The mission of the Ph.D. Program in Social Work is to develop scholars who will advance knowledge about social welfare and social work practice to assist in resolving urban social issues facing families, communities, and the global society.  The program focuses on advancing the students' knowledge and skills in theory building, research methodology, and critical analysis of social welfare policies and social work practice.  Further, the program is dedicated to executing and optimizing the missions of Jackson State University and the School of Social Work.

The Ph.D. Program is designed to develop social work scholars, researchers, and educators who will advanced knowledge and skills about social work practice, social welfare policy, and social planning affecting children, youth, and families.  It provides students an opportunity to specialize in policy, planning, and administration or clinical practice and to select a substantive area of interest.

The program requires students to complete 45 hours of coursework, excluding the dissertation.  Students are also required to take a comprehensive examination, which is administered after successfully completing two years of full-time study.  Upon completion of the examination, students are admitted to candidacy for the Ph.D. Program.

For more information, contact Dr. Susie A. Spence, Director of the Ph.D. Program, at (601) 432-6811 or click on one of the links above. Please note that the priority deadline for submission of all application materials to the Ph.D. Program and the Graduate School at Jackson State University is March 1 of each year.

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Ph.D. SW Program