UNC Chapel Hill · Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Ph.D. in Social Work at UNC Chapel Hill

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What Should You Know About Ph.D. in Social Work at UNC Chapel Hill?

Ph.D. in Social Work is a research doctorate (PhD) at UNC Chapel Hill in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, offered on campus (in-person and full-time program requiring at least 40 hours per week during the 9-month academic year). It requires at least 48 credit hours of coursework before advancing to candidacy. Final project: dissertation. The school states that PhD students are funded.

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

How Ph.D. in Social Work Works

Degree: PhD in Social Work
Format: On campus
Residency and class meetings: In-person and full-time program requiring at least 40 hours per week during the 9-month academic year
Schedule: Full-time cohort
Credits: At least 48 credit hours of coursework before advancing to candidacy
Final project: Dissertation
Focus areas: Social intervention (policy, program and direct practice interventions)

Admission to UNC Chapel Hill's PhD

Degree you need: A master's degree in social work or similar designation, ideally from a CSWE-accredited program; a master's in a highly related discipline will be considered
Practice experience: At least 1-2 years of work experience in social work, human services, and/or applied social, behavioral or health science research

What UNC Chapel Hill's PhD Costs and How It's Funded

Funding: Financial support for at least the first four years: a $27,000 stipend for appointed work such as research assistantships, tuition and fees for the academic year, and health insurance for the calendar year
Stated stipend: $27,000 a year

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

How Ph.D. in Social Work Compares

Its 48 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 UNC Chapel Hill's PhD

CSWE accredits social work programs at the bachelor's, master's and practice doctorate levels, not research doctorates, so Ph.D. 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.

Ph.D. in Social Work at UNC Chapel Hill: Common Questions

Is UNC Chapel Hill's PhD in Social Work Funded?

Financial support for at least the first four years: a $27,000 stipend for appointed work such as research assistantships, tuition and fees for the academic year, and health insurance for the calendar year.

How Long Is Ph.D. in Social Work at UNC Chapel Hill?

At least 48 credit hours of coursework before advancing to candidacy, according to the school's program page.

What Do You Need to Apply to Ph.D. in Social Work at UNC Chapel Hill?

A master's degree in social work or similar designation, ideally from a CSWE-accredited program; a master's in a highly related discipline will be considered. At least 1-2 years of work experience in social work, human services, and/or applied social, behavioral or health science research.

Is Ph.D. in Social Work at UNC Chapel Hill Online?

No. It is offered on campus: in-person and full-time program requiring at least 40 hours per week during the 9-month academic year.