Start your journey
Gain knowledge and skills in research designs and methodologies
Established in 1946, our program is one of the oldest in the United States, and offers mentorship from nationally prominent faculty to our students, promoting knowledge and skills in social science theory, social policy, research methodologies and data analysis.
In this program, you will:
- Engage in rigorous interdisciplinary research training
- Follow a plan of study tailored to your research and substantive interests
- Receive supervision and mentoring from nationally and internationally recognized scholars in many areas of study
- Choose from a wide array of courses in social and behavioral science units across the university
- Explore options to earn graduate minors
Careers
Social Work PhD graduates build careers as:
- Tenure-track faculty
- Academic leadership in social work programs
- Agency and program directors
- Civil servants
- Government officials
How to apply
Application deadlines and instructions
Applications are evaluated based on potential for independent research and knowledge development in social work and career goals.
Useful information about applying can be found on the University of Minnesota Graduate School's admissions webpage.
When you are ready to start your application, click the Apply Now button. You will be able to save and return to your application.
Tuition and funding
Tuition
Tuition for the Social Work PhD program is calculated at the general tuition rate for graduate education at the University of Minnesota.
The majority of our students receive a four-year funding package that covers tuition, health insurance, and a stipend. Many students also secure dissertation fellowships, and we help students secure assistantships for funding for their fifth year
Financial aid
Graduate students in the UMN-Twin Cities Social Work PhD program are eligible for funding awards from the School of Social Work, College of Education and Human Development and the University of Minnesota.
School of Social Work training grants and fellowships
The School of Social Work offers training grants and fellowships to PhD students who either will or have worked with specific populations, or in specific settings. See SSW grants and Fellowships.
College of Education and Human Development scholarships and awards
As a graduate student in CEHD, you may be eligible for fellowships, grants, and scholarships from the University of Minnesota, from our college, and from your academic department. Learn about graduate funding opportunities from CEHD.
Scholarships and awards through the University
Learn about merit-based graduate funding opportunities open to all students at the University of Minnesota.
Questions about University funding opportunities? Contact the Office of Graduate Studies at 612-625-7579 or gsfellow@umn.edu
Request information
Questions about applying? You can schedule a one-on-one appointment with Director of Admissions, Larissa Lavrov.
What our alumni say
Quote from Shelby Wren
I came to the School of Social Work because I wanted to study health equity and barriers to health care access through a lens that was focused on social justice and systemic solutions. My research focus changed over the course of my program, mainly in that the depth of my knowledge has increased. Specifically, I learned a lot about the intersection of social welfare policy and health policy, and have become really nerdily fascinated with studying the impacts of changes to those policies. My research focuses on barriers to health care access for queer and trans adults with disabilities, and one of my papers is about how state-level health care policy impacts the mental and physical health of people in that population.
Program highlights
Coursework
Our program develops a mentoring partnership between nationally prominent faculty and students to promote knowledge and skills in theory development and community-based research. You'll complete two years of coursework both inside and outside the School of Social Work, including required courses in research methods, statistics, theory, history, policy and teaching. Other requirements include:
- Preliminary examinations
- Dissertation defense
- Dissertation complete in 4 to 5 years, typically
Engaged faculty
Collaborate with our faculty and research and training centers to conduct, write, and publish research in child welfare, aging, mental health, violence prevention, health disparities, social welfare policy, international social work, work with immigrants and refugees, and other social work related research areas.
Teaching and professional development
Gain skills in teaching and curriculum development.
We provide doctoral colloquia focusing both on current research and professional and career development.
Diverse student body
Our graduate students come from Minnesota, across the nation, and from around the world, giving the learning and research experience depth and breadth in lived experiences and perspectives.
Structured research mentoring experiences
Our PhD program relies heavily on a mentoring model, and PhD students work closely with faculty members throughout the program.
Mentoring is seen as a vital part of the teaching and learning process within the doctoral program.
Faculty
Our PhD faculty bring a wide-range of expertise and scholarship to the classroom, with significant contributions to research at both the local and global levels. These lifelong scholars actively contribute to both academics and the community.
Contact
Questions about applying? You can schedule a one-on-one appointment with Director of Admissions, Larissa Lavrov.