Program Description
NYU Silver School of Social Work’s PhD program prepares students to become leading researchers and educators in the promotion of social justice and the health and well-being of marginalized communities nationally and globally.
Our intensive doctoral training competitively positions graduates for top-tier academic and research opportunities—such as faculty positions at leading research universities—cultivating the next wave of independent investigators, scholars, and social work leaders. Building on Silver’s nationally recognized strength in intervention and implementation research and our focus on addressing inequities, the PhD program prepares students to make their own unique contributions to the field of social welfare.
Our rigorous coursework educates students in classic and contemporary theory, cutting-edge quantitative, qualitative and mixed methodologies, and specialized learning in their substantive areas. The opportunity to take electives within the larger university allows students to explore further their areas and methodologies in an interdisciplinary classroom. NYU Silver also prepares students to be educators through training, including in anti-racist pedagogies, and hands-on experience teaching BSW and MSW level courses.
At the heart of our program is the mentored research practicum offering students the opportunity to put their learning into practice. NYU Silver PhD students are paired from day one with a research mentor as part of our personalized mentoring program, helping them develop competencies in core research, scholarship, and teaching areas. NYU Silver Faculty are renowned for their expertise in several key research areas, including racial and social justice, behavioral health services, child welfare, and aging. Being part of a large Global Network University and located in the diverse and dynamic city of New York, NYU Silver offers an unparalleled environment for the study of areas critical to local, national and global well-being.
Admissions
Requirements for admission to the Social Work PhD program include:
- a master’s degree (MSW is preferred) with a graduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher, based on a 4-point scale;
- a bachelor’s degree with an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher, based on a 4-point scale;
- acceptable scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam, for applicants whose first language is not English or who have not earned a degree from an institution where the language of instruction is exclusively English. The program will accept Duolingo English test scores if applicant received a combined undergraduate and graduate education of four years where the official language of instruction of the institution was English for all course work. Test scores for TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo English Test are considered valid for two years.
- TOEFL Score Requirements
NYU Silver accepts the TOEFL iBT test, the TOEFL iBT Home Edition and the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition. The minimum scores for the TOEFL are 92-93. Our TOEFL code is 2506. We will accept an unofficial score until we receive an official copy from Educational Testing Service (ETS).
- IELTS Score Requirements
Admission criteria for the IELTS is an overall score of 7.0 or higher (no individual scores less than 7 in any category).
- Duolingo English Test
Admission criteria for the Duolingo English Test is a minimum score of 115.
- Exemptions:
- Applicants who have earned a degree from an institution where the language of instruction during their entire undergraduate program (four years) and/or master's degree was exclusively English, regardless of country, are exempt from submitting a TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score.
- Applicants who are U.S. Permanent Residents and have earned their undergraduate degree from a US Institution.
- an updated Curriculum Vitae;
- a well-written and compelling statement of research interest; and
- three outstanding letters of recommendation.
- International applicants ‒ please learn more about your additional requirements.
Note: Although post-MSW practice experience is not a requirement, at least three years of experience is recommended.
Program Requirements
Required Coursework
Non-Coursework Requirements
Qualifying Exam
The qualifying exam will entail a choice between a systematic review or a comprehensive literature review of a given topic of interest. All students must pass a qualifying exam, which serves as an examination of what students have learned to date in the program and a determination of whether they are ready to engage in independent research. Successful completion of the qualifying exam also demonstrates that a student is able to adhere to accepted norms of scholarship and produce written work of publishable quality.
Dissertation Proposal
In creating a dissertation proposal, students will choose a topic or research question to study, and will form a dissertation committee based on their research area interest and faculty area of expertise. Students will submit their written proposal to the dissertation committee and arrange for an oral defense.
Dissertation
The student, in consultation with their dissertation committee, will determine the appropriate structure and form of the dissertation. All dissertations will be evaluated on the quality and clarity of the conception, writing, presentation, evidence of scholarship and systematic inquiry, originality, and significance to the field of social work. Students will submit a written dissertation and also have an oral defense of their dissertation, which is open to the public.
Note: The doctoral program does not prepare students for advanced practice in clinical social work or for licensure for social work practice in New York State. Students licensed as an LMSW or LCSW by the New York State Education Department may practice according to the guidelines of their particular license. Unlicensed students may not provide professional services in New York State unless otherwise authorized by state law.
Program-Level Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Silver School of Social Work doctoral program, graduates will be able to:
- Provide leadership in the development of knowledge in a substantive area that is important to social work practice and/or social service delivery.
- Conduct independent research that demonstrates advanced knowledge of the methodology used, and which meets current publication standards.
- Engage in critical analysis of clinical practice models and their underpinning theories, including evidence of empirical support.
- Draw upon established social science theories to generate hypotheses regarding problems relevant to social work practice.
- Critically examine social policies using established models of analysis.
- Communicate effectively at a professional level, orally and in writing, the products of one’s scholarship to diverse constituencies.
- Compete successfully for academic positions in social work or related disciplines.
Policies
Transfer and Articulation Agreements
Normally, credit for required courses in the PhD or DSW program cannot be transferred from other institutions. For admissions purposes, transfer credit from other educational programs within the school or from other institutions is generally not allowed.
