Doctor of Philosophy
Scholars for 21st Century Challenges
Students admitted to our PhD program pursue a customized course of study in an atmosphere of highest regard for scholarship and careful mentoring from faculty who are top ranked in the nation for funded research.
Pursuing a PhD at USC places you in the center of Los Angeles with an exclusive opportunity to develop and test research in one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse cities in the world.
The USC Graduate School is committed to providing detailed information on the inputs, outcomes and overall characteristics of its PhD programs, for the purposes of full transparency and to support informed decision making. You can find details, including admission statistics for our PhD program, on the USC Graduate School site and select Social Work for the program.
Should I Pursue a PhD in Social Work?
Students interested in graduate level social work should consider the benefits, challenges and potential career paths associated with a PhD.
USC PhD Achievement Award
Tasha Perdue, PhD '21, received the 2021 USC PhD Achievement Award, one of six PhD students the university annually recognizes for their exceptional academic profiles.
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PhD Admissions
Our admission PhD candidate selection process is rigorous, reflecting our emphasis on academic achievement, initiative and motivation.
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PhD Degree Requirements
The PhD program requires a minimum of 45 units beyond the master's degree and successful completion of written and oral qualifying exams and the doctoral dissertation.
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PhD Research
Our PhD program places major emphasis on independent inquiry, the development of competence in research methodology, and communication of research results.
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PhD Students
We provide our PhD Students a wide range of educational support services, a rich campus experience and our Doctoral Student Association.
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