Simmons University's PhD in Social Work program is designed for experienced practitioners to develop scientific research skills and to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals and populations.
The PhD in Social Work challenges students to view clinical experiences through a scientific lens. Our faculty are committed to mentoring doctoral students to become researchers and scholars and work collaboratively to support students on their choice of career path.
The PhD program is offered on a part-time basis, with most coursework offered on Thursdays. Students take two courses each semester in the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms. Students usually complete the program, including defense of the dissertation, in 4 to 6 years.
A total of 45 credits (15 courses) are required for graduation. There are 36 required core credits and 9 elective credits. Two years of core coursework is followed by a comprehensive exam. Other requirements include the teaching practicum, research practicum, the submission of an empirical paper to a peer-reviewed scientific journal, and the successful completion of the dissertation. Students can choose between a traditional dissertation format or a three-manuscript option.
PhD students take 11 core courses and have 9 elective credits. Core courses are listed below. Elective credits may be obtained through Simmons University courses, including additional teaching, leadership or practice courses offered in the DSW program, through local university consortium programs in Boston or other options.
PhD Courses
All students are required to take the following courses:
Supplemental Courses
Students can take elective courses at any time during their tenure in the program.
The PhD program prepares students to become effective educators. Students receive formal training in the classroom and through a teaching practicum with our seasoned professors as part of the program requirements. Students entering with prior teaching experience work with their advisor and program director to ensure they add new knowledge and skills to their teaching portfolio. Qualified students are able to apply to the School of Social Work’s adjunct instructor pool to teach online and/or on-ground at any time.
The PhD Program is a research program. All courses have a research focus. The program advances student research skills through required methodological, statistical, and data analysis courses. It advances scholarly capacity to engage in high-level, meaningful science that improves the health and wellbeing of individuals and populations. Students have opportunities to participate in research assistantships internal and external to Simmons University.
Qualified students will take a comprehensive exam on curricular content from required coursework. Qualified students also will submit an empirical manuscript to a scientific peer-reviewed journal approved by the faculty. Upon meeting these requirements, the student will move into candidacy, and be eligible to begin dissertation work.
Students must complete a dissertation to graduate. The dissertation is an independent research project that demonstrates the candidate's ability to successfully engage in scholarly work. Specifically, the candidate will demonstrate empirical and conceptual knowledge, the ability to apply rigorous scientific methodology to a substantive area of study, and the capacity to articulate the applied relevance of the findings to the field. The doctoral candidate has the option to complete a traditional dissertation or three-paper dissertation.
The PhD program employs a mentorship model designed to help practitioners become scholars. Each student has a dedicated mentor, however our model emphasizes the importance of PhD program faculty and students working collaboratively to support student needs. We recognize that the professional development process is stronger when students hear diverse perspectives and faculty work together to help students develop their goals and plans for future success.
Ready to take the next step? We'll guide you through the requirements and deadlines — and get you started on your way.
Our progressive, hands-on curriculum integrates education and practice with social justice values, multicultural perspectives and a strong emphasis on field education.
Graduate Program Videos
