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
WHAT'S NEW AT CoSW?
Highlights: 2025 Foster & Adoptive Parent Appreciation DayCalendar of Events
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The Lakes Citizen Review Panel
The Lakes Citizen Review Panel
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
KIN-VIP – The Gathering Spot
KIN-VIP – The Gathering Spot
The Gathering Spot is a great NEW way to meet other kinship caregivers from the comfort of your own home and has been redesigned to be a spot where you
2 events,
Northern Bluegrass Citizen Review Panel
Northern Bluegrass Citizen Review Panel
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
KIN-VIP Support Group – Relatives Raising Kin
KIN-VIP Support Group – Relatives Raising Kin
Relatives Raising Kin is a community of kinship caregivers who come together for support, friendship, and information. Our goal is to connect families with one another to find resources, get
1 event,
Cumberland Region Citizen Review Panel
Cumberland Region Citizen Review Panel
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
0 events,
1 event,
Responsible Conduct of Research Training
Responsible Conduct of Research Training
Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training is required for any faculty, staff, and students who are involved in research activities, enrolled in UK CoSW doctoral studies, paid on grant, and/or
0 events,
1 event,
KIN-VIP Support Group Grandparent’s Connection
KIN-VIP Support Group Grandparent’s Connection
Raising your grandchildren and parenting again later in life can be especially challenging in today’s culture. Navigating this change in roles–moving from grandparents to being parents again–can be both confusing
3 events,
Northeastern Citizen Review Panel
Northeastern Citizen Review Panel
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
Certificate Info Session
Certificate Info Session
College of Social Work advisors host monthly certificate information sessions via Zoom on the second Tuesday of each month. These sessions are designed for current MSW students who want to
KIN-VIP – The Gathering Spot
KIN-VIP – The Gathering Spot
The Gathering Spot is a great NEW way to meet other kinship caregivers from the comfort of your own home and has been redesigned to be a spot where you
2 events,
DSW Info Session
DSW Info Session
Turn Your Goals into Reality Explore our Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) program during an online info session. Registration link is at the end of the event listing, under 'Website'.
Responsible Conduct of Research Training
Responsible Conduct of Research Training
Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training is required for any faculty, staff, and students who are involved in research activities, enrolled in UK CoSW doctoral studies, paid on grant, and/or
3 events,
KIN-VIP Support Group – Parenting Challenges
KIN-VIP Support Group – Parenting Challenges
We understand how difficult it can be trying to parent your kinship children. Parenting a child that belongs to a family member or a friend is especially difficult for you
A Conversation with Dr. Annie Snow
A Conversation with Dr. Annie Snow
Join us via Zoom on April 10 from 4-5:00 pm for an impactful discussion featuring UK CoSW alumna Dr. Annie Snow (she/her), a suicidologist and certified sexologist. Her research has
KIN-VIP Support Group With Mary Jo Dendy
KIN-VIP Support Group With Mary Jo Dendy
This group is an opportunity for kinship caregivers to come together to find support, community, and resources in the care of relative and fictive children. This group will focus on
1 event,
Jefferson Citizen Review Panel
Jefferson Citizen Review Panel
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
2 events,
Salt River Trail Citizen Review Panel
Salt River Trail Citizen Review Panel
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
KIN-VIP – The Gathering Spot
KIN-VIP – The Gathering Spot
The Gathering Spot is a great NEW way to meet other kinship caregivers from the comfort of your own home and has been redesigned to be a spot where you
2 events,
KIN-VIP Support Group – Relatives Raising Kin
KIN-VIP Support Group – Relatives Raising Kin
Relatives Raising Kin is a community of kinship caregivers who come together for support, friendship, and information. Our goal is to connect families with one another to find resources, get
MSW Info Session
MSW Info Session
Explore our Master of Social Work (MSW) program during an online info session. Registration link is below, under 'Website' The UK Difference Our MSW program is an Advanced Generalist program
