Supervisors
Learn about faculty available to supervise this degree.
Please note: additional supervisors may be available. For more information visit our website.
Program overview
The Social Work Doctoral program graduates highly qualified social work researchers, educators and leaders.
Completing this program
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Courses: Required core courses (15 units) include Theory, History and Philosophy: Values, Ethics and Professional Beliefs; Research Foundations: Epistemology and Professional Knowledge-Building; Research Methods I: Quantitative; Research Methods II: Qualitative and Integrative Research Colloquia. Students must also complete 4 elective courses (12 units) relevant to their area of research.
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Research Proposal: Students must have their dissertation proposal approved by their supervisory committee prior to applying for ethics certification and Field of Study Exam.
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Portfolio: Students must have their portfolio approved by their supervisory committee at least 3 months before the Field of Study Exam.
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Field of Study Exam: This includes a written and oral component, both of which must be completed to the satisfaction of the examining committee.
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Dissertation: Students conduct original research and prepare a written dissertation which is evaluated and is orally defended before an examination committee.
Outcomes
Post-secondary academia, government, research, hospitals/community health centers, mental health clinics, schools, non-profit/advocacy groups, social service/child welfare/family service agencies, employee assistance programs, private counselling, consulting.
A PhD in social work is usually considered a final degree.
Completing the PhD does not qualify students to register with the Alberta College of Social Workers (CSW) unless they hold an accredited BSW or MSW.
Virtual Tour
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Seeking StudentsMental health and Disability,, Workplace safety and well being, Family Violence, Resettlement issues for immigrants and refugees -
Accepting Inquiries(Subversive) Autonomous Health Movements, Gender and Sexuality, Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD), Relational Accountability -
Accepting InquiriesTransnational migration , Child protection, Intervention research, Social work in Africa
Admission requirements
GPA
A minimum of 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 point system, calculated on the Master of Social Work or equivalent Master’s degree.
Minimum education
A Master of Social Work or equivalent Master’s degree from a recognized institution.
Work samples
A sample of written work such as a published or unpublished scholarly paper, or a professional report.
Professional experience
A minimum of two years full-time post-master's social services practice experience.
Documents
- A program proposal outlining the applicant’s reasons for pursuing doctoral education in social work, educational goals and career expectations, prior research course work and experience, and a research proposal.
- A Curriculum Vitae.
Reference letters
Two; one academic and one professional.
Test scores
None
English language proficiency
An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL ibt) score of 97.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 7.0.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 68, or higher (Academic version).
- Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL) score of 70 (no less than 70 in writing and speaking; 60 in reading and listening).
- Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) score of A- in academic writing and oral communication courses and B+ in other courses.
Deadlines
For admission on September 1:
- Canadians and permanent residents: December 1 application deadline
- International students: December 1 application deadline
If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements
Learn more about this program
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Related programs
If you're interested in this program, you might want to explore other UCalgary programs.
Highlights of the Social Work program
Helping Children Heal Through Their Own Stories
Dr. Serge Nyirinkwaya’s research shines a light on children who witnessed domestic violence in post Genocide Rwanda – a group often overlooked in traditional studies. By inviting young people to share their experiences through storytelling and creative expression, his work helps them reclaim their voice and supports healing that starts from within.
Rethinking Access to Mental Health Care
Dr. Sandy Rao’s HEARTS Study is transforming how researchers include youth who are typically missed in mental health research. By co-designing new approaches with young people, she’s creating more accessible pathways to care – and reshaping how health systems listen, respond, and support those who need it most.
Building Belonging in Smaller Communities
One of Prince Chiagozie Ekoh’s human-focused research projects explores why newcomers choose to stay in – or to leave – mid-sized Alberta cities like Red Deer and Medicine Hat. By partnering with immigrants, community leaders and service providers, he’s uncovering what helps create genuine belonging and stronger, more resilient communities across Canada.