Ph.D. in Social Work

Ph.D. Program Overview

The School of Social Work offers a full-time interdisciplinary program leading to a Ph.D. in Social Work. The Ph.D. program provides a course of study to prepare graduates for academic and research careers, to provide leadership in research and education committed to excellence in social work practice and to provide leadership in the development of program and services for diverse, vulnerable and underserved populations. Unique to this program is the strategic emphasis on topic areas that align with the strengths of the College, USF, and forecasted direction of the profession. These are: (1) Societal Change and Innovation, (2) Global Issues, (3) Health, (4) Behavioral Health, and (5) Leadership and Business. These courses and focus directly lead to the preparation of future scholars and educators to advance social justice and vulnerability issues.

The Ph.D. program requires a minimum of 42 credit hours post-MSW/master's degree. In accordance with university policy requiring a minimum of 72 hours post-baccalaureate for a Ph.D., a minimum of 30 credit hours from the MSW/master's degree can be applied to this degree. No credit hours for fieldwork/internship will be counted towards the required credit hours for the Ph.D.

All inquiries regarding the Ph.D. in Social Work are to be addressed to the program chair, Dr. Sondra Fogel. Dr Fogel can be reached via email at sfogel@usf.edu or via telephone at 813-974-8416.