PhD Program
The School of Social Work is celebrating 70 years of offering social work graduate education and boasts over 5000 MSW and 20 Ph.D. alumni. The school began offering graduate education in 1937 and began a Ph.D. program in 1996. We have a rigorous graduate program under the leadership of Dean Christian Molidor, a nationally and internationally recognized faculty, a productive research unit, and an active alumni association. Our Ph.D. graduates are diverse and have been very successful in finding employment in academia in-state and out of state as well as the private sector.
The Ph.D. in social work is aimed at providing an advanced interdisciplinary degree that will equip graduates for important roles in policy analysis and development, research, teaching and the development of new intervention technologies. It is expected that the period of study for the doctoral degree in social work will be three to five years, but not exceeding seven.
Students will complete a minimum of 48 hours of study beyond their master’s degree in social work.
School of Social Work Ph.D. Application materials include:
- Guidelines for Application;
- School of Social Work Ph.D. Application;
- Program of Study Instructions;
- Check List for Admission Procedures;
- 3 Recommendation Forms;
The School of Social Work admits students into the Ph.D. program only for the fall semester. The admission deadline is FEBRUARY 1. No later than February 1, an applicant should submit credentials following the instructions on the official University “Application for Graduate Admission” form available—along with the School of Social Work application and other forms—from the School of Social Work. Applications received before February 1 will receive priority in admissions decisions. Applications received between February 1 and May 15 will be considered on a space-available basis. Applications received after May 15 cannot be guaranteed consideration for admission for the fall semester.
In order to be considered for priority admission to the Ph.D. program, applicants must apply to both the LSU Graduate School and the School of Social Work by February 1st. Although the Graduate School has a later application deadline, the School of Social Work requires that all applicants apply to both by the February 1st date for priority admissions. You can receive the Graduate School application by visiting their web site at www.gradlsu.gs.lsu.edu or by calling 225-578-1641.
If you have any questions regarding the Ph.D. program, please contact Dr. Tim Page, Doctoral Director at 225-578-1358 or visit our website at www.socialwork.lsu.edu.
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