University of South Carolina-Columbia · Columbia, South Carolina

Ph.D. in Social Work at University of South Carolina-Columbia

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What Should You Know About Ph.D. in Social Work at University of South Carolina-Columbia?

Ph.D. in Social Work is a research doctorate (PhD) at University of South Carolina-Columbia in Columbia, South Carolina, offered on campus (required courses meet during weekday hours; students are generally in the classroom 2-3 days per week during the first two years). It requires 52 post-master's hours, including 12 hours of dissertation preparation and takes A minimum of two years of full-time coursework followed by one year of dissertation work; most students take four to five years. Final project: dissertation; the dissertation proposal serves as the comprehensive examination. 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: Required courses meet during weekday hours; students are generally in the classroom 2-3 days per week during the first two years
Schedule: Full-time cohort
Credits: 52 post-master's hours, including 12 hours of dissertation preparation
Length: A minimum of two years of full-time coursework followed by one year of dissertation work; most students take four to five years
Final project: Dissertation; the dissertation proposal serves as the comprehensive examination
Start terms: Fall

Admission to University of South Carolina-Columbia's PhD

Degree you need: An MSW from a CSWE-accredited program (a master's in a related field may be considered case by case), with a graduate GPA of 3.5 or above

What University of South Carolina-Columbia's PhD Costs and How It's Funded

Funding: All incoming students receive Graduate Research Assistantships (20 hours per week) with stipends for the first three years and tuition remission

From sc.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

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

Accreditation and University of South Carolina-Columbia'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 University of South Carolina-Columbia: Common Questions

Is University of South Carolina-Columbia's PhD in Social Work Funded?

All incoming students receive Graduate Research Assistantships (20 hours per week) with stipends for the first three years and tuition remission.

How Long Is Ph.D. in Social Work at University of South Carolina-Columbia?

A minimum of two years of full-time coursework followed by one year of dissertation work; most students take four to five years, 52 post-master's hours, including 12 hours of dissertation preparation, according to the school's program page.

What Do You Need to Apply to Ph.D. in Social Work at University of South Carolina-Columbia?

An MSW from a CSWE-accredited program (a master's in a related field may be considered case by case), with a graduate GPA of 3.5 or above.

Is Ph.D. in Social Work at University of South Carolina-Columbia Online?

No. It is offered on campus: required courses meet during weekday hours; students are generally in the classroom 2-3 days per week during the first two years.