PhD Program

Explore the PhD Program

Students in our PhD program interact with a world-class faculty and staff. Students are afforded the opportunity to conceptualize, conduct, and critically assess cutting-edge research in a variety of areas including:

clinical social work
child welfare
gerontology
suicide
mental and behavioral health
military
medical social work
and more

Our program is designed to prepare its graduates to be faculty members in social work programs across the country and internationally. There is a strong emphasis on students acquiring the research competencies needed to conduct research and publish their scholarship. At the same time, students learn how to become top-notch educators through teaching assistantships, teaching practica, and a course in teaching. Graduates also find that the doctoral program prepares them to be program evaluators, administrators, policy analysts, and researchers.

THE UK DIFFERENCE

Expansive Research Expertise

CoSW faculty are nationally and internationally recognized for their research. Currently, CoSW has formal research partnerships with a host of academic institutions around the world.

Centers and Labs

CoSW is home to several unique research centers and labs, including the Training Resource Center, Interdisciplinary Research Center on Children and Families, Kentucky Kinship Resource Center, Self-Care Lab, Suicide Prevention and Exposure Lab, and Military Behavior Health Lab. PhD students can leverage these entities for unique learning and research opportunities.

Funding Support

CoSW is committed to funding our PhD students. Funded positions for PhD are comprised of Teaching Assistantships (TA), Research Assistantships (RA), Fellowships, and Scholarships. Funding availability varies from year to year and fully funded positions are contingent upon available monies.

Flexible Program Options

Students in our PhD program can select from flexible full and part-time degree options. The core curricula and elective formats allow students to craft unique learning and research experiences.

PHD Program

by the numbers

100%

First-Year PhD students receiving financial aid

6

Unique centers and labs

53

PhD student presentations/
publications for 2019

CoSW

spotlights

Our students and alumni are the embodiment of our mission. Through dedication and steadfast service, they work to improve the human condition. These are their stories.