Norfolk State University · Norfolk, Virginia

Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (Ph.D.) at Norfolk State University

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What Should You Know About Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (Ph.D.) at Norfolk State University?

Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (Ph.D.) is a research doctorate (PhD) at Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia, offered online and on campus (committee members and the candidate are expected to be present on the main campus for the final dissertation defense). It requires 54 credit hours and takes designed to be completed in four years. Final project: dissertation. Tuition: university graduate tuition per semester for full-time study (9-15 hours), 2026-27: $4,937 in-state and $11,523 out-of-state, before mandatory and capital outlay fees. The school states that PhD students are funded.

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

How Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (Ph.D.) Works

Degree: PhD in Social Work
Format: Online and on campus
Residency and class meetings: Committee members and the candidate are expected to be present on the main campus for the final dissertation defense
Schedule: Part-time study offered
Credits: 54 credit hours
Length: Designed to be completed in four years
Final project: Dissertation
Focus areas: Family-centered social work practice; Underserved populations, especially social work with African-American families
Start terms: Fall

Admission to Norfolk State University's PhD

Degree you need: MSW degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher; successful completion of a graduate course in research and a graduate course in statistics
Practice experience: Two years of full-time, paid post-master's social work practice experience preferred

What Norfolk State University's PhD Costs and How It's Funded

Tuition: University graduate tuition per semester for full-time study (9-15 hours), 2026-27: $4,937 in-state and $11,523 out-of-state, before mandatory and capital outlay feesSchool-wide graduate rate, not this program's own price, per term, 2026-27. Source: catalog.nsu.edu, reviewed October 10, 2026.
Funding: Teaching and research assistantships may be available to full-time students, including a stipend plus tuition, generally granted for three years of doctoral study

From catalog.nsu.edu, reviewed October 10, 2026. Check start dates, deadlines and current tuition with the school before you apply.

How Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (Ph.D.) Compares

Its 54 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.
It states full funding, as do 46 of the 77 social work PhDs on this site.

Accreditation and Norfolk State University's PhD

CSWE accredits social work programs at the bachelor's, master's and practice doctorate levels, not research doctorates, so Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (Ph.D.) 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.

Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (Ph.D.) at Norfolk State University: Common Questions

How Much Does Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (Ph.D.) at Norfolk State University Cost?

University graduate tuition per semester for full-time study (9-15 hours), 2026-27: $4,937 in-state and $11,523 out-of-state, before mandatory and capital outlay fees. This is the school's general graduate rate rather than a program-specific price.

Is Norfolk State University's PhD in Social Work Funded?

Teaching and research assistantships may be available to full-time students, including a stipend plus tuition, generally granted for three years of doctoral study.

How Long Is Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (Ph.D.) at Norfolk State University?

Designed to be completed in four years, 54 credit hours, according to the school's program page.

What Do You Need to Apply to Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (Ph.D.) at Norfolk State University?

MSW degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher; successful completion of a graduate course in research and a graduate course in statistics. Two years of full-time, paid post-master's social work practice experience preferred.

Is Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (Ph.D.) at Norfolk State University Online?

Yes. It is offered online and on campus: committee members and the candidate are expected to be present on the main campus for the final dissertation defense.