University of Tennessee, Knoxville · Knoxville, Tennessee

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Work at University of Tennessee, Knoxville

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What Should You Know About Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Work at University of Tennessee, Knoxville?

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Work is a research doctorate (PhD) at University of Tennessee, Knoxville in Knoxville, Tennessee, offered on campus. It requires 34 credit hours of research design, statistics, advanced critical thinking and teaching methods, plus 9 credit hours of electives and takes four funded years, with the dissertation phase extending into year five. Final project: three-paper dissertation of publishable research manuscripts. The school states that PhD students are funded.

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

How Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Work Works

Degree: PhD in Social Work
Format: On campus
Schedule: Full-time cohort
Credits: 34 credit hours of research design, statistics, advanced critical thinking and teaching methods, plus 9 credit hours of electives
Length: Four funded years, with the dissertation phase extending into year five
Final project: Three-paper dissertation of publishable research manuscripts

Admission to University of Tennessee, Knoxville's PhD

Degree you need: Master's degree from an accredited school of social work
Practice experience: Post-master's social work/social welfare practice experience required

What University of Tennessee, Knoxville's PhD Costs and How It's Funded

Funding: A $35,000 annual stipend, full tuition waiver and health insurance for four years, with students working 20 hours per week as graduate research assistants
Stated stipend: $35,000 a year

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

How Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Work Compares

Its 34 credits compare with a median of 51 across social work PhDs that state credits.
It states full funding, as do 46 of the 77 social work PhDs on this site.

Accreditation and University of Tennessee, Knoxville's PhD

CSWE accredits social work programs at the bachelor's, master's and practice doctorate levels, not research doctorates, so Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Work carries no CSWE status. PhD programs are covered by the university's institutional accreditation.

Other Social Work Doctorates at University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Doctor of Social Work (DSW) Degree in Clinical Practice and Leadership at University of Tennessee, KnoxvilleOnline · 48 credits

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 (PhD) in Social Work at University of Tennessee, Knoxville: Common Questions

Is University of Tennessee, Knoxville's PhD in Social Work Funded?

A $35,000 annual stipend, full tuition waiver and health insurance for four years, with students working 20 hours per week as graduate research assistants.

How Long Is Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Work at University of Tennessee, Knoxville?

Four funded years, with the dissertation phase extending into year five, 34 credit hours of research design, statistics, advanced critical thinking and teaching methods, plus 9 credit hours of electives, according to the school's program page.

What Do You Need to Apply to Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Work at University of Tennessee, Knoxville?

Master's degree from an accredited school of social work. Post-master's social work/social welfare practice experience required.

Is Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Work at University of Tennessee, Knoxville Online?

No. It is offered on campus.