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PhD Members Programs

Virginia Commonwealth University

School of Social Work

The Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Social Work Ph.D. program prepares researchers and educators to generate, implement and communicate knowledge to advance social justice, improve human well-being, and enhance the profession’s impact on pressing social problems. For more than a century, the School has prepared students to advance the profession’s mission by integrating and applying scientific knowledge and professional skills and values to current and emergent social problems. The Ph.D. program, which began in 1978, furthers that agenda by preparing doctoral students as research scholars, educators and leaders in the profession.

Students enjoy individualized mentoring and a highly supportive learning environment. A wide range of interdisciplinary Institutes and Centers complement and contribute to the School’s research activities. Situated in the state capital of Richmond and near Washington D.C., VCU is one of only 54 universities nationwide designated by the Carnegie Foundation as “Community Engaged” and “Very High Research Activity.”

Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Richmond, Virginia
  • Public
  • PhD in Social Work
  • In-Person Program Only
  • Full-time Enrollment Only
  • 3-5 Students
  • No
  • Yes, with a cut-off score
  • Yes, MSW or other master's degree required
  • 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
  • Family Violence
  • Gender
  • Health
  • Housing/Homelessness
  • Immigrants, Refugees & Displaced Persons
  • International Social Work & Global Development
  • LGBT Issues & Services
  • Mental Health
  • Organizations, Management & Administration
  • Poverty/Disadvantaged Populations
  • Race and Ethnicity
  • Religion/Spirituality
  • School Social Work
  • Social/Economic Justice
  • Social Welfare Policy
  • Social Work Education
  • Social Work Practice

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