About Phd In Social Work in Sacred Heart University

The PhD in Social Work program at Sacred Heart will begin in the Fall of 2021. Social Work practitioners can earn their PhD with our part-time, online program which includes a one-week summer immersion on campus.

Why Earn Your PhD in Social Work from Sacred Heart?

With a PhD in Social Work from Sacred Heart, you will advance your career in social work and social justice, develop a pedagogical approach and make a meaningful contribution to the current body of social work research. The PhD program is specifically designed for social work professionals currently working in community-based organizations, governmental organizations, and institutions of higher education. 

Part-time, Online Program for Working Practitioners

This part-time, online program offers year-round, six credits per 14-week semester, followed by dissertation research. The program begins with a two-day on campus orientation and includes a one-week low residency immersion program on the SHU campus every summer. View our sample plan of study.

Courses cover topics in historical and theoretical contexts of social work, advanced social and racial justice, quantitative and qualitative research and analysis, integrated social work practice, grant writing, pedagogy and social work education.

In the PhD in Social Work program, you will:

• Work closely with a faculty mentor who will support your research interests and integrated social work practice

• Learn teaching strategies and curriculum development for both online and in-person instruction in higher education
• Have the opportunity to participate in interdisciplinary research with public health, nursing, education, and the health sciences
• Advance your understanding of global issues in social and racial justice with an anti-racist lens and framework
• Have the opportunity to conduct research abroad at one of SHU’s international campuses
• Participate in a Graduate Teaching Assistantship

Advance your Career in Social Work

Graduates of the PhD in Social Work program may pursue positions as a:  

• Faculty in Higher Education (both clinical and tenure-earning) 
• Grant Writer
• Director of Nonprofit Agency
• Researcher
• Community-based Researcher

• Proof of both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree

English Language Requirements

• TOEFL iBT: 80
• TOEFL iBT® Home Edition: 80
• TOEFL Essentials: 8.5
• IELTS: 6.5
• PTE: 62

MS Business Analytics, Computer Science, IT, Chemistry, Cybersecurity, Finance & Investment Management and Healthcare Informatics will consider IELTS 6.0, Duolingo 105 or TOEFL Essentials 8.0. 

Sacred Heart University Annual Cost to Attend