Social Work PhD

[somerset]

Anybody applying for a PhD? I am really struggling with my SOP....i have 3 years work experience mainly in research but also have been part of a non funded collective of activists and was wondering whether i should give details about the work i have done there as well...although it was not paid and not research related....any suggestions? Also is there any advice from any current phd students about applications? Would really help....

[2011 MSW Hopeful]

I'd be interested in feedback on Ph.D. applications as well. I'm probably going to go into the field and work towards clinical licensure after finishing my MSW, but ultimately I'd really like to pursue a Ph.D. and focus on intervention research with my population of interest. Sort of struggling with how to get the clinical experience that will make me a marketable teacher while also staying involved with research activities.

[2011 MSW Hopeful]

Thanks for the feedback, socialworkphd. I'm hoping that I'll be pretty well set up for PhD applications after this year, since I've been working as an RA and will have 1-2 publications by the end of this year. I think I'm mainly concerned about staying connected/current with experience and in close contact with recommenders while I'm in the field.

Could you speak to how closely admissions committees look at quantitative research skills/experience? I need to take an elective research class, and I was considering taking biostatistics, but I'm not sure whether it will even weigh that heavily.

[michigan girl]

socialworkphd, do you recommend students to apply to PhD programs right after they finish their MSW or after they have gained work experience (2-5 years post-MSW)?

[michigan girl]

socialworkphd, do you believe doctoral programs should be accredited? It was my assumption that the MSW is the terminal practice degree and most social work/welfare programs are housed in a social work program (obviously, there are a few exceptions such as Brandeis). GADE also represents most social work doctoral programs.