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Admissions

Doctoral Students

Students studying together.An applicant for admission to the doctoral program must have demonstrated potential to contribute to scholarship in the field of social work and social welfare. Judgments on applicants are based on academic records at undergraduate and graduate levels, prior research and professional experience, writing samples demonstrating analytic ability, and other evidence of superior achievement and of interest in pursuing an academic appointment.

With the exception of applicants seeking admission to the combined A.M. and Ph.D. program, applicants to the Ph.D. program must have completed a master’s degree in social work or a related field prior to beginning advanced study. Applicants who wish to seek faculty positions upon graduation in schools of social work are advised that the Council on Social Work Education requires a master’s degree in social work in order to teach practice courses.

Application Deadline

Students enter all programs in the autumn quarter. Applications should be filed as early as possible to allow time for reviewing application materials. Only complete applications with transcripts, GRE scores, and reference letters will be accepted. Applications will be accepted and processed beginning summer quarter of the year preceding anticipated admission. December 15 is the deadline for applications to the doctoral program.

Questions

Answers to most questions should be addressed in Admissions Frequently Asked Questions. Inquiries about admissions or about the progress of a particular application should be addressed to the Director or the Assistant Director of Admissions, The School of Social Service Administration, The University of Chicago, 969 East Sixtieth Street, Chicago, Illinois 60637. Students are encouraged to visit the campus prior to admission.

In keeping with its long-standing traditions and policies, the University of Chicago, in admissions, employment, and access to programs, considers students on the basis of individual merit and without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or other factors irrelevant to participation in the programs of the University. The Affirmative Action Officer (773-702-5671) is the University's official responsible for coordinating its adherence to this policy and the related federal and state laws and regulations (including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended).