Welcome from the PhD Coordinator

I am very happy to learn of your interest in our combined MSW/PhD program. This program allows students to complete the MSW degree while earning credit toward the PhD degree. For example, students may be able to use the same 12 hours of coursework to meet requirements for both MSW and PhD programs. Applicants admitted to the combined program works with the PhD coordinator to develop an individualized program of study. The table below provides an example of the courses that a student interested in family-centered practice, and who does not have the BSW, would take over five years. Students with a BSW and who have taken substantial coursework in research and statistics can expect to complete the combined program in fewer semesters than students who do not have this background.

Who Should Apply to the Combined MSW/PhD Program

The combined program was designed specifically for applicants who have taken coursework in research and statistics and who have post BSW social work related practice experience. Applicants with a strong interest in or plan to conduct research after graduation, in particular, are encouraged to apply. Students who are interested in teaching in a school of social work in the United States should know that two years of social work employment completed post BSW or post-MSW is a requirement to teach social work practice courses in CSWE accredited programs, and many U.S. schools of social work require the MSW for all members of their faculty.

Applicants who are uncertain about their post-graduation career plans should apply to the MSW only for the upcoming academic year. If you are uncertain about whether you should apply to the combined program email the PhD coordinator (carol-coohey@uiowa.edu). You can also call me at 319-335-1272 during Fall and Spring Semesters. For questions about the MSW program, contact Kate Kemp, program administrator (kate-kemp@uiowa.edu). If you have any questions about the application process, call toll-free (800)553-IOWA(4692) and ask for the School of Social Work Admissions Secretary Susan Dirks or contact her at susan-dirks@uiowa.edu.

Admission Policies and Procedures

Prospective students applying to the combined MSW/PhD program are reviewed by both the MSW Admissions Panel and the PhD Admission Panel. Therefore, you will need to complete the entire application process and forms for BOTH the MSW and PhD programs. For more information about the MSW and PhD programs and the different admissions policies and procedures for each program, visit both our MSW and PhD pages. Click on:

MSW
PhD
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Year	Fall	Spring	Summer	Total
			Level 1 statistics (pre-requisite)
1	Human Behavior in the Social Environment (3) Discrimination Oppression Diversity (3) Social Welfare Policy and Practice (3) SW Research and Microcomputer Laboratory or Minor elective or focal area PhD course (3-4) PhD Proseminar in Social Work and Social Welfare (1)	Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups (3) Organization and Community Practice (3) Foundation Practicum (3) Foundation Practicum Seminar (1) Advanced Research or Minor elective or focal area PhD course (3) SW Practice Skills Laboratory (1)	Minor elective or focal area PhD course related to the advanced practicum (3) Minor elective or focal area PhD course (3)	33-34
2	Family Centered Theory and Practice I (3) Advanced Practicum in Family Centered Practice (5) Advance Practicum Seminar Family Centered I (1) Minor elective or focal PhD area course (3)	Family Centered Theory and Practice II (3) Family Policy (3) Advanced Practicum in Family Centered Practice (5) Advanced Practicum Seminar Integrated Practice II (1)	PhD research practicum (6)	30
3	Knowledge Building in Social Work Practice (3) Minor elective or focal area PhD course (3) Level II statistics (3)	Minor theory course (3) Minor research course (3) Level III statistics (3) Write comprehensive exam proposal and receive approval	Write comprehensive exam	18
4	Defend comprehensive exam Knowledge Building in Social Work Policy (3) Advanced Research Seminar (3) Level IV statistics (3)	Teaching Practicum in Social Work (3) Dissertation (3)	Dissertation (3)	18
5	Dissertation (3)	Dissertation (3)		6
				101-105