CUNY(The City University of New York)

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced coursework in social welfare theory and policy with rigorous training in research design, methods and statistics, culminating in a substantial original dissertation. Core areas commonly covered include social welfare history and theory, comparative social policy, poverty and inequality, race and social justice, mental health and clinical social work perspectives, and community and organisational practice.

• Research methods: advanced quantitative methods (multivariate statistics, longitudinal analysis), qualitative methods (ethnography, grounded theory, narrative methods) and mixed-methods approaches.
• Theory and policy: critical social theory, policy analysis, programme evaluation and the politics of welfare provision.
• Specialist seminars: topics such as child and family welfare, ageing and gerontology, substance use and behavioural health, criminal justice and re-entry, immigration and refugee services.
• Interdisciplinary study: opportunities to take courses or collaborate with faculties in public policy, sociology, public health, psychology and urban studies.
• Qualifying examinations and research practicum: preparation for doctoral candidacy through comprehensive exams or portfolio requirements and supervised research assistantships.
• Dissertation: independent, faculty-supervised research that contributes new knowledge to social work/social welfare scholarship and practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically expected to hold a relevant master's degree (for example an MSW, MA in social welfare, or a related social science master’s) from an accredited institution. Strong candidates demonstrate academic preparation for doctoral study, relevant professional experience, and clear research interests that align with faculty expertise.

• Official transcripts for all postsecondary study showing strong academic performance.
• A master’s-level degree in social work or a closely related field is strongly preferred; applicants with other graduate degrees plus relevant research or practice experience may be considered.
• Statement of purpose outlining research interests, intended contributions to the field and fit with potential supervisors.
• Writing sample that demonstrates scholarly ability (published article, thesis chapter, or substantial research paper).
• Letters of recommendation (usually three) from academic and/or professional referees who can speak to scholarly promise and research potential.
• Curriculum vitae detailing education, relevant employment, publications and research experience.
• Some programmes may request an interview with faculty; standardised tests such as the GRE are not universally required and applicants should consult the programme for current policy.

Career prospects

Graduates with a PhD in Social Work/Social Welfare typically pursue careers in academia as tenure-track faculty, lecturers and researchers. Many take roles as research directors or senior analysts in government agencies, foundations, public policy think tanks and non-governmental organisations. Others move into leadership positions in health and human services, evaluation and programme design, or develop independent research consultancies.

• University faculty and academic researchers
• Policy analysts and advisers in local, state or federal government
• Research directors or principal investigators in non-profit organisations and foundations
• Programme evaluators and consultants for social service providers
• Senior clinical or organisational leaders combining research with practice innovation

Why study at CUNY(The City University of New York)

CUNY provides a distinctive urban context for doctoral study, with strong emphases on social justice, community-engaged research and policy-relevant scholarship. The Graduate Center and affiliated CUNY schools house faculty with wide-ranging expertise in poverty, health disparities, immigration, criminal justice and urban policy, offering doctoral students extensive mentorship opportunities.

Being based in New York City gives students access to diverse field sites, government agencies, NGOs, hospitals and community organisations for research partnerships and practicum experience. As a public university system, CUNY also fosters collaborations across disciplines and campuses, and supports doctoral students through teaching and research assistantships, interdisciplinary centres and seminar series focused on applied social welfare research.