Candidates are required to complete 60 credits beyond the master's level. In the first year of the program, students take 18 credits of course work over the summer, fall, and spring. Following successful completion of these courses, there is a matriculation review to determine whether the student formally becomes a Ph.D. candidate in the program. In the second year the year of residence course work is combined with a practicum totaling 300 clinical hours in a variety of settings approved by the School. The practicum generally is located in a social agency with a strong clinical emphasis.
Supervision is provided by a social worker.
Where possible, some portion of the practicum may involve teaching, supervision, or research. Students may receive additional mentoring for these activities. Upon completion of all classroom and practicum requirements, students prepare a comprehensive integrative paper that applies course content to a substantive area of clinical social work. The dissertation is related to an aspect of theory or clinical practice in the student's area of specialization. It should add to the body of social work knowledge and skill and should be of scholarly quality.