In response to the different needs and interests of potential
Ph.D. students, MSASS offers two formats for professionals electing to pursue a Ph.D. degree in
social welfare: the Full-Time and the Part-Time format. Requirements in both formats include taking
required coursework, passing a qualifying exam, 18 hours of dissertation credits, and completing a
dissertation.
The Part-Time format accommodates social work professionals who
must maintain their employment commitments but wish to pursue Ph.D. study, through the completion
of a minimum of three courses per year. Part-Time students receive half tuition waivers for
courses. The Full-Time Program permits students to complete required coursework and paid research
fellowships over two academic years. It provides individualized fellowship training in social work
research methods with a faculty member. Currently, full-time students are guaranteed two years of
research fellowship funding and full tuition waivers from the Mandel School; faculty research
grants typically fund subsequent years in the program.
Both formats are structured to maximize interaction among
students, as well as between students and faculty.
Course content includes philosophy of science, theory building, theories of human behavior,
advanced research design, social statistics, measurement issues and data analysis, qualitative
research models and methods, social welfare policy, planning and service delivery, theory and
evidence base of social work practice models and social work education. (Please refer to our Web
site http://msass.case.edu/doctorate for current course offerings.)
Admission Criteria
To be admitted to the Doctoral Program, candidates should have a master’s degree from an
accredited school of social work or a master’s degree in a related field and demonstrate a superior
record in undergraduate and graduate studies. Practical experience in social welfare is required.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE), taken within the past five years, is required for
application to the Ph.D. Program. Competency in written and spoken English is required; students
from non-English speaking countries must submit results of the Test of English as a Foreign
Language (TOEFL).
Application Materials: January 15, 2009 Deadline
The School of Graduate Studies at Case Western Reserve University offers an online application
process for students interested in the Ph.D. in Social Welfare Program. All resources for
online applications can be found at:
http://www.applyweb.com/apply/cwrug/menu.html. It is strongly recommended that
you review the Directions/Information page. There is a $50 nonrefundable application fee.
In addition to the application form from Graduate Studies, the following materials are to be
submitted separately to the Doctoral Program Office:
- official transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate courses taken for credit
- a copy of your most recent resume or vitae
- three letters of recommendation, including at least one from a faculty member
- a written personal statement (3-5 pages) that describes and evaluates your professional
development, including your career goals and how doctoral education is relevant to them and your
area of research interest within the social work profession
- one example (not exceeding 25 pages) of a recent, single or co-authored work of scholarly
writing that provides evidence of your capacity to think analytically and critically about a social
welfare issue. The following are examples of appropriate submissions: published article, book
chapter, or book; unpublished research report; term paper written in a graduate level course; grant
application.
A phone or in-person interview with the chair of the program or a faculty member is suggested,
when possible. Prospective students are encouraged to visit the program and meet with faculty; this
can be arranged through Helen Menke, Department Assistant at
helen.menke@case.edu. |
