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PhD Admissions

PhD in Social Work Admissions: Lead the Future of Social Change

Norfolk State University’s PhD in Social Work program welcomes visionary scholars committed to advancing knowledge, shaping policy, and transforming communities. Here, your voice matters—and your research can drive real change. Join a community of thought leaders and innovators dedicated to justice, equity, and the highest standards of academic excellence. Your legacy begins now.

Requirements and Procedures 

Admission to the Ph.D. Program in Social Work is a highly selective process. The School recruits doctoral students who demonstrate high academic achievement, strong personal motivation, professional backgrounds of consistent growth and achievement and a commitment to contribute to expanding and disseminating evidence-based and evidence-informed knowledge for family-centered social work. The requirements for admission are as follows: 

  1. MSW degree, with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale; 

  1. Two years of full-time, paid post-master’s social work practice experience preferred; 

  1. Successful completion of a graduate course in research; 

  1. Successful completion of a graduate course in statistics; 

  1. Personal statement of career goals and research interests; 

  1. Four letters of recommendation: one academic, one personal/professional, and two recent work references. 

  1. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required for admission. 

Application Process 

The procedures for completing the application process are as follows: 

Application for Admission 

  • The School of Social Work PhD Program has a rolling admission process; preference is given to those who submit their application by March 1. Students are admitted once per year, in the fall semester. 

Transcripts 

  • The applicant must have two official transcripts from each college and/or university attended sent. 

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) 

  • GRE scores are used as diagnostic criteria for admission. 

Interview 

  • The applicant may be invited for, or may request a personal interview with members of the Doctoral Admissions Committee. 

References 

  • The applicant is responsible for listing four references on the appropriate forms provided as part of the online application process. Written letters should be submitted directly to the School of Social Work and addressed to the PhD Program Director. 

Personal Statement 

  • The applicant must provide a written statement meeting the specifications, including career objectives, professional background, and preparation and qualifications for successful doctoral work. 

Scholarly Writing 

  • Applicants are required to submit an example of their scholarly written work. 

For More Information regarding admissions click here.