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/program/phd-in-social-welfare/
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 | ||
| SOCW 6300 | Quantitative Reasoning/Social Statistics | 1 |
| SOCW 6680 | Economics for Social Policy | 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 1 | ||
| Transfer Credit | ||
| Up to 4 CU of transfer credit can be accepted | 4 | |
| Select one theory class | 1 | |
| Select five electives | 5 | |
| Total Course Units | 20 | |
- 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 2023 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 | ||
| SOCW 6300 | Quantitative Reasoning/Social Statistics | 1 |
| SOCW 8030 | Advanced History and Philosophy of Social Welfare | 1 |
| SOCW 8520 | Social Welfare Research Methods | 1 |
| SOCW 9010 | Proseminar | 0.5 |
| Course Units | 3.50 | |
| Spring | ||
| SOCW 8110 | Social Theory | 1 |
| SOCW 8550 | Advanced Social Welfare Research Methods | 1 |
| SOCW 8610 | Advanced Policy Analysis Research Methods | 1 |
| SOCW 8970 | Applied Linear Modeling | 1 |
| SOCW 9010 | Proseminar | 0.5 |
| Course Units | 4.50 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| SOCW 6680 | Economics for Social Policy | 1 |
| SOCW 8610 | Advanced Policy Analysis Research Methods | 1 |
| SOCW 9010 | Proseminar | 0.5 |
| Theory course | 1 | |
| Elective course | 1 | |
| Course Units | 4.50 | |
| Spring | ||
| SOCW 9010 | Proseminar | 0.5 |
| Electives | 3 | |
| Course Units | 3.50 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| SOCW 9950 | Dissertation Status | 0 |
| Course Units | 0.00 | |
| Spring | ||
| SOCW 9950 | Dissertation Status | 0 |
| Course Units | 0.00 | |
| 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.