The Catholic University of America · Washington, District of Columbia
Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (Ph.D.) at the Catholic University of America
What Should You Know About Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (Ph.D.) at the Catholic University of America?
Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (Ph.D.) is a research doctorate (PhD) at The Catholic University of America in Washington, District of Columbia. It requires forty-five semester hours of coursework beyond the MSW (fifteen required courses, including two electives), plus a comprehensive examination process. Final project: dissertation. Tuition: $1,225 per credit hour, full and part-time, National Catholic School of Social Service programs (2026-27), before mandatory fees.
How Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (Ph.D.) Works
- Degree
- PhD in Social Work
- Schedule
- Part-time study offered
- Credits
- Forty-five semester hours of coursework beyond the MSW (fifteen required courses, including two electives), plus a comprehensive examination process
- Final project
- Dissertation
- Start terms
- Fall, Spring
Admission to the Catholic University of America's PhD
- Degree you need
- M.S.W. degree from an accredited school of social work; occasional exceptions for applicants with an advanced degree in a related field and extensive subsequent practice or research experience
- Practice experience
- Minimum of one year of successful professional practice after the master's degree; MSW graduates without practice experience may be considered with exceptional MSW performance and written endorsement of their MSW chair
What the Catholic University of America's PhD Costs and How It's Funded
- Tuition
- $1,225 per credit hour, full and part-time, National Catholic School of Social Service programs (2026-27), before mandatory feesProgram tuition, per credit, 2026-27. Source: ncsss.catholic.edu, reviewed October 10, 2026.
From ncsss.catholic.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
- It asks for 1 year of post-master's practice; the median among social work PhDs that state a figure is 2.
Accreditation and the Catholic University of America'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
- PhD in Social Work at Morgan State UniversityBaltimore, MD
- Ph.D. in Social Work (Joint Ph.D. with UNC Greensboro) at North Carolina A & T State UniversityGreensboro, NC · 48 credits
- Doctor of Philosophy of Social Work (PhD) at Widener UniversityChester, PA · On campus · 54 credits · est. $55,080
- PhD in Social Work (Hybrid) at Adelphi UniversityGarden City, NY · Hybrid
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 the Catholic University of America: Common Questions
How Much Does Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (Ph.D.) at the Catholic University of America Cost?
$1,225 per credit hour, full and part-time, National Catholic School of Social Service programs (2026-27), before mandatory fees.
How Long Is Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (Ph.D.) at the Catholic University of America?
Forty-five semester hours of coursework beyond the MSW (fifteen required courses, including two electives), plus a comprehensive examination process, according to the school's program page.
What Do You Need to Apply to Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (Ph.D.) at the Catholic University of America?
M.S.W. degree from an accredited school of social work; occasional exceptions for applicants with an advanced degree in a related field and extensive subsequent practice or research experience. Minimum of one year of successful professional practice after the master's degree; MSW graduates without practice experience may be considered with exceptional MSW performance and written endorsement of their MSW chair.