PhD in Social Work and Social Research
Portland, USA
PhD
DURATION
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
About: The PhD in Social Work and Social Research trains scholars for advanced research and leadership in social work. The curriculum builds rigorous research skills, critical analysis, and understanding of social issues, policy, and practice, pairing theory with qualitative methods. Students pursue independent research on social justice, policy analysis, and community-based practice, and gain experience teaching, grant writing, and disseminating findings within a collaborative community focused on improving social well-being.
Career Outcomes: Graduates move into academic faculty, policy analyst, nonprofit executive, or community research leader roles in education, government, and NGOs, applying expertise in social policy, evaluation, grant writing practice.
The PhD program in Social Work and Social Research is designed to prepare scholars for advanced research and leadership roles within the field of social work. The curriculum emphasizes the development of rigorous research skills, critical analysis, and comprehensive understanding of social issues, policies, and practices. Students engage in coursework that combines theoretical knowledge with practical research methods, equipping them to address complex social problems through empirical investigation and evidence-based solutions.
The program encourages students to pursue independent research projects that contribute to knowledge in social work and social research, with a focus on social justice, policy analysis, and community-based practice. Throughout their studies, students gain experience in teaching, grant writing, and dissemination of research findings, preparing them for academic careers, policy development, or leadership roles in social service organizations. The program fosters a collaborative scholarly community that supports innovation and impactful research to improve social well-being.
