Three semesters of full-time residency are required
Credits
Minimum of 49.5 credits for a prototypical student; at least 30 within the Columbia University system, 18 of them within the School of Social Work
Length
Approximately two years of full-time coursework; most students finish in 4-5 years
Final project
Dissertation, after a comprehensive examination
Degree you need
Master's degree in social work or a related discipline
Practice experience
For the Advanced Practice method, a minimum of two years of post-master's direct practice experience is preferred
GRE
GRE not currently required
Tuition
$62,364 for one full-time year (estimated tuition rate, 2025-26 Doctoral Resource Guide)School-wide graduate rate, per year, 2025-26. Source: socialwork.columbia.edu, reviewed October 10, 2026.
From Columbia University's own program, admissions and tuition pages, reviewed October 10, 2026. Tuition changes each year; confirm fees with the school.
How Columbia University Compares
PhD in Social Work requires 49.5 credits; the median social work PhD on this site requires 51.
Social Work Doctorates Awarded at Columbia University
research doctorates (PhD) awarded, 2022-23
7
Federal completions data (IPEDS, CIP 44.0701) count 7 social work doctorates awarded by Columbia University in 2022-23. By research doctorates, that places it 24th of 80 schools on this site that awarded any. These are awards conferred, not graduates or outcomes, and newer programs show none yet.
Columbia University PhD in Social Work: Common Questions
Can You Earn Columbia University's PhD in Social Work Online?
No. PhD in Social Work is taught in person: three semesters of full-time residency are required.
How Much Does Columbia University's PhD Cost?
PhD in Social Work: $62,364 for one full-time year (estimated tuition rate, 2025-26 Doctoral Resource Guide).
What Do You Need to Apply to Columbia University's PhD?
PhD in Social Work: Master's degree in social work or a related discipline. For the Advanced Practice method, a minimum of two years of post-master's direct practice experience is preferred.
Does Columbia University Require the GRE?
PhD in Social Work: GRE not currently required.
How Long Does Columbia University's PhD Take?
PhD in Social Work: Approximately two years of full-time coursework; most students finish in 4-5 years (minimum of 49.5 credits for a prototypical student; at least 30 within the Columbia University system, 18 of them within the School of Social Work).
Every program on this site was checked on the school's own website in October 2026. CSWE status for practice doctorates comes only from the Council on Social Work Education's own directory, and program size from U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS) doctoral completions. Sponsored listings are labeled as ads and never change which programs we list or how we rank them. How we verify programs