Our doctoral program receives numerous applications from highly qualified applicants around the world. The majority of our admitted students have an MSW degree but we also accept students with a masters degree in a related field (such as public policy or psychology). The doctoral committee seeks applicants who have a commitment to a research career in social welfare and who show great scholarly promise. Applications are assessed individually based on all components of the portfolio: The statement of purpose, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, academic record, and writing sample. Contact with potential faculty mentors is invited, but not required for admission to our program.

For applicants to the MSW/PhD program, please note that space in this program is often limited to 1-2 students per year. The admissions committee may refer some very well qualified combined applicants to the MSW program, with an option to reapply to the PhD program in the future.

For technical information regarding admissions to the doctoral program, please contact Lance Fooks fooks@publicaffairs.ucla.edu. For more information about the program as a whole, please contact Laura Abrams, doctoral program chair at abrams@publicaffairs.ucla.edu.

• Welcome from Doctoral Program Director, Professor Laura Abrams
• Mission Statement
• Publications by PhD Students
• Alumni
• Financial Aid