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Welcome to the Doctor of Philosophy program

The development of leadership in social work is at the core of the Doctoral program at Indiana University School of Social Work. Advanced research and scholarship are woven through a comprehensive program to prepare students for leading roles in areas such as social work education, social welfare, policy analysis and development, administration, social work practice, and advocacy.

The PhD program is built around a flexible interdisciplinary model which includes a carefully integrated series of didactic and experiential learning opportunities.

And, while solidly grounded in the profession of social work, doctoral students may take advantage of the rich learning experiences available in other disciplines throughout the university.

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Mission

The PhD program develops community-engaged interprofessional leaders, scholars, and educators within an inclusive and supportive environment. Students receive rigorous training and mentorship in diverse theoretical and philosophical perspectives and research methods that promote equity and social justice locally, nationally, and internationally.

Vision

The PhD program is nationally and internationally recognized for developing community-engaged, interprofessional scholars and leaders with diverse theoretical and methodological expertise equipped to advance equity and social justice.

Career Possibilities

Our Ph.D. program prepares students for leading roles in areas such as social work education, social welfare, policy analysis and development, administration, social work practice, and advocacy. While our program stresses research, many of our students continue to practice or teach as well.

Doctoral graduates in social work are very much in demand for teaching in many of the almost 500 BSW and MSW programs in the country.
Graduates often continue to pursue professional funded research in a variety settings.
Consultation is also an area where our graduates thrive!

Student Resources

The PhD Program at Indiana University has more than prepared me for a career of scholarship, research, and leadership in the social work profession. The collegiality of faculty members and fellow students truly enriched my experience. Not only did I earn a degree, but I built relationships for the future.

Matt Moore, PhD Indiana School of School Work

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