1 event,
Kinship Live Webinar Training – Understanding Difficult Behaviors in Children and Teens
Kinship Live Webinar Training – Understanding Difficult Behaviors in Children and Teens
Is your child or teen struggling with challenging behaviors? Do you feel overwhelmed and unsure how to respond effectively? This webinar will provide you with practical strategies and insights to
1 event,
Two Rivers Citizen Review Panel
Two Rivers Citizen Review Panel
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
1 event,
Responsible Conduct of Research Training
Responsible Conduct of Research Training
Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training is required for any faculty, staff, and students who are involved in research activities, enrolled in UK CoSW doctoral studies, paid on grant, and/or
0 events,
1 event,
KIN-VIP Support Group Grandparent’s Connection
KIN-VIP Support Group Grandparent’s Connection
Raising your grandchildren and parenting again later in life can be especially challenging in today’s culture. Navigating this change in roles–moving from grandparents to being parents again–can be both confusing
1 event,
KIN-VIP – The Gathering Spot
KIN-VIP – The Gathering Spot
The Gathering Spot is a great NEW way to meet other kinship caregivers from the comfort of your own home and has been redesigned to be a spot where you
4 events,
Southern Bluegrass Citizen Review Panel
Southern Bluegrass Citizen Review Panel
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
MSCJ Info Session
MSCJ Info Session
Please join us as we discuss the upcoming Master of Science in Criminal Justice program! This info session will be held virtually over Zoom. Please register by using the link
BASW Info Session
BASW Info Session
Are You Wildly Passionate About Social Work? Explore the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) program during an online info session. REGISTER HERE The UK Difference Graduates from our
Undergraduate Criminal Justice Info Session
Undergraduate Criminal Justice Info Session
Pursue your Passion for the Greater Good Explore College of Social Work’s newest Criminal Justice program during our online info session! REGISTER HERE The UK Difference Graduates from our
1 event,
KIN-VIP Support Group – Parenting Challenges
KIN-VIP Support Group – Parenting Challenges
We understand how difficult it can be trying to parent your kinship children. Parenting a child that belongs to a family member or a friend is especially difficult for you
2 events,
Southern Bluegrass Citizen Review Panel presents “A Conversation on Collaboration”
Southern Bluegrass Citizen Review Panel presents “A Conversation on Collaboration”
"A Conversation on Collaboration" will feature sessions on youth substance use, caring for children who have experienced trauma, and firearm/medication safety, as well as presentations by Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky
Eastern Mountain Region Citizen Review Panel
Eastern Mountain Region Citizen Review Panel
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
1 event,
Responsible Conduct of Research Training
Responsible Conduct of Research Training
Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training is required for any faculty, staff, and students who are involved in research activities, enrolled in UK CoSW doctoral studies, paid on grant, and/or
0 events,
1 event,
2025 DSW Capstone Showcase
Join us for the DSW Capstone Showcase, a three-day event where Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) candidates share their groundbreaking research and innovative contributions to social work practice. These scholar-practitioners
3 events,
KIN-VIP – The Gathering Spot
KIN-VIP – The Gathering Spot
The Gathering Spot is a great NEW way to meet other kinship caregivers from the comfort of your own home and has been redesigned to be a spot where you
Harlan County Open House
Harlan County Open House
Join us at Moonbow Tipple Coffee & Sweets in Harlan, Kentucky as we discuss what a degree in Social Work & Criminal Justice can bring to you. Several members of
1 event,
2 events,
Cumberland Region Citizen Review Panel
Cumberland Region Citizen Review Panel
Citizen Review Panels (CRPs) are groups of caring volunteers that work to improve the well-being of children, families, and communities across Kentucky. To learn more about CRPs or join a
Reading Days Support and Snacks
Reading Days Support and Snacks
Join us for a Reading Days Support and Snacks to prepare for finals This event is designed for students looking for a quiet, supportive environment to focus on their studies.
