PhD in Social Work

The School of Social Work at Memorial University has grown to become the largest east of Montreal since its inception in 1963 and its MSW and PhD programs are taught by an internationally recognized faculty. Memorial’s PhD in Social Work program is the only one of its kind in Atlantic Canada. The School promotes social justice by providing social work education, conducting scholarly inquiry, disseminating knowledge, and contributing to public policy and practice. These activities help address the needs and aspirations of the local and global communities with whom we collaborate and interact. The School of Social Work plays an important role in preparing graduates for service delivery within Newfoundland and Labrador, across Canada, and internationally.PhD – The PhD in Social Work program provides regionally relevant and accessible, advanced, and specialized education in social work. The program is research-based, stressing critical thinking and the production of original and significant scholarship. The program focuses on advanced social work practice and social work education, emphasizing commitment to people and social justice. The coursework period includes two, six-week Spring semester residencies (which students must attend full-time on the St. John’s campus), as well as a fall reading course and an internship, both of which can be completed in students’ home communities.Duration (Full-time students):MSW: 1-2 yearsPhD: 4 yearsCampus: St. John's, onlineApplication Deadline:January 15 (MSW) for Fall admissionSeptember 15 (PhD) for Spring admission (every second year; next intake in Spring 2025)