PROGRAM MISSION

The doctoral program develops competent scholars to further knowledge development and dissemination in the profession of social work. The program builds on the premise that social welfare must be scientifically and theoretically based and continually responsive to changing local and global societal needs.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

The primary goal of the program is to prepare scholars to advance knowledge development and dissemination for the profession of social work.

Upon completion of the Ph.D. Program students will display competency in:

1. Theory and theory development.

2. Knowledge and skills in research methods and data analysis.

3. Theory, research, and policy as applied to a specialty practice area.

4. Understanding and commitment to the underlying values, ethics, and social and economic justice perspectives in the scientific inquiry in social work.

5. Theory and research as applied to social work practice, policy and social work education.

Graduates of the program are expected to make a significant contribution to the profession of social work through continued research, scholarship, teaching and service.