Field Office ManualPhD Program
Education for the next generation of leaders in Social Work
Contact the PhD Program
Ms.Carolyn Brooks
713-743-8080(phone)
713/743-8149(fax)
phdinfo@sw.uh.edu
GCSW Key Contacts
GCSW Faculty Directory
The Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW) initiated the Ph.D. program in 1993. Students may pursue study on a full-time or part-time basis. A full-time doctoral student takes 9-10 credit hours per semester. On a full-time basis, the coursework is designed to be completed in two academic years. Part-time doctoral students take 6-7 credit hours per semester, and coursework is designed to be completed in three academic years.
In 1998, the GCSW began a MSW/Ph.D. degree option designed for students pursuing the M.S.W. degree while working on their doctorate. The dual degree program is available only to full-time students. Applicants interested in the M.S.W./Ph.D. option must apply and be admitted to each program separately.
Mission Statement
Set in an urban, multicultural environment, the purpose of the GCSW doctoral program is to develop social work re searchers, scholars, teachers, and leaders who can facilitate change through rigorous and contextualized analysis of social problems and social work interventions in a manner respectful of the experiences of all affected. Graduates will advance the knowledge base of the profession, promote a scientific basis for social work practice at all levels of intervention, and actively promote global social and economic justice.
Program Objectives
The program is designed to prepare students to contribute to scholarship and to advance the knowledge base of social work practice. Students are prepared for leadership positions in:
- - Social work education
- - Agency administration
- - Research in social work practice
The doctoral program seeks applicants with potential to:
- Contribute new research knowledge that will advance the profession's ability to
respond effectively to the social service needs of individuals, groups,
families, and communities;
- Critically analyze the existing theoretical knowledge and value bases of
contemporary social work practice;
- Understand the processes of theory construction and validation in the
development of social work knowledge;
- Acquire advanced research competence to: (a) evaluate social work practice and
theories which undergird that practice; (b) critically evaluate interventions,
outcomes, and effectiveness of services; (c) understand the policies that affect
the delivery of social services; and (d) evaluate new and evolving needs and
problems of individuals families, groups, and communities in general, as well as
special populations in need of social work services;
- Seek and synthesize relevant knowledge and approaches to theory-building in the
behavioral and social sciences, the humanities, and other helping professions in
order to enrich social work theory, knowledge, practice, education, social work
research;
- Understand the historical roots, philosophical value positions, and parameters
of social policy that affect contemporary social work and provide the context
for social work practice;
- Understand and critically evaluate contemporary trends and issues in social
welfare policy development;
- Understand how cultural diversity impacts social welfare policies, direct social
services, complex organizations, and research;
- Understand the dynamics of complex organizations and how they affect the context
in which social work services are administered; and
- Produce and disseminate knowledge in professional publications, lectures, and conference presentations.
