Industry Growth
Overall employment of social workers is projected to grow 12% by 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Doctoral Degree
Social Work PhD Doctorate Program
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.
At a Glance
Click to Open
Offered as
Doctorate of Social Work
Format
On Campus
Credits
54
Avg. Time to Completion
5 years
College/School
Campus Location
- Chester, PA
Explore the Social Work (PhD) Program
The mission of Widener University's Center for Social Work Education is to help you develop as an academic leader and sharpen your skills and expertise in research, teaching, and application of theory. Through Widener's social work PhD program, 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
Social Work (PhD) Program Options
In the social work PhD program, we aim to develop you as an academic leader proficient in research, teaching, and advanced social work practice. As you progress through the program, you'll learn to critically analyze social work interventions, delve into the underlying theories and assumptions, and gain a comprehensive understanding of how political, economic, sociocultural, and organizational contexts shape the field.
You'll also have the opportunity to collaborate with interdisciplinary perspectives, use established quantitative and qualitative methods for research, evaluate different social work approaches, develop effective teaching skills, and enhance your writing and scholarship abilities.
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.
Social Work (PhD) Outlook & Outcomes
Why Earn Your Social Work (PhD) at Widener?
Optimize Your Schedule With Part-Time Classes
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.
Navigate Your Coursework and Dissertation Journey
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.
Build a Network of Industry Insiders
Forge connections with distinguished guest speakers, motivated peers, accomplished alumni, and our esteemed faculty, who bring the latest trends, technology, and innovative thinking to their teachings. By immersing yourself in this influential network, you'll emerge from your studies with an invaluable community that will support and guide you long after graduation.
Our Faculty
"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."
"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."
Recent News
A Spotlight on Graduate Research at Virtual Symposium
Graduate students showcased the experience and knowledge gained from hands-on research projects during this year's virtual Graduate Student Research Symposium.
Professor Brent Satterly Publishes Sexuality Concepts for Social Workers Book
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...
Admissions & Aid
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
Admissions Information
Applying online is easy—and it's secure.
What you'll need to apply:
- Completed online application
- $35 application fee
- Personal statement (see below for prompt)
- Resume
- Sample of professional writing that illustrates capacity for critical thinking, writing skill, and appropriate citation of sources. Both electronic and hardcopy versions of the writing sample are required.
- Three letters of reference—two academic and one professional.
- Official transcripts from all postsecondary schools attended
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.7
Personal Statement
Please explain why you wish to do graduate work in the field you have selected with particular emphasis on your proposed area of specialization. Please limit this essay to no more than one typewritten page.
Interview:
If you are selected to interview for the program, we will contact you to arrange an appointment.
Our Social Work PhD program uses a rolling admissions format which means you can apply when it's convenient for you. We recommend you complete your application at least one month prior to the start of the semester you wish to begin.
Widener transfer applicants follow the same application process as general applicants. After you apply, our admissions team will work with you to determine whether completed undergraduate and graduate coursework will count towards foundation/core courses that can be waived or substituted.
Widener University serves as a "second home" for students from around the world. We are located just outside of Philadelphia and close to New York City and Washington, D.C.—offering many unique professional and personal opportunities to explore.
Want to know what it's like to be an international student on campus or need assistance navigating English proficiency requirements? We're here to help, and our international admissions director will support you through the application process. This support doesn't end with admissions—our International Student Support team will serve as a valuable resource throughout your Widener journey—meeting Visa/immigration requirements, getting acclimated to campus, and much more.
How to Apply as a Graduate International Student
- Complete your online application
- Submit your official transcripts from all college/university post-secondary institutions. A course-by-course credential evaluation completed by a NACES certified organization will be accepted if the transcript is not in the English language.
- Fulfill the English Proficiency requirements
- If you require an F-1 visa, you must provide written proof you have adequate funding available to meet the expenses incurred while studying in the United States
Financial Aid
Because Widener is a private institution, we're able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it.
You might be surprised how much we are able to offer.
Getting started is easy. Simply apply to Widener and submit your FAFSA to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources. Our school code is 003313.
In order to receive a financial aid offer, students must meet certain eligibility requirements. Here are the general eligibility requirements for most financial aid programs:
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
- Be enrolled or admitted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program
Learn more about applying for financial aid as a graduate student
Paths to Savings
85% of Full-Time Grad Students Receive Aid
Simply apply to Widener and complete the financial aid process to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. Because Widener is a private institution, we are able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it. You might be surprised at how much we are able to offer in assistance.
Applying For Financial Aid as a Graduate Student
In order to receive your part of the financial aid pie, all you have to do is submit your FAFSA. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources.
Graduate Assistantships
Widener offers a limited number of graduate assistantships to enrolled students. GAs receive tuition assistance for their work. Once you're a student, contact your program director for more information.
Employer Discounts & Tuition Reimbursement
Widener University also partners with many local organizations and corporations to offer discounted tuition and other incentives to their employees. Don't see your company on the list? Ask them to become a partner. In addition, employers often offer educational reimbursement benefits. We encourage you to explore these opportunities and will be glad to provide any necessary documentation.
Widener Scholarships
A limited number of university-based scholarships are made available to enrolled graduate students made possible directly from our academic department or thanks to the generosity of university donors. No extra steps are needed to be taken prior to admission. Once enrolled, contact your program director to learn more.
20% Discount for Widener Alumni
(some restrictions apply)
If you graduated with a degree from Widener, you may qualify for a 20% tuition discount. The first step to see what you qualify for is to submit your application. Widener offers students many paths to savings, and while we don't offer "double discounts", we'll make sure you'll get the biggest financial benefit you're eligible for. Only students who have completed an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree are eligible. Students who have pursued a 4+1, 4+2, or 3+3 pathway, graduate assistantship, Widener-funded scholarship, or other tuition discount may not be eligible if the financial discount granted surpasses 20%.
Program Cost
Tuition rates are subject to change. Official costs for your first year will be determined at time of enrollment.
Center for Social Work Education
-
Bruce Hall
- 610-499-1153
- socialwork@widener.edu
Kat LeConey
Assistant Director of Admissions & Enrollment
-
Hyatt Hall, Office #320
- (610) 499-1388
- ksleconey@widener.edu
