Social Welfare, PhD
All students in the program are responsible for the successful completion of the required classes listed in the Social Welfare curriculum. All required and elective coursework must be at the graduate level and must be completed before a student can be eligible to take the Preliminary Exam followed by the defense of the dissertation proposal. Successful defense of the dissertation proposal (also known as the candidacy exam) admits the student to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree. In addition to these requirements, beginning fall of 2025 PhD in Social Welfare students are required to complete a teaching practicum. Also, students are expected to conduct research (e.g., participate in research and publishing collaborations with faculty) throughout the program.
For more information: https://www.sp2.upenn.edu/program/phd-in-social-welfare/
University PhD Benchmarks
In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Evaluation | ||
| Candidacy Examination | ||
| Dissertation Defense/Oral Exam | ||
| Dissertation Deposit | ||
For more information view the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| SOCW 6300 | Quantitative Reasoning/Social Statistics | 1 |
| SOCW 8030 | Advanced History and Philosophy of Social Welfare | 1 |
| SOCW 8110 | Social Theory | 1 |
| SOCW 8520 | Social Welfare Research Methods | 1 |
| SOCW 8550 | Advanced Social Welfare Research Methods | 1 |
| SOCW 8610 | Advanced Policy Analysis Research Methods | 1 |
| SOCW 8970 | Applied Linear Modeling | 1 |
| Proseminar | ||
| SOCW 9010 | Proseminar (at least four semesters) | 2 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| Eleven elective courses at the 5000 level or above 1 | 11 | |
Must include one Theory class | ||
Must include one advanced methods course | ||
| Teaching Practicum | ||
One semester of teaching is required | ||
| Total Course Units | 20 | |
- 1
Up to four credit units of transfer credit from another graduate program will be accepted.
University PhD Benchmarks
In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Evaluation | ||
| Candidacy Examination | ||
| Dissertation Defense/Oral Exam | ||
| Dissertation Deposit | ||
For more information view the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.