Admission Requirements

The program is open to students who have obtained a master’s degree in social work (MSW) and have demonstrated leadership and scholarly potential. A limited number of persons with advanced degrees in other human service professions or in related social sciences are also considered for admission. Persons admitted without the MSW degree are required to complete all requirements for the master’s degree before beginning doctoral courses.

Applicants are considered on an individual basis. Transcripts from all colleges attended must be submitted. In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, applicants must meet the following program requirements:

• Prior Degrees Master’s degree required. Most applicants have a Master of Social Work degree; applicants with advanced training in other human service professions or in related social sciences are also eligible for consideration. Applicants must have satisfactorily passed a course in college-level statistics. 
• Grade Point Average At least 3.00/4.00 in the final 60 semester (90 quarter) hours of undergraduate study and for all work beyond the baccalaureate.
• Tests Required None.
• Minimum English Competency Test Score
  • TOEFL iBT 80, with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, and Writing 21, OR,
  • IELTS Academic 6.5, with 6.0 in each of the four subscores, OR,
  • PTE-Academic 54, with subscores of Reading 51, Listening 47, Speaking 53, and Writing 56.
• Letters of Recommendation Three letters of recommendation required, ordinarily including former instructors and work supervisors. Contact the Jane Addams College of Social Work for more information.
• Personal Statement Required. Applicants must submit a statement of their interest in social work, their long range career goals and scholarly interests, and how those fit with the mission of the college.
• Other Requirements Applications must be submitted electronically through the UIC Graduate Admission Upload Process. Admissions are restricted to the fall semester.
• Deadlines Application deadlines for this program are listed on the Graduate College website.

Degree Requirements

In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, students must meet the following program requirements:

• Minimum Semester Hours Required 96 from the baccalaureate.
• Coursework At least 9 semester hours must be earned at UIC in each of two consecutive terms. Students are expected to complete the residence requirement during the first or second year of their study. Students without a Master of Social Work may apply for admission if they have advanced training in other human service professions or in related social sciences. If offered admission, such students must complete all requirements for the Master of Social Work degree before beginning doctoral courses.

• Examinations
  • Qualifying Examination Required.
  • Preliminary Examination Required.
• Dissertation Required.

Interdepartmental Concentrations

Students earning a graduate degree in this department may complement their courses by enrolling in select concentrations after consulting with their graduate advisor. Interdepartmental concentrations available for this degree include:

• Black Studies
• Gender and Women's Studies
• Latin American and Latino Studies
• Survey Research Methodology
• Violence Studies