PhD in Social Work

About this programme

The Social Work Doctoral program graduates highly qualified social work researchers, educators and leaders. Courses: Required core courses (15 units) include Theory, History and Philosophy: Values, Ethics and Professional Beliefs; Research Foundations: Epistemology and Professional Knowledge-Building; Research Methods I: Quantitative; Research Methods II: Qualitative and Integrative Research Colloquia. Students must also complete 4 elective courses (12 units) relevant to their area of research. Research Proposal: Students must have their dissertation proposal approved by their supervisory committee prior to applying for ethics certification and Field of Study Exam. Portfolio: Students must have their portfolio approved by their supervisory committee at least 3 months before the Field of Study Exam. Field of Study Exam: This includes a written and oral component, both of which must be completed to the satisfaction of the examining committee. Dissertation: Students conduct original research and prepare a written dissertation which is evaluated and is orally defended before an examination committee. Post-secondary academia, government, research, hospitals/community health centers, mental health clinics, schools, non-profit/advocacy groups, social service/child welfare/family service agencies, employee assistance programs, private counselling, consulting. Completing the PhD does not qualify students to register with the Alberta College of Social Workers (CSW) unless they hold an accredited BSW or MSW.