What are my chances? A PhD in social work or public health

[kevin_m30]

Hello,

 

I'm posting for the first time.  I have a Master of Social Work, and have worked as a social worker for the last five or so years.  I'm realizing more and more that I have a passion for the academic side of social work, and have been able to produce four publications in peer-reviewed journals over the last few years.  My undergraduate average is 92%, and my graduate average is 94%.  I'm Canadian, and went to a relatively high-ranking university in Canada for both my B.S.W. and M.S.W.

 

I'm applying to doctoral programs for consideration of fall 2014 admission.  I'm specifically sending applications to two PhD programs at the University of Toronto (Public Health - Social and Behavioural Sciences, and Social Work), as well as one at McGill (Social Work). 

 

My area of interest is the study of social determinants of health in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities, and the role of health systems in addressing these realities.  I've already contacted a few professors at the schools I'm applying to, and I have found one at each institution who has expressed interest in my work; I'm actually speaking with one over the phone next month.

 

Are any of you in a PhD program, either in public health or social work?  If so, what is the typical profile of a student attending your program?  Do you think the odds are in my favour re: getting an offer of admission somewhere?  If you are, in particular, a social work PhD student, I'd love to connect with you and ask about your experience, as there seem to be plenty of MSW students out there, but very few people considering a doctorate in this discipline.

 

I'm sort of putting all my eggs in one basket.  I really want to go back to school next year!  Any feedback would be appreciated.

[GradMSW]

Hi,

I hope everything went well and you pursued your passion. If you see this note by any chance, I am curious to hear where you ended up and how things are going for you now. 

 

Cheers