhD Program, please contact Jennifer Nakayama, PhD Coordinator, at nakayama.7@osu.edu or 614-292-6188.