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PhD Members Programs

The University of Chicago

School of Social Services Administration

As a member of the SSA doctoral program, you will join a select group of outstanding students and faculty who advance an interdisciplinary approach to social work and social welfare scholarship. The PhD program is designed to deepen students' mastery of both social science theory and research methods so that they are prepared to contribute to scholarly knowledge in innovative ways with lasting impact. The PhD degree opens doors to university-level research and teaching positions and high-level policy research. The program is flexibly structured so that students can pursue a curriculum matched to their individual interests. It is at the forefront of schools of social work and social welfare that emphasize the role of disciplinary knowledge and rigorous empirical methods in guiding the investigation of social problems and interventions. In consultation with a faculty advisor, each student develops a program of study that includes two years of coursework, a qualifying examination, a publishable pre-dissertation research project, and a dissertation thesis. Students enjoy full access to a rich network of scholars, libraries, institutes, and centers that only a research university such as the University of Chicago can offer. The program is committed to faculty mentorship in teaching, research, and career development.

University of Chicago
University of Chicago
  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Private, Non-Profit
  • PhD in Social Service Administration
  • In-Person Program Only
  • Full-time Enrollment Only
  • 9-11 Students
  • Yes
  • Yes, with a cut-off score
  • No, but students without Masters degree must apply to Joint MSW/Doctoral Program
  • No, but preferred
  • Yes

Substantive Research Areas of Faculty

  • Addiction/Substance Use
  • Adolescent and Youth Development
  • Aging/Gerontology
  • Child Welfare
  • Children & Families
  • Community Practice/Macro Practice
  • Corrections/Criminal Justice/Restorative Justice
  • Disability
  • Disaster Response
  • Family Violence
  • Gender
  • Health
  • Housing/Homelessness
  • Immigrants, Refugees & Displaced Persons
  • International Social Work & Global Development
  • LGBT Issues & Services
  • Mental Health
  • Military/Veterans' Issues
  • Organizations, Management & Administration
  • Poverty/Disadvantaged Populations
  • Race and Ethnicity
  • Religion/Spirituality
  • School Social Work
  • Social/Economic Justice
  • Social Welfare Policy
  • Social Work Practice
  • Work/Family/Family Policy

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