PhD Degree
The Center for Social Work Education at Widener University is proud to offer a Ph.D. program in Social Work. Our goal is to develop academic leaders with skill and expertise in scholarly research, teaching, and advanced clinical practice and theory. As leaders in the profession, our doctoral graduates will actively contribute to the advancement of knowledge in social work practice and the provision of social services.
Our Ph.D. program is unique to the Philadelphia region. We are the only university in the metro area offering a third-year seminar in social work teaching. Widener's innovative, student-friendly approach provides the following benefits:
Small Classes and Selective Admissions
Only six to eight students are admitted to this cohort-based program each year, maintaining a favorable faculty-to-student ratio and promoting timely completion of the program.
Earn a doctorate while you work — on a flexible schedule
The program is designed specifically for experienced working professionals who will complete their Ph.D. while practicing in the field. Coursework will integrate practice experience with theory and research.
Program Completion is Five Years
Matriculation is part-time only. Students must take two, three-credit-hour courses per semester for three semesters (i.e. including summers), over the course of three consecutive years. The program is designed to support students fulfilling all dissertation requirements within a two-year period following the completion of coursework.
Access to Outstanding Resources at the School of Human Service Professions
Students experience the advantage of interdisciplinary study as they address the problems and interventions employed in social work practice.
Faculty Mentors Ensure your Success
Mentoring relationships with faculty and a targeted curriculum will facilitate a collaborative educational experience and successful completion of the degree requirements.