VCU · Richmond, Virginia

Ph.D. in Social Work at VCU

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What Should You Know About Ph.D. in Social Work at VCU?

Ph.D. in Social Work is a research doctorate (PhD) at VCU in Richmond, Virginia. It requires minimum of 54 credit hours of coursework plus dissertation research credits and takes common core curriculum and concentration courses during the first two years, followed by a qualifying examination and dissertation. Final project: dissertation: an original research project proposed, conducted and defended. 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
Credits: Minimum of 54 credit hours of coursework plus dissertation research credits
Length: Common core curriculum and concentration courses during the first two years, followed by a qualifying examination and dissertation
Final project: Dissertation: an original research project proposed, conducted and defended
Start terms: Fall

Admission to VCU's PhD

Degree you need: Earned master's degree in social work or a related discipline from an accredited institution
GRE: The GRE is not a required component of the application

What VCU's PhD Costs and How It's Funded

Funding: 100% of tuition covered in the first four years of the program; first-year students are offered a graduate research assistantship, with subsequent years contingent upon work performance

From socialwork.vcu.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 54 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 VCU'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 VCU: Common Questions

Is VCU's PhD in Social Work Funded?

100% of tuition covered in the first four years of the program; first-year students are offered a graduate research assistantship, with subsequent years contingent upon work performance.

How Long Is Ph.D. in Social Work at VCU?

Common core curriculum and concentration courses during the first two years, followed by a qualifying examination and dissertation, minimum of 54 credit hours of coursework plus dissertation research credits, according to the school's program page.

What Do You Need to Apply to Ph.D. in Social Work at VCU?

Earned master's degree in social work or a related discipline from an accredited institution.

Does Ph.D. in Social Work at VCU Require the GRE?

The GRE is not a required component of the application, according to VCU's admissions information.