Published:
Driven by a desire to keep young people out of the criminal justice system, Alicia Wilson, PhD ’24, left her job in mental health to become a leader in the social work profession.
PhD in Social Work (Hybrid)
Become a leader in social work research, education or administration through our three-year hybrid program that allows you to continue working full time.
Why Earn a PhD in Social Work?
The social work field needs scholar-practitioners who can address social problems at the highest level. Step into your next role as a college professor, research director or agency executive with a PhD Degree in Social Work—a program that teaches you to create, evaluate and deploy cutting-edge knowledge and make a meaningful impact in society. Our PhD program’s combination of rigorous research training and ethical community engagement primes students to conduct scholarly research and shape policy in partnership with local, regional, national and global communities. In addition, our use of anti-racist and anti-oppressive lenses in the classroom empowers students to effect positive, multi-systemic change in every domain, from policy development to pedagogical practice.
Why Earn Your PhD in Social Work at Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»in New York?
- Benefit from a doctoral program designed for busy working professionals—the only one of its kind in the New York City area. Our hybrid format requires just two online classes per semester, allowing you to work full time while earning your PhD in Social Work.
- Plan a schedule that allows you to continue working. During the fall and spring semesters, classes always meet from 4-8 p.m. on Mondays. Every summer, you’ll participate in a five-week intensive session.
- Take advantage of transformative leadership opportunities through Adelphi’s well-developed system of advisement, mentorship and community connections.
- Develop innovative social work practice knowledge as you enhance your ability to integrate theory, evidence and critical thought.
- Advance your commitment to social justice by translating research and knowledge into anti-oppressive leadership practices.
- Build community through regular in-person meetings with members of your cohort.
- Obtain financial assistance and supplement your studies by working as a research assistant in your department.
7%*
* Bureau of Labor Statistics
expected job growth through 2032 for social workers—faster than the average
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Social Work PhD Scholarship
Offered to high-achieving doctoral students who have been admitted into the PhD in Social Work program.
$16,600*
* check with your program director for exact details and timing
considered for every admitted Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»social work PhD student—making it an affordable option for pursuing advanced studies
check with your program director for exact details and timing
I work in a new specialized program supporting students with emotional and behavioral disabilities who’ve experienced trauma in inclusive environments. My experiences in Adelphi’s doctoral program help me lead this work. The knowledge gained in program development, in engaging in rigorous research, and understanding the connection of theory and practice has been instrumental in my work in starting, assessing and revising a new program
Program Info
Courses & Requirements
Application Requirements and Criteria
The application deadline for fall admission is April 15, or later with (?) permission from the Program Director. Applicants to the PhD in Social Work program must have an MSW or other master’s degree in a related field, a 3.3 GPA and preferably 2-3 years of post-master’s work experience. Applicants should submit the following:
- Graduate application and $60 fee
- Three letters of recommendation addressing academic ability and other skills
- 3-4 page personal statement
- Writing sample showcasing academic/scholarly writing skill and style. A writing sample can be an academic paper written in the last five years, a report written for an agency, a publication or an original paper of approximately five pages on a social issue.
- Transcripts from all tertiary academic institutions
- Cover letter
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- Course-by-course evaluation: All graduate applicants with undergraduate-level work completed outside of the United States will be required to send a course-by-course evaluation of their academic work prepared by a NACES member organization. Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»recommends you use or (discount provided for Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»applicants), , or , but any evaluation would be acceptable.
Additional Requirements for International Students
Additional information is required from applicants with degrees from non-native English-speaking countries as well as an official TOEFL score of 80 or higher OR an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher.
Admissions
Understanding Costs and Savings
Learn about the costs you can expect, and discover how scholarships, grants and financial aid packages can put an Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»education within reach.
One-Stop Student Services
As a doctoral student at Adelphi, I was invited by one of my professors to serve as a research assistant, where I had the opportunity to collaborate on scholarly research and contribute to two publications while gaining invaluable experience in the publication process. The faculty were incredibly supportive, providing mentorship and guidance that strengthened my own research interests and helped me develop practical skills in policy development, data analysis, and evidence-based decision-making. Entering Adelphi, I was already serving in an executive leadership role, but the knowledge, mentorship and hands-on learning I received gave me the confidence and expertise to effectively use research and data to strengthen and grow my department.
Awards & Recognition
Colleges of Distinction: Career Development
Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»is recognized as a Career Development College of Distinction for the exceptional way that we equip students with skills to succeed in their lifelong career journey.
Expert Career Guidance
Colleges of Distinction: Equity & Inclusion
Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»has been honored for initiatives to become an increasingly welcoming, inclusive community for students and faculty.
Forbes
For the third consecutive year, Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» has been recognized as the highest-ranked private university on Long Island on Forbes’ 2026 America’s Top Colleges list.
Adelphi’s Ranking
Wall Street Journal/College Pulse
Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»earned national recognition in the 2026 Wall Street Journal/College Pulse rankings for its strong student outcomes. The University ranked highly in social mobility and best salaries, reflecting the lifetime return on investment it provides to students.
Ranked one of the best
U.S. News & World Report
Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» has been named a Best College among National Universities for eight consecutive years. Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»remains the top-ranked private university on Long Island.
Celebrate Our Rise
Times Higher Education
Times Higher Education ranks Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»in the top 8 percent of four-year universities in the United States and as one of the best universities in the world.
Global Recognition
Colleges of Distinction: Great Teaching
Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»is recognized as a College of Distinction with engaged faculty members who provide students with feedback and encouragement and help students learn to think for themselves.
Dedicated Faculty
Program Contacts
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Contact-
516.877.4392
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Social Work Building 349
Location
Nexus Building First Floor
Hours
Summer Hours
Connect