Professional competence is assessed through a qualifying examination and successful completion of a research dissertation. The Program seeks highly qualified applicants. Commitment to a research career in the field of social welfare or social work is expected of all who apply to the program. Those who enter the program with plans to pursue teaching careers in social work need to obtain the M.S.W. degree prior to pursuing their doctoral studies. The doctoral program enrolls new students in the fall semester of each academic year.
Enrollment is on a full-time basis only, with a two year residency requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions A bout Washington University and the George Warren Brown School of Social Work Founded in 1925, GWB mirrors the university of which it is a part. Both GWB and Washington University are middle-sized institutions with mammoth reputations. Both are devoted to personalized teaching. Both are dedicated to pioneering research. In addition to academic excellence, the George Warren Brown School of Social Work is also committed to an first-rate learning environment.