Policy, Planning and Administration, and Social Science Ph.D. Program
Ph.D. Application Requirements
Priority Admission Application Deadline: February 1
Please visit https://www.cau.edu/graduate-admissions/ or contact Graduate Admissions at GraduateAdmissions@cau.edu or (404) 880-8483 to apply.
In addition to the University Graduate Admissions Requirements as published in the catalog, applicants to the Social Work Policy, Planning and 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). Students with a master’s in a related discipline are also encouraged to apply; if accepted, their cognate will be in social work.
- Official transcript from all colleges and universities attended.
- 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 and at least one professional supervisor.
If the applicant has not attended school for two years, then all three letters may come from an employer or supervisor. No more than two supervisor letters should come from the same employer.
- 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 and 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to present a clear, logical and a compelling written product (published article, chapter, book, master's thesis, unpublished research report, conference presentation, term paper written in a graduate course, training manual, grant application, legislative testimony).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 or a related discipline.
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.
Students who have questions and are interested in our program may contact our administrative assistant, Dr. BB Calloway via email at bcalloway@cau.edu or our program director, Dr. Adrienne Goss at agoss@cau.edu.
