Admissions
What can I do with a doctoral degree in social work?
The most common jobs PhD students take after graduation are Professor of Social Work, Agency Administrator, and Full-Time Researcher. For additional information, you may want to check the occupational outlook handbook at http://www.socialworkjobbank.com/site/.
Do I need an Master’s degree in social work to be in the PhD program?
No. You may apply to the PhD program if you have a Master’s degree in a related behavioral or social science. Often students without an MSSW work to obtain their MSSW simultaneously with the PhD. This is advantageous if you intend to teach social work as a career. CSWE (Council on Social Work Education) currently requires an MSSW and two years post-MSSW supervised practice experience to teach practice courses.
What is involved with Social Work Professional Licensing in Texas?
Contact the Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners for information at http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/socialwork/.
How long does it take to graduate?
On the average three to four years.
What is the focus of the PhD program?
Research.
What do I need to do to apply for admission?
Refer to the PhD Admissions page.
What kind of financial aid is available?
The UT Arlington School of Social Work provides ample opportunities to become Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) or Graduate Research Assistants (GTAs). Scholarships are also available. Email the PhD office at sswphd@uta.edu. Also, check out the Scholarship page.
Course Work
How many of my total hours or coursework can involve my dissertation?
On the FINAL PROGRAM OF WORK form (filed in the semester before you graduate), you must list courses that add up to 54 hours. Be aware that you may only count 9 hours of dissertation in the 54 hour total. Even if you take a 3 hour dissertation course prior to the 9 hours of dissertation in your final semester, the 3 hour course DOES NOT COUNT AS HOURS toward the 54. To reiterate, the 3 or 6 hour dissertation course gets a grade of “R” (research in progress) and does not count toward the hours. See the Coursework page.
Student Activities
What must I do to be eligible to teach a UT Arlington School of Social Work course?
You can become eligible to be a GTA (Graduate Teaching Assistant) at the UT Arlington School of Social Work in 3 ways: (1) Take the Social Work Education course (2) Have previous teaching experience at the college or university level (3) Do a Teaching practicum with UT Arlington faculty. The Social Work Education course is offered every other year as are all electives.