Information request form

Admissions requirements

To be considered  for admission to the Doctoral Program, applicants must have:

1.  A master's degree in social work from:

• A school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education
• Or a master's degree in a related discipline
• Or exceptional undergraduate academic performance in social or behavioral science research. (Students without the MSW may seek admission to the MSW/PhD Continuum Program, completing requirements for the MSW in a special program, while also completing the PhD.)

2.  Evidence of strong academic ability.

3.  Evidence of commitment to the values, goals and purposes of the social work profession.

4.  Evidence of two years of work experience in human services (may be waived in special circumstances).

5.  Evidence of a direction for and commitment to social intervention research.

Application deadline

The Doctoral Program admits students only once each year. To be considered for admission, application materials must be submitted by January 2, 2012. The admissions committee will only review completed applications files. Once the admissions committee has determined which applicants are eligible for admission, qualified applicants will be nominated for University fellowships or other University financial assistance. Application files that are not complete as of January 2nd, may not be considered. The admissions committee will work to make all decisions for admission by mid-March.

The deadline for submitting all application materials is January 2nd. However, if you wish to be considered for a UNC graduate school fellowship, you should apply by December 13, 2011. Early applications are encouraged.

Application requirements

Early applications are encouraged. Applicants must complete and submit a graduate school application online. To apply online, please click here  http://gradschool.unc.edu/admissions/  to go to the Admissions portal.

Applicants are required to submit the following:

• Application Fee: check or money order if not paid by credit card when applying online ($78)
  
• Residency Form, if claiming N.C. residency for tuition
• GRE Exam Scores: Required for all applicants. No more than five years old (ETS Institutional Code 5816, DEPT 5001).
• TOEFL Score: for international applicants
• Statement of Purpose
• Curriculum Vitae
• Letters of Recommendation - Minimum of three - (Recommendation Form)
• Sample of Professional Writing
• Official Transcripts of all undergraduate and post-graduate study
• International Financial Certificate: If you are a foreign applicant

The admissions committee will review only completed admission files. Applicants will be notified, via e-mail, if materials are missing from their application packet and will receive confirmation once their application is complete.

For more information, please visit UNC's Graduate School website.

Telephone Information Sessions

You may request a telephone information session with the Doctoral Program Chair (doctoral chair) to discuss your research interests, get answers to specific questions, and get an overview of the program.  

If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact the Doctoral Program Coordinator (program coordinator).

Contact information

Brenda Vawter
Doctoral Program Coordinator
(919) 962-6477
bvawter@email.unc.edu

Dr. Kathleen Rounds
Chair of the Doctoral Program
(919) 962-6429
karounds@email.unc.edu