PhD in Social Work

We are committed to training the next generation of scholars in social work, whose research will inform policy and practice addressing society’s most pressing problems.

Doctoral education in Social Work prepares students for leadership roles in a social work research, social work education, social policy, planning, and administration. We provide students with advanced academic training that will allow them to contribute to the knowledge base of our profession.

Our faculty includes nationally recognized leaders in every area of social work practice and research, and we take a hands-on, supportive approach to doctoral education.

Students in Pitt's School of Social Work learn the knowledge, skills and values to engage in culturally competent practise with diverse populations and communities. They learn to critically analyze personal, familial and environmental factors affecting practice settings and techniques, and to advocate for those who confront barriers to achieving their fullest potentials.

The school's students and faculty members also engage in scholarship that contributes to professional knowledge about complex social problems and innovative approaches to ameliorating those problems. The Board of Visitors provides advice on the school's planning efforts.