What Can You Do With a PhD in Social Work?

Careers in social work are some of the most impactful and mission-driven roles in the workforce today.

From positions that focus on community outreach or child welfare, to careers related to social policy and field research, social work is all about improving social problems and helping people live more fulfilling lives.

In order to become a licensed social worker, candidates nearly always have to obtain a graduate degree in social work before sitting for a licensure exam. Many aspiring social workers obtain a Master of Social Work (MSW), but let's explore why you should take the extra step and consider getting a PhD in Social Work — especially if you are passionate about research, leadership, policy, and academia.

What is the difference between a DSW and a PhD in Social Work?

Both a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Work are respected doctoral degrees, but they are not the same and will actually prepare graduates for different career paths. In short, a DSW prepares graduates for clinical practice while a PhD in Social Work is research oriented.

If you are passionate about research and see yourself working in either academia or a research-focused social work position, then choosing a PhD in Social Work will be the right move for you.

A PhD in Social Work will grow your career opportunities.

A PhD is a terminal degree, one that comes with significant prestige and respect. And specifically, a doctoral degree in social work is a highly respected credential that can lead to high-level career opportunities including social work leadership, research, policymaking, and professorship.

With a PhD in Social Work, you will learn to design and implement independent research that is guided by theory and addresses significant, meaningful, and relevant social work research questions. With these skills, you will be recognized as an expert and will enter the field with the invaluable skills and the credibility needed to implement critical systems-wide change.

The PhD in Social Work salary is bright.

Historically, professionals who have a doctoral degree make higher salaries than those with fewer academic credentials. In fact, research by the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that workers who hold a doctoral degree make around 20 percent more than those who only hold a master's.

For social workers specifically, the average PhD in Social Work salary is about $86,000 — while the BLS asserts that social workers with less education make about $50,000 per year.

The increase in salary is a significant draw for many social work professionals, and by pursuing a PhD sooner rather than later, you will start reaping the benefits of your academic investment sooner as well.

West Virginia University: now offering a PhD in Social Work

West Virginia University is excited to announce that we are now recruiting for the first cohort of students for our new PhD in Social Work (coming fall 2023).

Our PhD in Social Work will prepare students with the skills needed to excel in research, teaching, and leadership. The theme of the program, community-focused research, reflects the mission of WVU as a R1 status, land-grant institution to advance education, healthcare, and prosperity for all by intentionally promoting research that has significant impact on people’s lives.

Pro Tip: Check out our frequently asked questions regarding the PhD in Social Work here.

Here's what makes our PhD in Social Work unique:

Community-focused research theme that echoes University mission and intentionally promotes research that has significant impact on communities of West Virginia and beyond
Coursework plan that guides students in building toward their dissertation and provides practical preparation for academic and leadership careers
Strong support for cross-disciplinary training
Strong emphasis on mentorship and opportunities to support students’ professional development and career placement
Hybrid model of graduate training with flexibility to complete latter portions of the program remotely (online)

The WVU School of Social Work (SSW) PhD program has been developed in accordance with the Quality Guidelines for PhD Programs in Social Work established by The Group for the Advancement of Social Work Education (GADE). GADE is the primary organization which promotes doctoral study and disseminates guidelines for quality Social Work PhD Programs.

Based on the GADE guidelines, the PhD program graduates in social work will be able to do the following:

Students will demonstrate expert knowledge in their chosen content area and explain how their work fits within the intellectual landscape of social work, including its relevance to social policy and social justice.
Students will design and implement independent research that is guided by theory and addresses significant, meaningful, and relevant social work research questions.
Students will conduct a broad range of methodological and statistical techniques appropriate to the research question(s) posed.
Students will clearly communicate and disseminate results of their research, both through professional oral presentations and written manuscripts.
Students will abide by social work values and ethics in the implementation of research and knowledge development.
Students will demonstrate effective teaching skills, including the implementation of theories of adult learning and instructional strategies that are appropriate for diverse populations and learning styles.

If you are ready to learn more about obtaining a PhD in Social Work at West Virginia University, then we encourage you to request more information. You can also review our program page and explore admissions requirements.