Department of Social Work and Social Ecology
PhD in social policy and social research
Mission
The doctoral program in social policy and social research builds on the distinctive educational philosophy of "whole person care" to impact the study by integrating content from social sciences, social policy, social ethics, and social research for the purpose of enhancing human potential through the design and delivery of effective service delivery systems. Emphasis is placed on providing students with the theoretical and methodological knowledge and professional skills needed to conduct innovative and interdisciplinary research that informs practice in health and social service settings. Graduates of the program are prepared for advanced administrative and research roles in national and international health and human services, policy development and analysis, and education.
Goals
The social work faculty assert the following program goals:
- To emphasize the development of scholar-practitioner guided by moral foundations and the values and ethics of scientific inquiry and competent practice;
- To instill in students a high priority for research, knowledge development, and dissemination that demonstrates respect and appreciation for the needs and issues inherent in human diversity and at-risk population, and promotion of social and economic justice;
- To foster in its graduates a commitment to apply their intellectual achievements and professional skills to health and human services institutions for the purpose of human betterment;
- To prepare instruct students in the integration of advanced concepts from social science theory, social ethics and social policy;
- To prepare students for a high level of competence in social research methods, statistical analysis, information technology, and communication; and
- To cultivate in graduates the desire to become thoughtful and inquisitive scholars of social policy and to commit to the values underpinning human services and social action.
Admissions requirements
Students with a demonstrated commitment to health and human services may apply for admission to the doctor of philosophy degree program. Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the School of Science and Technology as described in the current edition of the University Catalog.
Additional requirements include:
- Master's degree from an accredited institution in social or behavioral science;
- Evidence of adequate academic preparation in graduation education;
- Strong intellectual abilities including background in social science and statistics;
- Commitment to advancing the knowledge in an area of social policy;
- Professional experience and achievement that demonstrates competence, motivation to complete doctoral education in a timely manner, organization, and leadership;
- Structured admission's interview
- Sample of writing in the form of a published article, academic or professional paper prepared for a research purpose;
- Satisfactory performance on the GRE (Graduate Record Examination); and
- Curriculum vita
- Completion of 104 units
- Completion of research course work and dissertation
To prospective students