Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Social Work Program

The University of Tennessee College of Social Work offers a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree with a major in social work. The purpose of social work education at the doctoral level is to foster an understanding and appreciation of the scientific method, to improve and extend the knowledge base of social work, and to develop competent leadership in social work education, research, and practice. The program includes foundation courses, electives, advanced seminars, and dissertation research.

Ph.D. research is directed toward developing knowledge that can be used by social work educators, practitioners, administrators, and policy makers. Students are currently conducting research in a variety of areas, including empathy, the effects of exposure to violence on mental health, chronic pain, the death penalty, juvenile violence, the rural Appalachian poor, foster care, adoptions, and service utilization by the elderly.

Ph.D. students may also take advantage of related research curricula such as the Intercollegiate Graduate Statistics Program. This program enables students to obtain a minor or a master's degree in applied statistical analysis while pursuing a Ph.D. in Social Work. 

Ph.D. Program Director: Dr. William Nugent, wnugent@utk.edu

Ph.D. Program Secretary: John Bailey, jbaile14@utk.edu

Contact the Ph.D. Program

Ph.D. Program
The University of Tennessee
College of Social Work
313 Henson Hall
Knoxville, TN 37996-3333
(865) 974-6481
jbaile14@utk.edu