DOCTORAL PROGRAMS
Doctoral study in pursuit of social good
The School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) offers doctoral students the resources of an Ivy League institution within a small, intimate program. Having long been a leader in social work research through the PhD in Social Welfare program, SP2 expanded its offerings with the Doctorate in Clinical Social Work in 2007 and the Doctorate in Nonprofit Administration in 2025.
At SP2, PhD students pursue transdisciplinary research to solve social problems both close to home and around the world, DSW students prepare for leadership in advanced clinical social work practice, and DNPA students gain the conceptual frameworks and practical tools to lead nonprofit organizations in building a better society. Graduates from all three programs work for social good across academia, government, industry, research institutions, the nonprofit sector, and more.
PhD in Social Welfare
The PhD program in Social Welfare is designed to develop leaders in academia and research to identify both problems and potential solutions. We work hard to foster scholarly energy, collaboration, and creativity.
Doctorate in Clinical Social Work
Now, more than ever, social worker leaders are needed in the movement towards social good. Our Doctorate in Clinical Social Work (DSW) graduates are sought after social work doctors—highly trained and respected experts, educators, researchers, and leaders who engage in fulfilling, rewarding work and make important contributions to the profession.
Doctorate in Nonprofit Administration
At a time when nonprofit, philanthropic, and mission-driven organizations are navigating unprecedented complexity and change, the Doctorate in Nonprofit Administration (DNPA) responds to a growing leadership gap in the sector by offering a rigorous program tailored to working professionals. The DNPA equips nonprofit professionals with the knowledge and skills to translate research into practice, implement research-informed strategies, manage projects, and further develop as leaders.
PhD vs. DSW
Although both have a focus on social good, the PhD in Social Welfare and the Doctorate in Clinical Social Work are distinct programs that prepare graduates for different career paths. Learn more about the differences between the programs below.
| PhD | DSW | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | 1. Research-focused and theory-driven interdisciplinary program 2. Students and faculty apply diverse research methods to a wide range of social problems/issues related to social welfare and social justice | Graduates are prepared to: 1. Design and implement empirically grounded social work interventions 2. Conduct sound, evidence-based inquiry on issues of significance to social work practice 3. Position themselves as content experts with deep knowledge in at least one chosen area related to social work practice and disseminate this knowledge through teaching, presentation, practice, and scholarly activities 4. Serve as educators who teach and engage in course and curriculum development |
| Format | Full-time, on-campus | Full-time, online with 2 week-long immersions |
| Time to complete | 4-6 years | 3 years |
| Funding | 1. Fully funded for four years including a stipend, full tuition remission, and individual health insurance coverage through the plan offered by the University 2. Ten-month stipend for a research-focused assistantship, and after coursework is completed, can be expanded to include teaching assistantships | Federal loans via the FAFSA with some financial aid |
| Career Goals | 1. Faculty positions in schools across different disciplines including Social Work, Public Policy, and Public Health 2. Leadership positions in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, think tanks, research institutes, and more | 1. Promotions in clinical settings 2. If interested in social work education, a lecturer/term faculty/practice professor and other non-tenure track position 3. Tenure-track positions in small, teaching-oriented programs |
| Dissertation | An original work of research scholarship to advance knowledge in the field of Social Welfare with the exact components of the dissertation varying depending on the nature of the proposed project, the conventions of the specific field of research in which it is situated, and the expectations of the dissertation committee | A research-based dissertation that is circumscribed in scope, often qualitative, on a clinical practice area that has practice implications and is publishable in the academic literature |
| Adapted from the University of Buffalo, School of Social Work | ||