The doctoral program at ASU is designed to prepare social work scholars for leadership in social work research, education, service, and practice. Graduates enter careers in applied research that enhance human well-being, particularly among oppressed and vulnerable populations, and educate the next generation of social workers. Our graduates play key roles in integrating diversity in their research and education activities. Our doctoral program provides an individualized program of study that nurtures students’ curiosity and creativity in pursuit of their intellectual passions. We offer an interdisciplinary curriculum that gives students a unique degree of intimacy and breadth of choice. The School of Social Work welcomes inquiries from students exploring the Ph.D. program. We are pleased to arrange personalized meetings with prospective applicants, either by phone or in-person, as well as schedule campus tours. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact David Androff at David.Androff@asu.edu.

Program Overview

Over two years, PhD students take courses in social work quantitative, qualitative, and intervention research methodologies as well as in social work theory, history, policy, and pedagogy. During this time students collaborate closely with faculty in individual research projects. Students work independently with faculty mentors as they conduct original and applied research projects for their dissertations. Along the way, students have the opportunity to gain experience in social work education by teaching undergraduate and graduate classes. Our PhD students do not compete with each other for their spots in our program. We aim for every student who is admitted to our program to graduate successfully within four to five years.

Mission
The mission of the PhD Program in the School of Social Work at Arizona State University is to
prepare scholars to engage in innovative research for social impact.

Purpose
The purpose of the doctoral program in social work is to train social work scholars for leadership
in social work research, education, service, and practice. Graduates enter careers in applied
research that enhance human well-being, particularly among oppressed and vulnerable
populations, and educate the next generation of social workers.
Given the cultural and economic diversity of the Southwest, our program also strives to
elaborate the human potential embedded in our region's distinct experiences and perspectives.
Our graduates play key roles in integrating diversity in their research and education activities.
Our doctoral program provides an individualized program of study that nurtures students’
curiosity and creativity in pursuit of their intellectual passions. We offer an interdisciplinary
curriculum that gives students a unique degree of intimacy and breadth of choice. Doctoral
courses are small and taught by School of Social Work faculty. Additionally, students select
electives among a repertoire of courses across Arizona State University to customize their
course of study according to their substantive interests.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement

Arizona State University welcomes all students, regardless of race/ethnicity, gender identities, gender expressions, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, disabilities, regional background, veteran status, citizenship status, nationality and other diverse identities. The ASU Social Work PhD Program is working to advance inclusive doctoral education. In 2021 a PhD Program subcommittee formed to conduct an antiracist review of the program. 

Reviewing the list of research centers and offices, along with the research interests of individual faculty will provide a sense of the extensive range of possibilities our doctoral program has to offer.  Click here for a complete list of our research collaboratives housed within the School of Social Work.