PhD in Social Welfare in NYC

CSWE does not accredit research doctorate programs such as the PhD. Wurzweiler’s MSW program is CSWE-accredited, and Yeshiva University is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

The PhD in Social Welfare requires 51 credits of coursework. Students must also pass the comprehensive examination, successfully defend their dissertation proposal and complete and defend an original dissertation.

Most students complete the PhD within approximately six years. The recommended timeline allows full-time students to complete their pre- and post-comprehensive-exam coursework within three years and part-time students within five years. All degree requirements ordinarily must be completed within eight years of admission.

Yes. PhD courses are offered online, allowing students to participate from locations beyond New York City. Depending on the course, instruction may be delivered live online, asynchronously or through a combination of both formats.

Live Virtual courses meet online at scheduled times, allowing students to interact with faculty and classmates in real time. Some PhD courses may also incorporate asynchronous instruction or independent online coursework.

Yes. Students may pursue the program on a full-time or part-time basis, allowing working professionals to select a pace that fits their responsibilities and academic goals.

Classes are largely scheduled during evening hours (Monday through Thursday) to accommodate students who continue working while completing the program. Specific schedules may vary by semester and course.

The program offers fall and spring entry terms. Prospective students can consult the admissions team for current application deadlines.

No. Wurzweiler School of Social Work does not require GRE scores for admission. Applicants can review the current admissions requirements for information about transcripts, recommendations and other application materials.

The curriculum integrates social work research, theory, policy and practice. Courses cover including: quantitative and qualitative research, social policy, social work theory, and grant writing.

Students sit for the comprehensive examination after completing the 24-credit Pre-Comp curriculum. The examination assesses students’ mastery of foundational research and theory coursework and must be passed before students continue into the Post-Comp phase.

Students develop their research proposal through two proposal seminars and work with a dissertation chair and faculty committee. After defending the proposal and receiving Institutional Review Board approval, students conduct their research, analyze their findings, write the dissertation and complete a final defense. Students may pursue a traditional dissertation or a three-paper dissertation composed of interrelated publishable studies.

PhD students receive guidance from faculty, doctoral program leadership and a dedicated Associate Director of Advising and Advocacy. During the dissertation process, students work closely with a dissertation chair and committee. Throughout the program, PhD students can work with the Wurzweiler Writing Consultants for academic writing support.

The PhD prepares graduates for careers in academia, research, public policy, administration and social work leadership. Graduates may become professors, researchers, policy analysts, program evaluators, research directors, higher education administrators, nonprofit executives, government leaders and research or policy consultants.

The PhD is research-intensive and prepares students to generate original scholarship for careers in research, and higher education. The DSW is a clinically focused practice doctorate emphasizing advanced practice, applied scholarship, supervision and leadership; Wurzweiler’s DSW culminates in an applied scholarly project rather than a traditional dissertation.

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Incoming applicants are automatically considered for Wurzweiler’s internal scholarships when they submit a completed application. Students may also explore external scholarships and other financial aid options through Yeshiva University.

Full time students who are not employed full time can complete the program in 3-4 years.

All students are advised by the Associate Director for Academic Advising and Advocacy.

Many PhD students pursue topics related to clinical social work. Students can take electives that advance their theoretical and methodological learning to address clinical issues.

Yes! Applicants with a master’s degree in a related field have the opportunity to apply for the PhD program.

Prior research experience helps, but is not a requirement for application.

The Admissions Committee considers your GPA from undergraduate and graduate studies. Applicant’s personal statement and professional recommendations are is an important factors in the application review.

The WSSW PhD program has students from across the globe. As the program is primarily online, we do not sponsor student visas.

It is possible to transfer a limited number of credits from another institution. Such requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Current PhD students have the opportunity to gain research and teaching experience. Students should meet with the PhD Program Director to discuss.

The PhD program’s student body come from a range of social and , cultural backgrounds. Many students reside in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, with other students from across the United States, and other countries including Canada and Israel.