Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Work

In Loyola’s PhD in Social Work program, you’ll gain a grounding in scholarship, research, and instructional practice that will prepare you for a career as a faculty member or as a leader in a nonprofit or policymaking institution. Founded in 1986 and informed by our Jesuit ideals of service to others and social justice, our social work doctoral program integrates professional rigor and personalized mentoring throughout.Program benefitsDevelop the specialized research and critical thinking skills needed to make original contributions to social work policy development, administration, and educational practice.Build strong instructional and presentational skills for both face-to-face and online settings -- and earn a teaching certificate -- through our teaching seminar and practicum.Forge lasting professional relationships with faculty through mentoring relationships and collaborative work on grant-funded initiatives, including projects focused on youth, health, migration, and community-based research.Engage with diverse students and faculty members from the U.S. and around the world, including instructors in our bilingual Spanish-English MSW program.Expand your understanding of social, economic, and environmental justice as you learn and practice at our Water Tower campus in the heart of downtown Chicago.