PhD Program

Thank you for your interest in the PhD program at the Anne and Henry Zarrow School of Social Work at the University of Oklahoma. While applications are not open yet, read on to learn more about the application process, which will be through the Graduate School's website.

1.      Graduate School Online Application:

         Submit the online application along with application fee paid at the time of           submission.

2.      Official Transcripts:

         Upload scanned versions of official transcripts from all previous                     undergraduate and graduate coursework with your online application.

3.      Employment History:

         Submit a resume or curriculum vitae detailing your employment history.

4.      Professional Statement:

         Upload a well-edited 7–10 page document introducing yourself to the Ph.D.                     committee. Answer all of the following questions within the application                 using the headings provided below to differentiate your answers:

• Describe Your Motivation: Detail why you are drawn to pursue a Ph.D. in Social Work at the University of Oklahoma. Discuss the specific research questions you aim to explore using advanced research skills.
• Describe Your Professional Qualifications: Discuss how your professional strengths and experiences have prepared you for success in a research-based Ph.D. program. Explain how your aptitude in research and related areas will contribute to your achievements within the program.
• Discuss Past Research Experiences: Reflect on your previous research experiences. Describe the projects you have worked on, the methodologies you utilized, and what you learned from these experiences.
• Detail Current Research Interests: Explain your current research interests and discuss the journey that led you to these topics. What specific aspects of these areas are you looking to explore further through your Ph.D. studies?
• Research Impact: Detail how you envision your research contributing to the advancement of the values outlined in the NASW Code of Ethics. Discuss how your work will promote service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, the importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence.
• Career Plan Alignment: Describe how obtaining a Ph.D. in Social Work aligns with your five-year career plan. Discuss how this degree will facilitate your professional objectives and prepare you for the roles you aspire to in the future.
•  Discuss Career Aspirations: Discuss your career goals and explain how obtaining a Ph.D. in Social Work will help you achieve these goals.
• Career Path Preferences: Describe the type of job you envision obtaining after completing your Ph.D.. Include any geographical preferences you have for your post-graduation career and whether you are leaning towards academia or a different career path.

5.      Writing Sample:

         Upload a writing sample that demonstrates your abilities (e.g., papers                    from your master’s program, professional reports, literature reviews, co-                 authored papers, case summaries). If submitting a co-authored work,          include a document explaining your specific contribution.

7.      References:

        Provide the names and email addresses of three references. Ensure letters                      of  recommendation are received before your application can be reviewed.         Strong recommendations typically come from faculty or professionals with         higher-level graduate degrees who have supervised your work.

8.      Interviews:

         Zoom interviews lasting approximately 45 minutes will be scheduled with                         final candidates.

9.      International Applicants:

         International applicants must also submit TOEFL scores. For additional         information, please refer to the Admissions for International Students page on the Graduate School’s website.

Students enrolled in the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program at the University of Oklahoma, Anne and Henry Zarrow School of Social Work, benefit from robust funding support:

• Tuition Support: The program guarantees four years of tuition support for PhD students in good standing.

• Graduate Assistantships: Opportunities include roles as Graduate Research Assistants (GRA) or Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTA), with a 50% appointment. These competitive positions provide a stipend alongside tuition support. Higher appointment percentages and fellowships are occasionally available, often tied to research centers or projects.

• Research Funding: Students engage in faculty-led research projects across various fields, leveraging their interests to access additional funding opportunities.

• Teaching Opportunities: Many students gain valuable teaching experience as GTAs, or instructors or record in face-to-face and online courses supported by mentorship to enhance their pedagogical skills.

• External Fellowships: Candidates are encouraged to pursue external fellowships to supplement their academic and research endeavors.

• A completed application for admission to the Ph.D. program in Social Work, including all required documents and supporting materials.
• A master's degree in social work (MSW) from an accredited institution.
•  A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in previous graduate coursework.
• Submission of official transcripts from all previous institutions attended.
• Submission of a comprehensive statement of purpose outlining the applicant's research interests, career goals, and reasons for pursuing a doctoral degree in social work.
• Submission of a current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume demonstrating relevant academic and professional experience.
• Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant's academic or professional abilities.
• A writing sample that demonstrates the applicant's scholarly writing and critical thinking abilities.
• Completion of any additional program-specific requirements or assessments as determined by the admissions committee.
• A CSWE-accredited MSW and two years of full-time practice experience — no exceptions. 

• Maintenance of a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 throughout the program.
• Satisfactory progress in completing coursework, research requirements, and other program milestones as specified by the program.
• Active participation in research activities, including attending seminars, presenting research findings, and engaging in scholarly dialogue.
• Compliance with all ethical guidelines and professional standards of conduct relevant to social work research and practice.
• Regular meetings with the academic advisor to review progress, address concerns, and plan for future milestones and coursework.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a diverse and collaborative academic community.

• Completion of all required coursework, including core courses, specialization electives, and research methods courses, as specified by the program.
• Completing comprehensive exams, including a written proposal and an oral defense.
• Successful proposal, development, and defense of a doctoral dissertation that significantly contributes to the field of social work.
• Compliance with all university and program policies, including ethical guidelines and academic integrity standards.
• Maintenance of a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher at graduation.
• Completion of any additional program-specific requirements, such as teaching or research assistantships, as determined by the program.
• Adherence to all Oklahoma State Regents' policy requirements and any additional accreditation standards relevant to the program.
• These admission, retention, and graduation standards are designed to align with or exceed the requirements set forth by the Oklahoma State Regents' policy. They ensure that students admitted to the Ph.D. program in Social Work possess the necessary academic preparation, research potential, and commitment to high-quality scholarship and professional practice. Additionally, these standards aim to support students in their progress toward successful program completion while maintaining the integrity and rigor expected of a doctoral-level program in social work.