West Virginia University · Morgantown, West Virginia

PhD in Social Work at West Virginia University

PhDHybridIn-person sessionsFunded

What Should You Know About PhD in Social Work at West Virginia University?

PhD in Social Work is a research doctorate (PhD) at West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia, offered hybrid (in-person courses in the first year; later required courses are hybrid with 6 in-person meeting times each semester, and the latter portions of the program can be completed remotely). It requires 53 credits (41 course credits and a minimum of 12 dissertation research credits) and takes full-time plan: four years (dissertation work in Year 4); part-time plan: five years. Final project: three-article dissertation (three articles suitable for publication in peer-reviewed journals, an introduction chapter and a conclusion chapter). The school states that PhD students are funded.

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

How PhD in Social Work Works

Degree: PhD in Social Work
Format: Hybrid
Residency and class meetings: In-person courses in the first year; later required courses are hybrid with 6 in-person meeting times each semester, and the latter portions of the program can be completed remotely
Schedule: Part-time study offered
Credits: 53 credits (41 course credits and a minimum of 12 dissertation research credits)
Length: Full-time plan: four years (dissertation work in Year 4); part-time plan: five years
Final project: Three-article dissertation (three articles suitable for publication in peer-reviewed journals, an introduction chapter and a conclusion chapter)
Focus areas: Community-focused research
Start terms: Fall

Admission to West Virginia University's PhD

Degree you need: Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited institution or international equivalent
Practice experience: Two years post-MSW practice experience is encouraged, but not required

What West Virginia University's PhD Costs and How It's Funded

Funding: Full-time students are eligible for teaching or research assistantships that include a stipend and tuition waivers for fall and spring semesters and require 20 hours of work per week

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

How PhD in Social Work Compares

Its 53 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 West Virginia University's PhD

CSWE accredits social work programs at the bachelor's, master's and practice doctorate levels, not research doctorates, so PhD in Social Work 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 (Hybrid) at Adelphi UniversityGarden City, NY · Hybrid

Social work PhDs sharing a format with this one: matching funding first, then the nearest schools.

PhD in Social Work at West Virginia University: Common Questions

Is West Virginia University's PhD in Social Work Funded?

Full-time students are eligible for teaching or research assistantships that include a stipend and tuition waivers for fall and spring semesters and require 20 hours of work per week.

How Long Is PhD in Social Work at West Virginia University?

Full-time plan: four years (dissertation work in Year 4); part-time plan: five years, 53 credits (41 course credits and a minimum of 12 dissertation research credits), according to the school's program page.

What Do You Need to Apply to PhD in Social Work at West Virginia University?

Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited institution or international equivalent. Two years post-MSW practice experience is encouraged, but not required.

Is PhD in Social Work at West Virginia University Online?

No. It is offered hybrid: in-person courses in the first year; later required courses are hybrid with 6 in-person meeting times each semester, and the latter portions of the program can be completed remotely.