The PhD program requires a minimum of 45 units beyond the master's degree (exclusive of SOWK 794 Doctoral Dissertation units) and successful completion of written and oral qualifying exams and the doctoral dissertation. Students must complete all required coursework by the end of the second year in their doctoral studies.


Individualized Course of Study
Students prepare an Individualized Course Study Plan (ISP) with their faculty mentor in the spring of the first year that is approved by the doctoral committee. It details classes and tutorials that each student will take during the second year of the program.

Qualifying Examination
As a prerequisite to candidacy for the PhD degree, students must pass a qualifying examination in their research area, which is comprised of a written paper of publishable quality and includes an oral defense. To become eligible to take the exam, students must complete all core courses, at least six units of SOWK 790 tutorials and at least 32 units of course work in the doctoral program, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0. After passing the qualifying exam, students will be advanced to candidacy.

Dissertation
Before proceeding with the dissertation, students must establish a dissertation committee approved by the Graduate School and submit a dissertation proposal for approval. Students submit their completed dissertation to their dissertation committee and orally defend it.