How to Apply - PhD in Social Work

The application for the Summer 2025 PhD cohort has closed. We admit students every other year, and our next cohort will be Summer 2027. The application will open back up next year.

You can request more information at any time about our online PhD is social work program and the application process by completing the inquiry form. Baylor University is an NC-SARA approved institution.

PhD Cohort in front of the Garland School — The GSSW's 2023 PhD in Social Work cohort.

Admission to the PhD program is a highly selective process. The admissions committee selects up to 7-10 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

A completed application includes:

1) Garland School of Social Work (GSSW) Required Statistics Exam

The statistics exam is required in order for an application to be considered complete. The GRE is not required.
Applicants must complete the exam with an earned grade of B or better.
Applicants are allowed only two attempts to earn the required score on the exam.
There are modules that can be used as a refresher for students prior to taking the exam. The modules and exam are free for students.
Click this link to access the modules and exam

2) Personal statement

A personal statement of 7-10 pages that:

explains your motivation for and expectations of doctoral education in social work
includes particular assets that you would bring to the school and to the profession, as well as areas in which you would most like to grow academically and professionally
specifies your areas of academic and research interest
briefly describes your understanding of the integration of faith and ethical social work practice, supported by existing literature

3) Sample of Scholarly Writing

A sample (not exceeding 25 pages) of a recent, single or co-authored work of scholarly writing that provides evidence of your capacity to think analytically and critically about a social welfare issue. The following are examples of appropriate submissions:

published article
book chapter
other excerpts
unpublished research report
a paper written in a graduate-level course
grant application

4) Resume or Curriculum Vitae

This should include a list of publications and professional presentations.

5) Three letters of recommendation

At least two recommendations should come from faculty who can attest to the applicant’s superior ability and potential. A third recommendation should come from a supervisor, director or someone that can provide insight into the applicant's ability and achievement in social work.

6) Degree Bearing Transcripts from Previously Attended Universities

A Master of Social Work from a CSWE accredited program is preferred but not required. Applicants without an MSW will be considered if they have exceptionally strong credentials, a master's degree in a related field, and experience working in social service settings. Exceptions may also be made for applicants from countries without university accreditation but with exceptionally strong credentials.

The Graduate School requires applicants to submit transcripts from every institution which has granted a bachelor's degree and higher. Transcripts should indicate the degree granted. If the transcript does not list the degree and date conferred, applicants must also submit a proof of degree (certificate, diploma, etc.).

7) $50 Application Fee

8) Foreign national and permanent resident applicants:

English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Scores are valid for two years from the time the test is taken.