Program structure

The University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW) offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program designed to prepare graduates for careers as scholars and educators in social work. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary research, advanced methodological training, and the development of theoretical frameworks to address complex social issues.

Program Structure:

• Duration: Typically 4-5 years for full-time students.

• Coursework:

  • Core Courses: Focus on advanced research methods, data analysis, and social work theory.
  • Electives: Selected in consultation with advisors, including at least one advanced statistics or research methodology course, one theory course related to the student's area of interest, and one course outside the School of Social Work.

• Research Practicum: Hands-on experience in research settings, allowing students to apply learned methodologies.

• Comprehensive Examination: Assesses mastery of core content and readiness for dissertation research.

• Dissertation: Original research contributing to the field of social work, culminating in a written dissertation and oral defense.

Enrollment Options:

• Full-Time: Enables faster progression through coursework and program milestones. Full-time students are eligible for Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs), which provide stipends, tuition remission, and health insurance.

• Part-Time: Allows students to balance employment with doctoral studies, typically extending the program duration. Part-time students may receive tuition remission but are not eligible for stipends or health insurance.

Additional Opportunities:

• Teaching Experience: Courses such as SOWK 835 (Theory & Practice of Social Work Teaching) prepare students for academic roles.

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: UMSSW's location on an academic health science and human services campus fosters collaboration across various disciplines.

For detailed information on the program, including application requirements and funding opportunities, please visit the UMSSW PhD Program webpage.

Fees and Funding

The University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW) offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program with various funding opportunities to support doctoral students.

Tuition and Fees ( Based On Academic Year 2024-2025):

• Maryland Residents:

  • Tuition: $11,484 per year
  • Mandatory Fees: $2,095 per year
  • Total (excluding additional expenses): $13,579 per year

• Non-Residents:

  • Tuition: $19,836 per year
  • Mandatory Fees: $2,095 per year
  • Total (excluding additional expenses): $21,931 per year

Note: These figures do not include costs for books, supplies, health insurance, transportation, and living expenses. For a detailed breakdown, refer to the Cost of Attendance for Social Work PhD.

Funding Opportunities:

• Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs):

  • All accepted full-time PhD students are eligible for GRAs, pairing them with faculty members to support research.
  • Full-time assistantships (20 hours/week) provide:
    • Stipend: $24,900 (10-month) or $29,800 (12-month)
    • Tuition remission for fall and spring semesters
    • Health insurance
  • Part-time students may receive tuition remission but are not eligible for stipends or health insurance.
  • Continuation of GRA support is contingent upon satisfactory academic progress.
  • For more details, visit UMSSW Funding and Support.

• Awards and Scholarships:

  • Jeong Kong and Sunmi Jin Memorial Award:
    • Up to $2,000; preference for students on F-1 visas.
  • Susan J. Zuravin PhD Scholarship:
    • $3,000 annually for students interested in child welfare research.
  • Grand Challenges for Social Work Award:
    • Recognizes students advancing the Grand Challenges in their work.
  • Application deadlines and eligibility criteria vary.
  • Additional information is available at UMSSW Awards and Scholarships.

• Travel Fellowships:

  • Support for conference attendance, with priority for students presenting papers or posters.

• Dissertation Support:

  • Funds available to assist with dissertation research expenses.

Financial Aid:

• Federal Student Loans:
  • Eligible students can apply for federal loans by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  • For more information, refer to UMB Financial Aid.

Prospective students are encouraged to contact UMSSW's Office of Admissions and Student Services to explore funding opportunities and financial aid options tailored to their needs.

Scholarship Guidance

The University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW) offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program with various scholarships and awards to support doctoral students in their academic and research endeavors.

Available Scholarships and Awards:

• The Donna Harrington Fellowship Award:

  • Recognizes outstanding leadership and mentorship, providing up to $2,000 to current pre-candidacy PhD students.

• The Jeongseok Kong & Sunmi Jin Memorial PhD Endowment:

  • Enhances research skills by covering expenses such as conference travel, books, and software, offering up to $2,000. Preference is given to students on F-1 visas.

