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.
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 Adelphi 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 program is designed to allow you to work full time while earning your PhD in Social Work. Its hybrid format requires only five or six days of in-person classes each semester and two in-person classes during the summer. In the fall and spring semesters, all other classes will be held synchronously online, allowing you to work full time while earning your PhD in Social Work. In the summer, half of the classes will be held asynchronously.
- 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 two sequential five-week intensive classes
- Take advantage of transformative leadership opportunities through Adelphi’s well-developed system of advisement, mentorship and community connections.
- 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
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
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.
Application Requirements and Criteria
The application deadline for fall admission is February 15; later applications will be accepted 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, and a 3.3 GPA. Applicants should submit the following:
- Graduate application and $60 fee (waived for applicants who attend an open house or information session)
- Three letters of recommendation, at least one of which that addresses academic ability
- 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
- Résumé
- 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. Adelphi recommends you use The Evaluation Company (TEC) or IEE (discount provided for Adelphi applicants), ECE, or WES, but any NACES member 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
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 Adelphi social work PhD student—making it an affordable option for pursuing advanced studies
check with your program director for exact details and timing
Understanding Costs and Savings
Learn about the costs you can expect, and discover how scholarships, grants and financial aid packages can put an Adelphi education within reach.
One-Stop Student Services
The PhD program in Social Work at Adelphi University has been invaluable in my development as an Assistant Professor. It strengthened my confidence as a researcher and fully prepared me to teach at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. I remain grateful for the faculty’s support and their genuine commitment to every student’s success.
FAQs on the Hybrid Social Work PhD
No. All classes require some in person attendance.
During the semester, five or six class sessions will be held on campus.
Three years of coursework and approximately two additional years to conduct dissertation research.
Yes
- The PhD in Social Work emphasizes the creation of new research—historically qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods and theory, while the DSW focuses on practical application and leadership in social work practice. Research courses taught in the DSW program are translational research, which focuses on translating practice questions and knowledge and applying it to improve the overall well-being of individuals, organizations and communities.
- Learning, skills and knowledge in the PhD social work program are assessed through a series of comprehensive exams, along with a dissertation which focuses on the creation of new knowledge, which occurs after coursework is completed. The DSW program involves a capstone project, which is worked on simultaneously while students are taking classes in the third year, and typically focuses on an area of practice interest.
- DSW graduates typically focus on advanced practice post-degree, often holding leadership positions within their communities, agencies, social service agencies or in direct practice, while those with PhDs pursue tenure-track positions in academia and/or continue to generate research and publications.
Awards & Recognition
Colleges of Distinction: Career Development
Adelphi 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
Adelphi has been honored for initiatives to become an increasingly welcoming, inclusive community for students and faculty.
Top Ranked in Equity & Inclusion
Forbes
In 2027 and for the fourth consecutive year, Adelphi is the highest-ranked private university on Long Island, New York, on the Forbes list of America’s Top Colleges.
Adelphi’s Ranking
Wall Street Journal/College Pulse
Adelphi 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
Adelphi University has been named a Best College among National Universities for nine consecutive years. Adelphi remains the top-ranked private university on Long Island and places among the top 20 universities in New York State.
Celebrate Our Rise
Times Higher Education
Times Higher Education ranks Adelphi 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
Adelphi 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
Connect