Baylor's Social Work PhD program is designed to develop leaders and educators who can lead visionary social work education or service programs and conduct original research addressing the complex social issues of our world. The program provides a distinctive focus on the integration of religion and faith with the ethics, values and practices of the social work profession.
The application for the Summer 2023 cohort of the PhD in Social Work program is now closed.
The application for the Summer 2025 cohort is expected to open in Fall 2024.
Baylor University is an NC-SARA approved institution.
What can you do with a PhD in Social Work?
Graduates from the social work PhD program are uniquely prepared to:
• Serve in academic research and teaching posts in social work programs
• Provide leadership in government and private agency contexts around the world
Program Format
Baylor's online PhD in social work is primarily taught in a synchronous video classroom that utilizes high-definition technology to connect students and the instructor in real-time. Classes are conducted much as they would be on campus, except the students are able to participate from anywhere in the world.
Learn more about the Program of Study.
Program Requirements
Admission to the PhD program is a highly selective process. The admissions committee selects up to seven students every other year that have:
- Clear interest in developing theory, policy, and research skills in a substantive area relevant to the field of social work
- A superior academic record in all previous work
- The maturity, intellectual ability, and readiness for doctoral study
Explore admissions requirements at how to apply.
What was your first impression of the Garland School of Social Work?
Online - the information is clear and robust. The chairs were easy to communicate with and faculty was available to answer any questions.
In person - I cannot give enough positive feedback about my experience at the Garland School of Social Work. The staff and faculty were warm, interested, and invested in us individually and as a cohort from the moment we walked in. I felt known. I felt spurred on in my research interests. I felt heard by every person I encountered. I left feeling connected to my educational goals, the university, the school of social work, my cohort, and the faculty.
—Dr. Brianna Garrison, PhD '21