The PhD program at the University of Connecticut School of Social Work prepares scholars to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field of social work and social welfare. The program is designed to develop research‑competent, theory‑informed scholars who examine issues related to social, racial, and economic justice; social policy; human behavior; and the effectiveness of social work practice and programs.

Doctoral students complete a structured curriculum that provides a strong foundation in social work theories, advanced qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, and policy analysis. Students also pursue specialized study through elective coursework and independent research in their area of scholarly interest. A minimum of 57 credits is required for completion of the degree. Courses are offered primarily in‑person on the UConn Hartford campus.

Location

• Hartford Campus

Modality

• In Person

Requirements

Students complete a total of 57 graduate credits. Eleven core courses in social work provide students with competency in advanced research methods, social science theories, social welfare history, policy analysis, and theories of teaching and learning. Students also complete two electives and 15 credits of dissertation research.

Required Courses

Course List

Course	Title	Credits
SSW 6405	The Use of Theory in Social Work Research	3
SSW 6410	Research l: Research Design and Knowledge Generation	3
SSW 6411	Research II: Survey Research Methods	3
SSW 6412	Research III: Multivariate Statistics I	4
SSW 6413	Research IV: Multivariate Statistics II	4
SSW 6414	Research V: Qualitative Research Methods	3
SSW 6415	Topics in Advanced Social Work Research	3
SSW 6420	Critical Analysis of Historical and Philosophical Themes of the Profession	3
SSW 6425	Social Welfare Policy Seminar	3
SSW 6430	Advanced Qualitative Research Methods for Social Work	4
SSW 6460	Teaching and Learning in Social Work Education: Roles and Contexts	3
Total Credits		36

Learning Objectives

1. Knowledge: Demonstrate appropriate breadth and depth of disciplinary knowledge and comprehension of the major topics, theories, and issues of the discipline, including demonstration of specialized knowledge of a sub-field sufficient to carry out substantive independent research or creative pursuits
2. Research/applied skills: Use disciplinary methods and techniques ethically and professionally to apply knowledge, critically analyze, and, as appropriate to the degree, create new knowledge or achieve advanced creative accomplishments
3. Communication: Communicate proficiently and effectively to a specialist or non-specialist audience, verbally and in writing, a structured, coherent academic presentation, representation, or argument that cogently summarizes their research or creative pursuit, relevant literature, and its significance at the level appropriate to discipline