Doctoral Program in Social Work
The mission of the doctoral program in social work at UT Social Work is to train the next generation of scientists and stewards of the social work discipline who are dedicated to creating social change. We seek to prepare an exceptional cadre of scientists to provide leadership and education for the profession and conduct rigorous interdisciplinary research with the principal aim of advancing social work practice, and enhancing human well-being.
In pursuit of its training mission, the doctoral program at UT Social Work has the following programmatic goals:
- Recruitment and Retention: Recruit and retain the most outstanding student scholars who demonstrate a commitment to social work research and represent a diversity of backgrounds and experiences.
- Curriculum: Maintain a rigorous curriculum that provides a strong foundational education in critical and scientific thinking, scientific epistemology, social work theory, research methods, and pedagogy.
- Research Training: Provide intensive mentoring and hands-on experiences in the conduct of methodologically rigorous scientific research, as well as ample opportunities for research communication and dissemination.
- Mentoring and Advising: Support students through mentoring and advising that encourages intentional pursuit of: a) an interdisciplinary education; b) a content area of expertise relevant to human well-being and social or health equity; c) a program of research that advances the mission of social work, and; d) hands-on experience in social work curriculum development and instruction.
- Community: Cultivate a scientific community within our School whose members advance the mission of social work and model social work values through service, advocacy, collaboration, and leadership.
Application to the Ph.D. program requires admission to both UT Austin Graduate School and UT Social Work. A single online application is needed. Admission to the Ph.D. program is competitive. We encourage early application.
Info Sessions
Join our virtual info session to discover how the program creates social change through impactful, transdisciplinary research. In this session, you will:
- Learn how the UT Social Work prepares scholars to advance the field of social work
- Learn about the admissions process requirements
- Explore funding opportunities and program highlights
- Have the chance to ask questions about the program
Our info sessions are held during the summer. Specific dates will be announced in late spring.
In the meantime, if you would like more details about the program, please contact us at ssw-doctoral@austin.utexas.edu.