Doctorate of Social Work

Ph.D. In Social Work

The doctoral program is designed to prepare graduates for academic and research careers, provide leadership in research and education committed to excellence in social work clinical practice, and provide leadership in the development of clinical services for diverse, vulnerable, and underserved populations.

Ph.D. Program Information

The doctoral program, requiring 60 hours of study, is offered via a nontraditional model of delivery. During the first three years, students complete thirty-six hours of course work in nine semesters. These courses are offered in intensive weekend sessions during the fall and spring semesters and in concentrated three-week summer sessions. Dissertation work (24 hours) is taken over the course of years four and five.

This innovative doctoral program allows students to complete course work while maintaining full-time employment commitments and it does not require students to reside full-time in the Tampa area.

If you are interested in submitting an application for admission, please review the Addmissions Criteria and the Course Schedule links. If you have additional questions, please contact the Program Chair, Dr. Robin Ersing, Associate Professor, at (813) 974-6572 or Send email

NOTE: The next cohort will begin Fall 2013.