• The Susan J. Zuravin PhD Scholarship:

  • Awards $3,000 annually to PhD students interested in child welfare research and evaluation.

• Grand Challenges for Social Work Award:

  • Provides $2,000 to PhD students advancing one of the Grand Challenges for Social Work in their research.

• The Nikki R. Wooten Dissertation Award:

  • Offers up to $1,000 to doctoral candidates conducting dissertation research focused on military, veterans, or vulnerable populations.

Application Process:

• Eligibility: Varies by award; generally requires good academic standing and specific research interests.
• Deadlines: Most applications are due by April 1; specific dates are provided on the UMSSW website.
• Submission: Detailed application instructions are available on the UMSSW Awards and Scholarships page.

Prospective and current PhD students are encouraged to explore these opportunities to support their academic and research activities.

Admission Requirements

The University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW) offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program designed to develop interdisciplinary researchers and exemplary social work scholars and educators. The program emphasizes rigorous research training and the advancement of social work knowledge.

Admission Requirements:

• Educational Background:

  • A Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a regionally accredited institution is required prior to enrollment. Current MSW students may apply if their degree will be conferred before beginning the PhD program.

• Professional Experience:

  • While not mandatory, at least two years of post-MSW practice experience is preferred.

• Academic Performance:

  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in previous graduate coursework is expected.

• Standardized Tests:

  • The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for admission to the PhD program.

• English Language Proficiency:

  • Applicants whose native language is not English must submit official scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test. Minimum required scores are:
    • TOEFL: 80 (Internet-based)
    • IELTS: 7.0
    • Duolingo English Test: 115 This requirement applies even if the applicant has completed a master's degree in the U.S.

Application Materials:

• Online Application:

  • Complete and submit the online application form through the UMSSW Admissions Portal.

• Application Fee:

  • A non-refundable fee of $75 is required.

• Official Transcripts:

  • Provide transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, including non-degree coursework and courses in progress. Unofficial copies may be submitted for initial review, but official transcripts are required upon admission.

• Letters of Recommendation:

  • Three recommendations from professors or supervisors who can attest to the applicant's academic performance and potential for doctoral studies.

• Statement of Goals and Objectives:

  • A 300-500 word essay detailing academic and professional career goals, and objectives for pursuing doctoral study.

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume:

  • An updated CV or resume outlining educational background, professional experience, publications, and any relevant accomplishments.

Application Deadline:

• Applications for Fall admission are due by January 5 of the same yeat.

Prospective students are encouraged to contact UMSSW's Office of Admissions for personalized guidance on the application process and to explore funding opportunities.

Application Procedure

The University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW) offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program designed to prepare graduates for careers as interdisciplinary researchers and educators in the field of social work. The program emphasizes rigorous research training and the development of theoretical frameworks to address complex social issues.

Application Process:

1. Online Application:

   • Complete and submit the online application through the UMSSW Admissions Portal.
   • A non-refundable application fee of $75 is required.

2. Official Transcripts:

   • Provide official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
   • Transcripts should be sent directly to the University of Maryland, Baltimore Graduate School.

3. Letters of Recommendation:

   • Submit three letters of recommendation from individuals who can assess your conceptual, analytic, and research skills, as well as your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to social work problems.

4. Statement of Goals and Objectives:

   • Write a 300-500 word essay detailing your academic and professional career goals, and your objectives for pursuing doctoral study.

5. Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume:

   • Include an updated CV or resume outlining your educational background, professional experience, publications, and any relevant accomplishments.

6. English Language Proficiency (for International Applicants):

   • Non-native English speakers must submit official scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test. Minimum required scores are:
     • TOEFL: 80 (Internet-based)
     • IELTS: 7.0
     • Duolingo English Test: 115
   • This requirement applies even if the applicant has completed a master's degree in the U.S.

Application Deadline:

• Applications for Fall 2025 admission are due by January 5.

Prospective students are encouraged to contact UMSSW's Office of Admissions for personalized guidance on the application process and to explore funding opportunities.