Boston College · Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
PhD in Social Work at Boston College
What Should You Know About PhD in Social Work at Boston College?
PhD in Social Work is a research doctorate (PhD) at Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, offered on campus. It requires 45 credit hours (30 required, 15 elective) and takes typically 4 years. Final project: dissertation. The school states that PhD students are funded.
How PhD in Social Work Works
- Degree
- PhD in Social Work
- Format
- On campus
- Schedule
- Full-time cohort
- Credits
- 45 credit hours (30 required, 15 elective)
- Length
- Typically 4 years
- Final project
- Dissertation
Admission to Boston College's PhD
- Degree you need
- A master's degree in social work or a related field is required
- GRE
- GRE optional
What Boston College's PhD Costs and How It's Funded
- Funding
- Every admitted PhD student receives a doctoral fellowship valued at more than $250,000 over four years, including tuition remission, health insurance, an annual living stipend and conference and professional development support
From bc.edu, reviewed October 10, 2026. Check start dates, deadlines and current tuition with the school before you apply.
How PhD in Social Work Compares
- Its 45 credits compare with a median of 51 across social work PhDs that state credits.
- The GRE is optional or can be waived, like 26 of the 77 social work PhDs on this site.
- It states full funding, as do 46 of the 77 social work PhDs on this site.
Accreditation and Boston College's PhD
CSWE accredits social work programs at the bachelor's, master's and practice doctorate levels, not research doctorates, so PhD in Social Work carries no CSWE status. PhD programs are covered by the university's institutional accreditation.
Similar Social Work PhDs at Other Schools
- PhD in Social Work at Boston UniversityBoston, MA · On campus · 63 credits · funded
- PhD in Social Welfare at University at BuffaloBuffalo, NY · On campus · funded
- Doctoral Program in Social Work (Ph.D.) at Bryn Mawr CollegeBryn Mawr, PA · On campus · funded
- Doctor of Philosophy in Social Welfare (PhD) at Penn (University of Pennsylvania)Philadelphia, PA · On campus · funded
Social work PhDs sharing a format with this one: matching funding first, then the nearest schools.
PhD in Social Work at Boston College: Common Questions
Is Boston College's PhD in Social Work Funded?
Every admitted PhD student receives a doctoral fellowship valued at more than $250,000 over four years, including tuition remission, health insurance, an annual living stipend and conference and professional development support.
How Long Is PhD in Social Work at Boston College?
Typically 4 years, 45 credit hours (30 required, 15 elective), according to the school's program page.
What Do You Need to Apply to PhD in Social Work at Boston College?
A master's degree in social work or a related field is required.
Does PhD in Social Work at Boston College Require the GRE?
GRE optional, according to Boston College's admissions information.
Is PhD in Social Work at Boston College Online?
No. It is offered on campus.
Compare Programs Like This One
- Boston College Social Work DoctoratesThe school's full profile
- PhD in Social WorkEvery verified social work PhD
- Fully Funded PhD ProgramsPhDs that cover tuition and pay a stipend
- Social Work Doctorates in MassachusettsEvery program in the state, plus online options
- DSW vs PhD in Social WorkPractice vs research doctorate