Columbia University · New York, New York

PhD in Social Work at Columbia University

PhDResidency

What Should You Know About PhD in Social Work at Columbia University?

PhD in Social Work is a research doctorate (PhD) at Columbia University in New York, New York (three semesters of full-time residency are required). It requires 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 and takes approximately two years of full-time coursework; most students finish in 4-5 years. Final project: dissertation, after a comprehensive examination. Tuition: $62,364 for one full-time year (estimated tuition rate, 2025-26 Doctoral Resource Guide).

Researched and edited by Taylor Rupe · Updated October 10, 2026

How PhD in Social Work Works

Degree: PhD in Social Work
Residency and class meetings: 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
Focus areas: Advanced Practice; Social Policy and Policy Analysis

Admission to Columbia University's PhD

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

What Columbia University's PhD Costs and How It's Funded

Tuition: $62,364 for one full-time year (estimated tuition rate, 2025-26 Doctoral Resource Guide)School-wide graduate rate, not this program's own price, per year, 2025-26. Source: socialwork.columbia.edu, reviewed October 10, 2026.

From socialwork.columbia.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 49.5 credits compare with a median of 51 across social work PhDs that state credits.
It asks for 2 years of post-master's practice; the median among social work PhDs that state a figure is 2.

Accreditation and Columbia University'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

Social work PhDs sharing a format with this one: matching funding first, then the nearest schools.

PhD in Social Work at Columbia University: Common Questions

How Much Does PhD in Social Work at Columbia University Cost?

$62,364 for one full-time year (estimated tuition rate, 2025-26 Doctoral Resource Guide). This is the school's general graduate rate rather than a program-specific price.

How Long Is PhD in Social Work at Columbia University?

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, according to the school's program page.

What Do You Need to Apply to PhD in Social Work at Columbia University?

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 PhD in Social Work at Columbia University Require the GRE?

GRE not currently required, according to Columbia University's admissions information.