Social Work, MSW/PhD

An MSW degree from an accredited school of social work is required to be considered for admission to our PhD program. Those applicants without an MSW degree, who wish to pursue an social work academic career, can apply to the joint MSW/Ph.D. program. Such applicants typically are interested in grounding themselves in the practice base of the social work profession, while also seeking to develop their advanced research and teaching expertise.

If you are interested in a faculty position in a school of social work after completing your PhD, please note that the Council on Social Work Education, the accrediting body for social work undergraduate and master’s programs, requires that social work practice courses be taught by faculty with the MSW plus the equivalent of two years of full time practice experience. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that individuals who do not possess an MSW and who desire an academic position in a school of social work consider the option of our joint MSW-PhD program. We also strongly encourage those who do not have the requisite practice experience to obtain it before completing their PhD., preferably before entering the program.

Separate applications are required for admission to each program. Those seeking further information regarding this dual degree program are encouraged to contact Dr. Jeffrey Shook, director of the doctoral program, (412) 648-9365, jes98@pitt.edu.