phd social work in canada

Last Updated on December 15, 2022

Learn how to be successful in your social work doctoral program by researching the top PhD programs in the field of social work. Receive expert advice on how to choose a PhD program, find admission and scholarship information, and get guidance on writing personal statements.

doctor of social work programs canada

Social Work PhD programs are designed for current social workers and those with MSW degrees who wish take their knowledge and skills to the next level. Depending on the program, students may prepare for clinical work, research, teaching or to advance public policy.

Although doctoral social work programs do not lead to a different level of licensure for social workers, you may opt to earn your degree to potentially further your career or as part of continued professional development.

What are the Advanced Degrees in Social Work?

While the Master of Social Work (MSW) is generally considered a terminal degree, earning a doctorate in social work degree could help you advance your practice or prepare to teach at the postsecondary level (according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics). Within social work doctoral programs, the two main terminal degrees are the DSW and the PhD Social Work degree.

The Doctor of Social Work, abbreviated DSW, is a professional doctorate in social work. The Social Work PhD is an academic degree. Each may therefore be better suited to different goals.

best phd social work programs in canada

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ProgramInstitutionDegree Awarded
Christian Social WorkMiami Christian UniversityPhD
Doctorate in Social Work – DSWUniversity of St. Thomas (MN)DSW
Doctorate in Social Work – DSWSt. Catherine UniversityDSW
Clinical Social Work Ph.D. Distance Learning ProgramInstitute for Clinical Social WorkPhD
Doctor of Social WorkWalla Walla UniversityN/A
Doctor of Social Work (D.S.W.) – Social Work AdministrationWalden UniversityN/A

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Potential Admission Requirements for PhD Social Work & DSW Programs

While admission procedures vary between graduate schools for social work, prospective DSW and PhD social work candidates usually need the following.Read More

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uBC social work phd

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Work program at UBC Vancouver provides opportunities for advanced scholarship, contributing transformative knowledge through research relevant to social work theory, practice, policy, social development, and administration.

The PhD program is for students with a background in social work, giving them an opportunity for advanced scholarship and professional growth in the context of a research-intensive program.

The program provides critical components for professional practice in research, policy analysis, and human service management.

In addition to making an original contribution to social work knowledge, you will be prepared for university teaching and research (theoretical and applied), including program evaluation.

A research-based dissertation adding to the field’s knowledge base is the capstone of this program.

university of toronto phd social work

The purpose of the PhD program at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work doctoral program is to prepare students for leadership roles in social work education, research, and the community. Students are admitted to the PhD program on the bases of prior scholarly and professional achievements. Applicants who have been involved in research and who have a record of publications are rated highly for consideration for admission. These admission criteria acknowledge that the PhD in Social Work is a research degree located in a university, which emphasizes research excellence for all of its graduate programs.

Through scholarship, research, and mastery of substantive areas of study, the objectives of the program require student competence in the following:

  • conduct social work research using a range of paradigms and methods;
  • conduct research that both informs and advances social work knowledge and performance in areas of direct practice, community intervention, and policy development;
  • demonstrate a broad understanding of the major practice and policy issues in social welfare and the profession of social work;
  • substantive knowledge of a field of social work (defined by students’ research interests), which results in the articulation of important empirical questions.

Enrolment in the Faculty of Social Work entails adherence to the standards of professional behaviour for the social work profession set forth in the Social Work Code of Ethics of the Canadian Association of Social Workers.

Combined Degree Programs

Students may also be interested in:

university of manitoba phd social work

To earn your PhD, you must demonstrate an ability for independent investigation, original research or creative scholarship. You will be expected to write a thesis and you will be tested in an oral examination where you exhibit mastery of your field of study.

Expected duration: 4 to 6 years

Tuition and fees: Two years tuition, then continuing fees in subsequent years (refer to Graduate tuition and fees)

You must contract with an advisor upon admission. An advisory committee that includes your advisor and two additional members will be appointed to assist the you in developing a study plan and to supervise your research.

Course work

You must complete 24 credit hours of approved 7000 level course work beyond the Master of Social Work degree.

You will select your courses in consultation with your advisory committee to further your specialized program of study. We strongly recommend that you include courses focusing on both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The PhD Program Committee must approve your course selection.

This program is only available through in-person instruction. We do not offer graduate programs through distance delivery or online learning. During the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person classes are held over Zoom.

Candidacy examination

The candidacy examination should be taken within a year of completion of coursework. The candidacy examination consists of a major paper on a topic within your general area of study and an oral examination of the topic covered in the paper. A candidacy examination committee will be appointed when you begin to prepare for your candidacy examination. This three-person committee, which includes your advisor, is responsible for administering the candidacy examination.

Dissertation research

Your PhD advisory committee, chaired by your thesis advisor, provides advice and guidance in the development of the proposal for the dissertation and during the ongoing research phase. Normally, advisory committee members become members of the examining committee for the dissertation during the final examination for the PhD degree.

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