Social Welfare, PhD
The PhD in Social Welfare program develops leaders in academia and research. We foster scholarly energy, collaboration, and creativity and offer a confluence of diverse philosophies and approaches to social work, social welfare research, social policy, social theory, and social justice.
For more information: https://www.sp2.upenn.edu/academics/phd-in-social-welfare/overview/
View the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.
Required Courses
A minimum of 20 course units are required.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| SWRK 6680 | Economics for Social Policy | |
| SWRK 8030 | History and Philosophy of Social Welfare | |
| SWRK 8110 | Social Theory | |
| SWRK 8520 | Social Work Research | |
| SWRK 8550 | Advanced Research Methods | |
| SWRK 8610 | Policy Analysis | |
| MSSP 6300 | Quantitative Reasoning/Social Statistics | |
| MSSP 8970 | Applied Linear Modeling | |
| Proseminar | ||
| SWRK 9010 | Proseminar (at least four semesters) | |
| Additional Courses 1 | ||
| Select one theory class | ||
| Select four electives | ||
- 1
Up to four credit units of transfer credit from another graduate program will be accepted.
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2022 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.
Sample Plan of Study
| Transfer Credit | Course Units | |
|---|---|---|
| Four course units of transfer credit 1 | 4 | |
| Course Units | 4.00 | |
| First Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| SWRK 8030 | History and Philosophy of Social Welfare | 1 |
| SWRK 8520 | Social Work Research | 1 |
| SWRK 9010 | Proseminar | 0.5 |
| MSSP 6300 | Quantitative Reasoning/Social Statistics | 1 |
| Course Units | 3.50 | |
| Spring | ||
| SWRK 8110 | Social Theory | 1 |
| SWRK 8550 | Advanced Research Methods | 1 |
| SWRK 9010 | Proseminar | 0.5 |
| MSSP 8970 | Applied Linear Modeling | 1 |
| Elective 2 | 1 | |
| Course Units | 4.50 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| SWRK 9010 | Proseminar | 0.5 |
| SWRK Elective | 1 | |
| Theory Course or Elective | 1 | |
| Select two electives | 2 | |
| Course Units | 4.50 | |
| Spring | ||
| SWRK 8610 | Policy Analysis | 1 |
| SWRK 9010 | Proseminar | 0.5 |
| Theory Course or Elective | 1 | |
| Elective | 1 | |
| Course Units | 3.50 | |
| Total Course Units | 20.00 | |
- 1
A minimum of four course units of pre-program credits will be granted to applicants with an appropriate master’s degree in social work or a related profession or allied discipline.
- 2
At least four of the elective courses in the advanced curriculum must be taken in departments and units of the University other than the School of Social Policy & Practice. Students are encouraged to use electives to develop content and methodological expertise in their area of research. These courses must relate to the substantive content that students select for their individualized program of study, and must be listed by the University as at or above the 5000 level. In some cases, students are allowed to take graduate-level courses at other universities. The student’s advisor will guide the student in the selection of elective courses.