Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work Program (PhD)
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Sample Full Time Plan | Sample Part Time Plan | Application Materials
2009-2010 Phd Handbook (PDF)
Like many other states, Missouri faces a number of socioeconomic and demographic challenges resulting in the need for new, effective social services. MU’s Social Work PhD program is the only program located in a Missouri public higher education institution. The PhD program prepares researchers and scholars trained at the highest level of competence as educators and researchers with knowledge and skills to inform policy making, program development and evaluation, and research on clinical practice issues. The program builds upon MU’s mission of service to the state as a land-grant university and extends it into the 21st century. The research focus of the MU doctoral program is in keeping with MU’s stature as a Carnegie Doctoral/Research Extensive institution and a member of the Association of American Universities, The School is also a member of the St. Louis Group for Excellence in Social Work Research and Education, an elite group of research oriented schools of social work.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the PhD program is limited and determined on a competitive basis. The doctoral faculty of the School, sitting as a committee as a whole, makes admission decisions. All completed applications received by January 15 will be reviewed concurrently for Fall admission. If additional slots are available after that time, applications will be reviewed as received. Criteria used in assessing an applicant’s qualifications include all of the following:
- A Master of Social Work degree or related masters is required. Applicants without the MSW must take a minimum of 12 credit hours of MSW course work.
- A minimum grade point average of 3.0 for the final 60 hours of the baccalaureate degree generally will be required. A minimum 3.5 GPA for graduate work will be required.
- A current Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required. No specific numeric threshold is required; however a typical score for social work PhD applicants exceeds 1200 on three scales. The TOEFL will be required for international students who have English as a second language.
- Three letters of recommendation are required. (Two from individuals with earned doctorates.)
- A professional resume highlighting social work experience is required. There is no specific requirement regarding experience, however, a minimum of two years’ postmasters practice experience is encouraged.
- A writing proficiency sample is required (e.g., previous publication or academic paper).
- A personal interview is required, and if possible, will be arranged at MU. A telephone interview may be utilized in some cases.
Graduation Requirements
The PhD curriculum consists of a minimum of 51 post MSW semester credit hours divided among three distinct but highly interrelated elements designed to complement one another in assisting students to achieve the competencies expected of a graduate of this program. A core of social work courses provides the foundation in the traditions and knowledge in the profession and exposure to state- of-the-art research and techniques for the 21st century. Electives from the broad spectrum of social and behavioral sciences offering available through MU departments provide students with the opportunity to design an individualized program of study that capitalizes on their unique interests and talents. A strong regimen of research methodology, theory and policy analysis are design to prepare students for use of both current and emerging methods of scientific inquiry. The policy of the MU Graduate School is that students have 5 years to complete their coursework and 5 years beyond the comprehensive exam in which to complete the dissertation.
Students without a MSW degree (12 hours)
Students entering the program who do not have an MSW degree are required to take up to 12 hours of Graduate Social Work Foundation coursework prior to beginning doctoral studies. These hours must be taken from the first year plan of study in the MSW curriculum.
Social Work courses (20 credit hours)
The School of Social Work offers courses in theory, research methods, and policy as a foundation for building more specialized knowledge. Other components include a research practicum, dissertation seminar, and dissertation hours. Elective opportunities may be offered including independent study or an additional research practicum with a faculty mentor.
Elective Courses (15 hours)
In consultation with the advisor and with approval of the committee a regimen comprising a minimum of 5 elective courses from social and behavioral sciences, one of which must be a research design and methodology course are required. The individualized plan of study may concentrate in one discipline or field or may be an interdisciplinary support area depending on the student's area of specialization and research emphasis.
Statistics (6 hours)
A minimum of 6 hours of statistic courses are required. The coursework may be taken within the School of Social Work or in other departments.
Sample PhD Study Plan - Full Time (9 hours per Semester)
SESSION I (9 hours) - Fall
Knowledge Building I - SW 9100
Research Methodology and Design- SW 9300
Statistics
SESSION II (9 hours) - Spring
Macro Social Theory - SW 9400
Social Welfare Policy - SW 9700
Advanced Statistics
SESSION III (3 hours) - Summer
Elective
August 15 (date may vary) Qualifying Examination – No credit earned -conducted in two full days on campus. Following successful completion of your exam, you may choose and chair and form a committee.
SESSION IV (9 hours) - Fall
Research Application I
Dissertation Seminar
Elective
SESSION V (9 hours) - Spring
Elective
Elective
Elective
Following substantial completion of required coursework; a Comprehensive Exam (no credit hours earned) will be scheduled with your chair and committee. Upon successful completion of the exam, your schedule will be set with your committee.
After the completion of all required coursework and the comprehensive exam requirement, students must then continue to enroll in enough hours to meet the continuous enrollment requirements and complete a minimum of 12 hours of dissertation credit.
SESSION VI (1-9 credit hours) - Summer
Dissertation Hours
Remaining Semesters as Necessary
Dissertation Hours
Sample PhD Study Plan - Part Time (6 hours per Semester)
SESSION I (6 hours) - Fall
Knowledge Building I - SW 9100
Research Methods - SW 9300
SESSION II (6 hours) - Spring
Knowledge Building II - SW 9400
Social Welfare Policy - SW 9700
SESSION III (3 hours) - Summer
Elective
August 15 (date may vary) Qualifying Examination – No credit earned -conducted in two full days on campus. Following successful completion of your exam, you may choose and chair and form a committee.
SESSION IV (6 hours) - Fall
Elective
Statistics
SESSION V (6 hours) - Spring
Advance Statistics
Elective
SESSION VI (6 hours) - Fall
Dissertation Seminar
Research Application I
SESSION VII (6 hours) - Spring
Elective
Elective
Following substantial completion of required coursework; a Comprehensive Exam (no credit hours earned) will be scheduled with your chair and committee. Upon successful completion of the exam, your schedule will be set with your committee.
After the completion of all required coursework and the comprehensive exam requirement, students must then continue to enroll in enough hours to meet the continuous enrollment requirements and complete a minimum of 12 hours of dissertation credit.
SESSION VIII (1-9 credit hours) - Summer
Dissertation Hours
Remaining Semesters as Necessary
Dissertation Hours
Application Materials
Admission to the PhD program requires acceptance by the School of Social Work and admission to the Graduate School. Students are encouraged to submit applications early.
The following items must be submitted directly to the Graduate Admission Office:
Graduate Admissions
210 Jesse Hall
Columbia, MO 65211
- Graduate School Online Application for Admission
- Official Transcripts
- Official GRE Scores sent directly from the Educational Testing Service to the Graduate Admission Office.
The following items must be submitted directly to the School of Social Work for review:
Lisa Thomas - Doctoral Program Secretary
School of Social Work
724 Clark Hall
Columbia, MO 65211
- Three letters of Recommendation - at least two of your designated references must have earned doctorates. The letters of recommendation must arrive sealed at the School of Social Work.
- Personal Statement of Interest (3-5 pages)
- Resume
- Professional Writing Sample
School of Social Work
University of Missouri
724 Clark Hall
Columbia, MO 65211
Phone: (573) 884-1438
FAX: (573) 882-8926
e-mail:thomaslm@missouri.edu