/Institutions/Catholic-University-of-America/json/2023-2024/Graduate-Announcements-local.json

/Institutions/Catholic-University-of-America/json/2023-2024/Graduate-Announcements.json

Graduate Announcements > National Catholic School of Social Service > NCSSS Graduate Degree Programs > Doctor of Philosophy Program > Doctoral Admissions

Doctoral Admissions

Admission to the doctoral program requires the applicant to hold an MSW degree from an accredited school of social work and to have completed a minimum of one year of successful professional practice subsequent to the attainment of the master's degree. The MSW prerequisite is based on the assumption that acquisition of the core knowledge, values and skills of the profession and professional socialization are accomplished during MSW study. The practice requirement is based on the assumption that mastery of social work practice provides a common set of experiences basic to producing scholarship and research in social work. MSW graduates without subsequent practice experience who wish to proceed directly from a master's to a doctoral program will be considered if they have demonstrated exceptional performance during their MSW program.

Admission is selective and determined by the quality of the total application. NCSSS seeks to enroll those who will be successful in all aspects of the Ph.D. program and competent as future social work scholars, researchers or educators. Application portfolios are reviewed against the following criteria:

1. Evidence of the applicant's readiness for doctoral study including:
   1. capacity for critical and analytical thinking;
   2. ability to understand and apply a broad range of conceptual frameworks such as philosophy, sociology and practice theory; and
   3. facility for strong, clear, cogent and concise critical and analytical writing.

These capacities may be demonstrated in previous academic work, especially that of the MSW program, and writing samples such as scholarly works, monographs, and agency reports.

2. Evidence of personal qualifications indicative of a high level of motivation and capacity for independent study and reflective of a strong identification with the social work profession, its values and standards. Evidence of these qualities may be demonstrated in previous volunteer and employed social work experience, the purpose statement, the views of those providing recommendations, and the personal interview.

Applications are accepted for full-time or part-time status.

Application Process

An application to the Ph.D. Program must be supported by materials listed below using the guidelines below. Applicants are required to apply online at Graduate Admission - Catholic University of America, Washington, DC | CUA. The application portfolio consists of the following:

1. A completed university application form, with the nonrefundable application fee.
2. Official transcripts of all graduate and undergraduate academic work.
3. A detailed purpose statement that includes:
   1. Professional goals. Reasons for wishing to undertake doctoral studies, which addresses the relevance of a doctoral education at this school to future professional goals.
   2. Areas of interest. Specific emphasis to be pursued in doctoral study in social work, identifying major professional or scientific interests in the areas of either theory or research.
   3. Work experience. Prior work experience both in social work and other fields, with specific emphasis on post-master's professional experience and evaluating professional experience to date, including the contributions made to professional development, and the limitations of these experiences.
   4. Research Experience. Description and evaluation of participation in research projects, including a list of any individually or collaboratively written published professional material.
   5. Research Agenda. Identification of the area or areas of future interest for research, questions regarding social or psychosocial problems of interest to explore. A plan of study; institutions or agencies with which to partner in future research; and any other research relevant ideas.
4. Three letters of recommendation: At least one of the recommendations should be an academic reference.
5. Résumé of all work experience (paid and volunteer).
6. Writing sample of published material or other example of written work that will give evidence of research skills, practice competency, conceptual style and scholarly writing skills.

International Students

NCSSS welcomes qualified international students to its program. In addition to submitting all required items (application fee, transcripts, purpose statement, resume, and references), international students must also submit documentation that shows financial support for tuition and expenses for one year of study.

Applicants for whom English is a second language are required to submit TOEFL scores for both written and spoken English. International applicants must also complete the Request for Visa Documentation form in the CUA Graduate Admissions Application Packet.

International students must arrange to have their transcripts translated and credits and/or degrees certified by an independent evaluator, such as the World Education Service (WES.org).

Application Deadlines

Feb 1

Ph.D. applications for full and part-time status in fall semesters.

Financial Aid

The Catholic University of America offers scholarships and loans to incoming doctoral students.

CUA Scholarships: CUA scholarships are primarily awarded to incoming students based on merit. Students retain the scholarship during their enrollment at NCSSS provided they remain in good academic standing (minimum GPA of 3.0). Available to full and part-time students.

Applicants to the National Catholic School of Social Service may contact the school's Office of Admissions and Financial Aid (202-319-5496) for information about scholarships. Applicants should request loan information from the Office of Student Financial Assistance, Father O'Connell Hall, CUA, Washington, DC 20064, 202-319-5307, http://financialaid.cua.edu/.