If you are passionate about social justice and want to advance social work research, practice, and education, our Ph.D. program is for you. You will learn from our internationally recognized faculty how to think critically about knowledge creation and dissemination through the lens of multiple scientific paradigms to tackle the complex challenges of our time as they relate to contemporary social work practice. You will also develop your leadership potential and prepare for a successful career in higher education, research, and community organizations or administrations.
The curriculum includes learning about epistemology (the theory of knowledge), history and theory of social work, and qualitative and quantitative research methods and analysis. These six courses are followed by a comprehensive exam and a dissertation seminar, with this latter course supporting students in preparing their dissertation research proposal leading to conducting their independent body of research. Note that the program will be online for Fall 2025 cohort admissions.
Apply today to become a social work scholar and leader with a global impact!
Stay Connected Apply NowFor any inquiries, please contact our international recruiters/advisors.
The School of Social Work's Ph.D. program journey is an incomparable experience. The prime characteristic of this journey can be termed with three words: Opportunity for Growth. Faculty here wholeheartedly welcome you with an open door and a passion to support your growth. Not once have I left an office without an opportunity: An opportunity to grow and contribute, or an opportunity to learn about a new area of scholarship. In support of my passionate self to progress, I have been entrusted with unique challenges, as I call them, that helped me become the person I am today. I carried roles of teaching, research, and service with great honour and so much appreciation. The opportunities for professional development are yet another integral aspect of the Ph.D. journey, and I owe it to these opportunities for not only enhancing my professional and academic skills, but also expand my networking opportunities with key figures in the academic world and community wide. An unexpected yet delightfully appreciated opportunity has arisen where I was able to graduate while becoming the next addition to my home school, the School of Social Work at the University of Windsor. As the next Assistant Professor with a Teaching Intensive focus, I can only envision what the next phase of collegial work with an honourable circle of faculty will bring!"
Dr. Riham Al-Saadi '23
Assistant Professor, School of Social Work, University of Windsor
"The PhD program at the University of Windsor, School of Social Work, is one of a kind as it allowed me to take my academic career to a unique level. The small cohort offered me a customized experience with unmatched supported from the faculty and staff. The program's structure assisted me in individually focusing on my courses, comprehensive exam, dissertation proposal, and dissertation respectively, while acquiring the necessary research, employment, and service experience in academia as a doctoral student."
Dr. Mohamad Musa '23
Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, Cape Breton University
"My education at the University of Windsor, and specifically the School of Social Work, not only prepared me for the job market in my field but motivated me to apply what I learned in my community to make a positive difference. The faculty were genuinely invested in my development outside of the classroom as well. Many reached out to me to encourage me to pursue my doctorate and offered mentorship and support in my research, practice, and civic leadership over the years.
I've always felt competent and prepared in all settings of practice thanks to the education I received. I will continue to extend this invaluable experience and guidance to my students in the future, paying forward the same support that has benefitted me."
Dr. Michael Bennett, MSW PhD '23
Assistant Professor of Practice at the University of Texas at Arlington
Director at Oneday Dreams
Our nationally and internationally renowned scholars represent a broad spectrum of expertise in social work practice and research methods to guide and mentor students through the program. Feel free to reach out to anyone of them to discuss shared interest in social work research and possibilities for collaboration.
Land Acknowledgment
The University of Windsor sits on the traditional territory of the Three Fires Confederacy of First Nations, which includes the Ojibwa, the Odawa, and the Potawatomi. We respect the longstanding relationships with First Nations people in this place in the 100-mile Windsor-Essex peninsula and the straits – les détroits – of Detroit.
