About PhD Program,
In the PhD Social Work program you can tailor courses and other requirements to your own research, policy, and practice interests. In required courses, you will gain knowledge of social welfare and practice theory and develop skills necessary for a successful academic or research-oriented career. Electives, independent studies, and optional internships in teaching, practice, and research, enable you to deepen your individual interests and areas of expertise.
You can complete the required 36-credit hours of coursework for the social welfare PhD in two years of full-time study, followed by a comprehensive essay and dissertation. You have up to eight years to complete all degree requirements. Many students remain employed while they complete their coursework and dissertation part-time.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
We require official and complete individual mark skeets for each examination attempt, including subsidiary exams.
These documents must be issued by the University Registrar or Controller of Examinations.
We will only accept photocopies of your mark sheets when they are attested by the University Registrar or Controller of Examinations and placed in a sealed, stamped envelope that is sent directly to the Graduate School.
We will accept a Provisional Certificate of Degree or Degree Certificate as proof of degree completion.
PhD Funding Coverage,
As a full-time student in the doctoral program, you may be eligible for a competitive graduate research assistantship that provides an $18,000 annual stipend and tuition waiver for three years. A fourth year of funding is possible if you have advanced to candidacy by the end of your third year.
Other sources of funding are available at the University to offset a portion of doctoral student expenses for full- and part-time students. These include the UAlbany Graduate Student Organization, UAlbany Benevolent Association, and Initiatives for Women.
Several scholarships at the School of Social Welfare are open to doctoral students, along with a small grant program for students attending conferences.
Application Requirement,
- Transcripts from all schools attended
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
The personal statement should address three areas: (1) educational background and professional experience; (2) substantive areas of interest for research, evaluation, and/or teaching; and (3) professional goals, including how a doctorate in social welfare supports achievement of these goals. This statement should be no more than 4 double-spaced typed pages with 1 inch margins and a font of 12. - CV/Resume
Note: GREs are not required.
Note: If you are interested in receiving funding, please complete the Graduate Assistantship/Fellowship Application, found in your application portal.
Available information for International Applicants.
Application Deadline,
Jan 31, 2025
Application Fee,
The non-refundable application fee is currently $75 for degree or certificate programs. The University cannot process an application until the required fee has been paid.
