PhD Social Work/Welfare Applications: Fall 2025

[sagerage1998]

Hi everyone,

Is there anyone in this sub who will be applying for their PhD in Social Work/Welfare for Fall 2025? I'm currently looking at programs since I'll be graduating with my MSW in May 2025. I am a little concerned that I won't be too competitive given my stats.

1. I have 3 publications with 1 being first authored, and the other 2 being named as co-authors.
2. I presented at the American Thoracic Society for a poster presentation
3. I have a lot of work experience in social services (ie case management, substance abuse, policy work) approximately 3 years. 
4. I do have 2 W's and 1 C+ on my transcript from last Summer 2023 due to family issues and needing to withdraw from 2 courses. I've since retaken the courses and gotten A's.

My concern is whether or not I'd be competitive enough for the SW PhD programs given the 2 W's and 1 C+ on my MSW transcript. My current GPA is a 3.4. I was thinking about getting an MPH after my MSW to make up for the one "failed" course and the 2 W's. I'm looking at WUSTL, UW, UC Berkeley, University of Denver, ASU for SW PhD programs.

Thoughts?

Edited July 28 by sagerage1998
Forgot to add more info