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    Program Detail

    Social Welfare - (PhD)

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    Basic Information

    Degree Information

    Degree Offered: PRE-DOCTOR
    CIP Code: 44.0701
    Campus: Seattle

    Admission Requirements and Contact Information


    All applicant materials should be submitted online, including test scores and letters of recommendation.


    Contact Information

    School of Social Work Admissions Office
    Program Website

    sswphdpr@uw.edu

    Requirements and Prerequisites

    Students must have completed an undergraduate statistics course within the past five years to enter the PhD program. This course is not required when applying but must be completed before the program begins.

    Although, the required master's degree does not have to be an MSW (many of our students' master's degrees are in other related areas), a thorough understanding of the social welfare field and the needs and priorities of the profession are essential. It is noted that the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) requires that faculty who teach required practice courses in accredited programs have an MSW degree and at least two years of post-mater's social work practice experience (see CSWE EPAS 4.2.2). Thus, obtaining an MSW and this experience can be valuable for those who ultimately seek academic positions following graduation.
     
    GRE Requirements
    GRE Requirement: Optional/Not Required. Submitting GRE scores is not required. However, if official scores are submitted, they may be considered during the review process.
    More Information: Our program doesn't require applicants to submit GRE scores, it is optional.
    Additional Instructions
    Note: A maximum of five recommendation letters will be reviewed by the PhD Admissions Committee.

    Non-Native English Speaker Information
    If your native language is not English, you must meet the University of Washington’s English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements as outlined in Graduate School Policy 3.2

    Because all applicants are considered for Teaching Assistant (TA) funding, you must also meet the spoken English requirements in Graduate School Policy 5.2.

    Important: Your application will not be reviewed unless you have met the requirements in both Policy 3.2 and Policy 5.2.

    Please review both policies carefully and ensure you submit the required documentation before the application deadline.
     

    International Student Information
    Applicants who will need a visa should reference the International Applicant Information page. If admitted to the program, international students requesting an F1 or J1 visa will be required to provide financial ability documentation to the UW Graduate School.

    The School of Social Work ensures that all students, including international students, have financial support during the 9-month school year for the first four years and works closely with students to help them to apply for grants and fellowships.

    Program Deadlines


    Autumn 2025 - Domestic:
    Open Date: 09/01/2024
    Deadline Date: 12/01/2025

    Autumn 2025 - International:
    Open Date: 09/01/2024
    Deadline Date: 12/01/2025

    Autumn 2026 - Domestic:
    Open Date: 09/01/2025
    Deadline Date: 12/01/2025

    Autumn 2026 - International:
    Open Date: 09/01/2025
    Deadline Date: 12/01/2025

    Application Materials


    Essay
    Personal Statement
    3 Recommendation(s)
    Resume
    Required Official Test Score: GRE