With its part-time, cohort and campus-based format, Widener’s PhD program is designed for experienced working professionals interested in becoming stewards of social work’s professional knowledge base.
Our mission is to help you develop as an academic leader and sharpen your skills and expertise in research, teaching, and application of theory. Here, you will cultivate leadership qualities and interpersonal skills to further your development for a career:
as social work faculty in undergraduate and graduate college and university programs
as administrators in private and public organizations
as advanced clinical, community, or policy practitioners
View the Loading... for information regarding the course offerings and outcomes for the doctoral program.
Our PhD program accepts students who have either a MSW degree or a master’s degree in a related discipline.
We offer an MSW/PhD option for those students who have a master’s degree in a related field and would like to earn the MSW in conjunction with their PhD. We would be happy to speak with you further about this option.
Our PhD curriculum provides you with skills and expertise in scholarly research, teaching, and application of theory.
Predictable and Part-time Class Schedule
All of your classes will take place on Fridays, in one morning and one early afternoon session. Between classes, you'll experience scheduled opportunities to attend workshops and network with faculty and fellow students. Our commitment to part-time education allows experienced professionals to earn a PhD while continuing to practice in the field.
Coursework and Dissertation
Years one to three of your program will be dedicated exclusively to coursework. In your third year, you will complete a comprehensive examination paper. By the end of year four, you will submit a dissertation proposal for approval and defense. Years four and five are devoted to dissertation preparation under the supervision of the dissertation committee chair.
Faculty
Widener’s social work instructors are all full-time faculty practitioners with experience working in the social work field. Many of the professors have a deep interest in research or have been social work clinicians for more than 20 years.
"I strive to create an engaging, dynamic, and responsive learning environment. By encouraging self-reflection and co-created learning spaces, I aim for students to finish the course with confidence in the material, a sense of leadership in their own learning, and an understanding of the link between their work and social justice."
"My approach to teaching is best described as embracing an existentialist and social reconstructivist perspective, emphasizing respect for what each student brings to the classroom and students’ responsibility for their own learning. In my teaching at Widener, these methods have resulted in positive outcomes as measured by student course evaluations and verbal feedback."
Graduate students showcased the experience and knowledge gained from hands-on research projects during this year's virtual Graduate Student Research Symposium.
Brent A. Satterly, a professor in Widener University's Department of Social Work, has co-authored and co-edited the second edition of “Sexuality Concepts for Social Workers.” This updated edition...
Upon graduation, you will be prepared to enter the workforce as an agent of social change. Uniquely located between three states, Widener's community relationships can connect you to agencies, schools, and hospitals in the tri-state area and beyond.
Outlook & Outcomes
Industry Growth
Overall employment of social workers is projected to grow 11 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Learn how available graduate assistantships, scholarships, and work-study options can help make financing your degree a reality.
Next steps to apply
You can complete your application simply and easily on your own time using our mobile friendly web-based application. Rolling admissions means not having to rush; you can revisit your application as many times as you need. There is a $35 application fee to apply to Widener.