PhD Resources

Resources and guidance for UCLA Luskin Social Welfare PhD students, including degree requirements, academic milestones, dissertation preparation, and student support services.

Academic Requirements & Coursework

Coursework

• Required coursework information
• Course planning resources
• SW 599 information

(If SW 599 is a key requirement, give it its own subsection rather than listing it alone.)

Forms and Resources

• Preparing for Your PhD Dissertation
• TA/GSR/ASE Marketplace (via UCLA Division of Graduate Education)
• PhD Curriculum
• Graduate Writing Center
• Written Comprehensive Exam Submission Form
• Written Comprehensive Exam Submission Form (for faculty)
• Anonymous Comment Form
• Conference Travel Funding Request Form
• Student Accomplishments Form
• Study Plan Form
• Research Internship Project
• Research Internship Project – Final Report
• Annual Progress Report

Resources for Doctoral Travel Funding

UCLA Division of Graduate Education Funding Opportunities

Departmental Funding for Conference Traveling

We can now offer doctoral students up to $1,000 annually (reimbursements available based on documented expenses) per student to attend a conference where they are presenting. Students have to first use their DGE allotted funding of $1,000 before becoming eligible for department funding. Students also must be presenting at the conference and must request the funds at least two weeks prior to attending the conference via this Google Form. As before, receipts should be submitted within two weeks return via this Google Form.  

Documentation Required for Requesting Departmental Funding 

Requests to the department should be submitted after travel is completed. 

A copy of letter or email of acceptance of abstract for paper or poster presentation must be submitted with the following information: 

1. name of conference 

2. date of conference 

3. location of conference 

Receipts must be submitted to Amy Tinoco via THIS FORM within 2 weeks of travel to allow for processing. 

Allowable Expenses (with receipt):

• Registration/membership fees related to the conference.
• Airfare (economy only) and fee for one checked bag**
• Car rental**
• Lodging (up to $333/per night, but is not reimbursable if travel is within 40 miles of residence or for a day trip)
• Mileage for personal car only – with mileage calculation documentation
• Gas reimbursement for car rental only
• Bus, train, cab/ride share, shuttle, parking (with receipt).
• Meals (up to $92/per day as of January 1st, 2025 but cannot be reimbursed if it is a day trip)

**For these expenses, documents must show itemized charges and form or payment (or zero balance), dates, and the student’s name. Click here for campus policy regarding travel.

Requesting Reimbursement: Timeline and Form

Original receipts must be submitted to the Department via THIS FORM within 2 weeks following conference travel to allow for processing. The reimbursement will be processed within 45 days after the travel/conference, once we receive the student’s receipts, in accordance with UC reimbursement policy.

Submit your request and then the post-travel receipts via THIS FORM. Our designated staff support member will process the request and reimbursement (once we receive the receipts).

Student Handbook

• Doctoral Student Handbook (2026-2027)
• Doctoral Student Handbook (2025-2026)
• Doctoral Student Handbook (2024-2025)
• Doctoral Student Handbook (2023-2024)
• Doctoral Student Handbook (2022-2023)
• Doctoral Student Handbook (2021-2022)

Contacts

Doctoral Committee Co-Chairs (2026-2027)

• Dr. Amy Ritterbusch
• Dr. Laura Wray-Lake

Doctoral Committee Faculty Members (2026—2027)

• Dr. Ron Astor
• Dr. Leyla Karimli
• Dr. Lené Levy-Storms
• Dr. Amy Ritterbusch
• Dr. Ananya Roy
• Dr. Summer Sun
• Dr. Laura Wray-Lake

Doctoral Student Reps (2026-2027)

• Julia Lesnick
• Yesi Camacho Torres

Director of Student Services
Tanya Youssephzadeh