Ph.D. Degree Requirements

Practice Experience
Prior social work experience is highly desired, though not necessary. (Most schools of social work who recruit faculty members to teach practice courses require at least two years of post-MSW practice experience.) The Ph.D. degree is first and foremost a research degree. Graduates of the Ph.D. Program in Social Welfare at FIU have demonstrated advanced knowledge of theory and practice in social welfare and the social sciences, as well as the autonomous capacity to plan, conduct, and report on research. Thus, social work experience is not used by the Admissions Committee as the primary indication of potential success in the doctoral program.

Admission Requirements
The following are admission requirements of the School of Social Work and/or the University Graduate School.

• A Master’s degree in social work (MSW) from an accredited school of social work. Prior social work experience is highly desired.

• Evidence of superior academic achievement in undergraduate education, including at least a 3.00 (upper division) undergraduate GPA and at least a 3.5 graduate GPA. All official transcripts must be sent directly to Florida International University, Office of Admissions, P.O. Box 659003, Miami, FL 33265-9003

• A combined quantitative and verbal score of at least 1120 on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).  Official GRE scores must be sent directly to the University Graduate School.  (GRE material may be obtained directly from the FIU Office of Admissions or from Educational Testing Services.)

• For students for whom English is a second language, a TOEFL score of 550 or more.

• Successful completion (with a grade “B” or better) of one or more graduate-level courses in research methodology or statistics, as documented in the official academic transcripts.

• Three letters of reference (.doc format) from academic and/or professional sources.

• Two samples of writing (e.g., published articles, research reports, book reviews, manuscripts submitted for publication, or papers prepared specifically for admission to the Ph.D. Program).

• A personal statement (.doc format) describing applicants’ reasons for wishing to pursue doctoral studies at this time, their background and experience, their doctoral research and specialization interests (important), and their career goals following receipt of their Ph.D.

• Applicants who do not meet all admission requirements but demonstrate outstanding abilities or accomplishments may also be considered; however, exemption from particular requirements may need to be requested from the University Graduate School.

• An admission interview may be requested.

Evaluation Process
The Admissions Committee reviews only completed applications files.

Determination of the applicant’s intellectual capacity and research potential is based mainly on the GPA and GRE scores and the academic references. Assessment of motivation, knowledge of the field, and personal qualities is based on a review of work experience information, the personal statement, the letters of reference, and possibly an admissions interview. Evaluation of writing ability is based on a review of the personal statement and the writing samples.

10% Admission Waivers
Up to 10% of graduate students admitted in any given year can be admitted as exceptions to the minimal requirements (See Graduate Policies and Procedures Manual).

Transfer of Credits from Previous Course Work
Students in the Ph.D. program cannot substitute or obtain waivers for required courses. The Ph.D. Coordinator may consider the transfer of doctoral level courses (not part of a previously earned degree) toward the completion of a maximum of six elective (or supervised research or independent study) credit hours. Students must explain in writing how the previous course or courses are directly related to the current area of doctoral study.

Ph.D. Application Procedures