Program Overview
The Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Social Work-Social Work Policy, Planning and Administration, and Social Science prepares individuals for careers in teaching, research, social policy analysis, human service management, and organizational development. The program seeks to increase the number of African-American and other underrepresented ethnic minority social work leaders at the doctoral level.
The purpose of the program is to implement a set of interdisciplinary teaching and learning experiences that will lead to the development of competent and motivated leaders in the global human enterprise. The Program adheres to the standards set forth by the Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education (GADE) in Social Work. The program provides educational content in two areas:
core courses in social policy, human service management/administration, organizational development, and research methods and statistics; and
courses in a cognate area that students select from the graduate schools within the University.
Mission
The mission of the Doctor of Philosophy Degree Program in Social Work is to prepare students for social policy analysis, leadership in human service organizations, teaching, and research.
Vision
The vision of the Doctor of Philosophy Degree Program in Social Work is to become nationally and internationally recognized for competent social policy analysts, leaders of human service organizations, teachers, and researchers.
Program Goals
To educate a diverse student population committed to the search for solutions to problems of poverty, social and economic injustice, sexism, racism, and other forms of oppression while preserving the heritage of African American people.
To ensure through all teaching and research experiences, the core values and ethics of the profession, including the promotion of social justice, a responsibility to serve the oppressed and at-risk members of society. Further, to develop a strong commitment to fight inequality and oppression based on race, gender, age, class, sexual orientation, and disability rooted in one's capacity to grow and change.
To enhance the role of research with an improved research infrastructure that acknowledges the contributions to mankind that could be made by increasing the number of graduates of color, who obtain doctoral degrees.
To develop seamless partnerships with governmental agencies at all levels and the corporate community, both profit and non-profit, for the purpose of creating long-term sustainable funding opportunities for the school.
To enhance and provide services to meet the social service needs of the community by maintaining ongoing linkages with other local, regional, national and international organizations, institutions, and governmental entities.
Program Objectives
Prepare students for careers in teaching, research, social policy analysis, and leadership of human service organizations.
Educate a diverse student population committed to the search for solutions to problems of poverty, social and economic injustice, sexism, racism, and other forms of oppression while preserving the heritage of African-American people.
Ensure through all teaching experiences the core values and ethics of the profession; the promotion of social justice; a responsibility to serve the oppressed and at-risk members of society; and a strong commitment to fight inequality and oppression.
Promote the role of research that acknowledges the contributions to humanity.
Provide opportunities for students to engage in policy analysis that will enhance services to those who are oppressed.
Admissions Requirements
Priority Admission Application Deadline: November 1
General Admission Application Deadline: February 1
Admissions information can be found on the Whitney M. Young Jr., School of Social Work website SocialWorkPhDProgram@cau.edu, or you may contact or visit the school at 223 James P. Brawley Drive, SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30314, (404) 880-8399. Application for admission is made to:
Office of Graduate Admissions, 223 James P. Brawley Drive, SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30314, (404) 880-8765. Please visit the website for directions for completing the application at GraduateAdmissions@cau.edu.
In addition to University Graduate Admissions Requirements as published in this Catalog, applicants for the Social Work Policy Planning Administration and Social Science Doctor of Philosophy Degree Program must have:
GPA 3.3 or higher
The Master of Social Work Degree from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Official transcript from all colleges and universities attended.
Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores taken within the last five (5) years.
Three (3) references from professional persons who can attest to the ability to complete a doctoral program in social work. References must include at least one graduate professor or professional supervisor.
A Personal Statement clearly presenting the relevance of their professional experience in Social Work to their career objectives, including how the program focus of Social Work Policy Planning Administration and Social Science will prepare the applicant to meet these objectives and a reflection of how their research interests align with the school’s mission of social justice (3-5 pages).
A writing sample that clearly communicates the applicant’s potential for integrative and critical thinking, the ability to appropriately use the literature (paraphrasing arguments, synthesis of ideas, citation practices utilizing APA), and an advanced ability to present a clear, logical, and a compelling written product (published article, chapter, book, master's thesis, unpublished research report, conference presentation, term paper written in a graduate course, training manual, grant application, legislative testimony).
Curriculum Vitae/Resume
Completed a minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in Social Work.
Only those applicants whose qualifications meet our minimum requirements and who have complete application files will be considered for admission. If you meet or exceed these requirements, we encourage you to continue with the application process. However, please keep in mind that meeting these requirements does not guarantee admission, only admission consideration. The admissions process is limited and competitive.
Note: During matriculation, students must be continuously enrolled at the Whitney M. Young, Jr. School of Social Work. Any lapse in enrollment will require the student to apply for re-admission to the degree program.
International Students
Clark Atlanta University encourages the enrollment of students from other countries. In addition to meeting the regular requirements for admission, the applicant must receive a minimum score of 500 on the paper examination or 173 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Additional policies and services related to international students, international exchange, and Immigration and Naturalization Services can be found in the CAU Graduate Catalog.