Academic Standing and Progress
A PhD student who is on academic probation is considered not to be in good academic standing or not to be in good academic progress. Students will be automatically placed on academic probation for any of the following reasons:
- A grade-point average of less than 3.0
- A grade of lower than B- in any course
- Failure to complete course requirements (as indicated by grade of IP or IF) within one semester following the end of the semester in which the course was taken.
- Inadequate performance in the research practicum (e.g., did not fulfill required weekly hours, did not turn in agreed-upon tasks on time).
Academic probation triggers the formation of a Status Committee, which serves to help the student identify obstacles to remaining in good academic standing and provides guidance and support for helping the student plan for improvement. Status committees consist of three faculty members: the student’s mentor, a member of the PhD program committee, and the director of the PhD program.
The program will provide written notification to the student of their probationary status as soon as practicable and within sixty (60) days after the final grades posted by the University (when applicable). The notification will inform the student of the ground for the determination, the specific steps that must be taken to return to good standing, the means by which the student’s performance will be evaluated and the penalty that will be imposed if these requirements are not met.
When the student is required to repeat the course(s) with grade lower than B- as stipulated by the recommendations from the faculty on the Status Committee, students will be responsible for the tuition and fees for such repeating course(s).
If the student is notified within the first two weeks of a semester, the student may be required to complete all requirements by the end of that semester. If notification occurs after the first two weeks of a semester have been completed, the student has until the end of the next full semester (including summer) to complete all requirements. If a student is awarded funding or financial aid (fellowship, assistantship, tuition, fees, health insurance, or other awards), then the probation letter will state the consequences of the probation on the financial aid award(s) including the terms required for the continuation or resumption of the award(s).
Students who do not improve their academic performance or progress sufficiently within one semester of being placed on academic probation will be dismissed from the program. The criteria for sufficient improvement regarding academic performance are as follows: a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher, a grade of at least B- for any course, and no additional failures to complete course requirements (including the research practicum) in the probationary semester and thereafter. Students must be in good academic standing in order to progress from the coursework phase of the program to the qualifying exam and the dissertation. When academic probation is triggered in a student’s final semester of coursework, a status committee will determine the requirement(s) for returning to good academic standing. In addition, the criteria for sufficient improvement regarding academic progress are as follows: objective evidence showing substantial progress has been made in the probationary semester and thereafter (e.g., successfully completed QE, successfully defended proposal, successfully defended dissertation).
Students cannot be on academic probation more than once. Students on academic probation who do not satisfy the stated terms of probation may be formally terminated from the program. The Program is required to provide written notification to students of their termination as soon as practicable. The notification must inform students of the grounds for termination, including the specific steps that the student failed to take to meet the program requirements, the effective date of the termination, and the appeal process available to the student. When a student is put on probation or terminated, the program must notify all relevant offices, including but not limited to, the Office of Global Services if the student is international, and Graduate Enrollment Services if the student is receiving Silver or program funding.
Withdrawals
Leaves of Absences/Term Withdrawal Overview
Most leaves and withdrawals are voluntary: psychological and/or physical medical leaves and personal leaves. Involuntary leaves and withdrawals are used in cases of academic/performance dismissal and as an option in cases of danger to self, others or property. Students are no longer allowed to request a leave of absence after the end of the add/drop period; they can instead request a term withdrawal up until the 9th week of classes (or 9th week equivalent in summer). A term withdrawal allows students to withdraw from their current semester courses, but in this case they will receive W (withdrawal) grades on their transcript. They will be held responsible for related tuition and fees according to the Bursar’s Refund Schedule. Students cannot take a leave of absence or term withdrawal after the 9th week of classes; they must receive a grade for all current semester courses. Term withdrawals after the 9th week of the term for extenuating circumstances must be initiated and approved by the program director. If a student is planning on any of the above, please refer to the Leave of Absence/Term Withdrawal Checklist.
Redress of Grievances
Right to File a Grievance
Any student registered in Silver courses or otherwise formally involved in Silver programs has the right to file a grievance. Certain types of grievances must be adjudicated within Silver, while others must be adjudicated at the University level. The following rules are designed to provide Silver students with a mechanism of redress.
Grievances Adjudicated Outside Silver
In the following cases, grievances must be adjudicated outside Silver. Questions about whether or not grievances fall within these guidelines should be addressed to the Office of Student Conduct.
Harassment, Discrimination, Sexual Misconduct
If the matter involves alleged harassment, discrimination, or sexual misconduct in violation of either the University’s Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy and Complaint Procedures for Students or the University’s Sexual Misconduct, Relationship Violence, and Stalking Policy, grievances should be filed promptly with the Office of Equal Opportunity.
Grievance Arising in Other School or College
If the student’s grievance concerns a student, faculty or staff member whose primary affiliation is with another school or college, the student shall consult and follow that school or college’s procedures. In addition, the student shall submit copies of the written grievance to either of the OASA Assistant Deans and the comparable office in the other school or college.
Grievances Adjudicated by Silver
In the following cases, grievances can be adjudicated within Silver: the student believes that he or she has been subject to treatment which is in violation of a Silver rule, procedure or policy; the student believes that he or she is being affected by an unfair and/or incomplete Silver rule, procedure or policy or implementation of same.
Grievances Concerning Grades
A student may file a grievance concerning a grade on the basis of inequitable or prejudicial practices or administrative or clerical errors if he or she believes a grade to be incorrect. No other reason can form the basis for a grievance regarding a grade.
Grievances Concerning Academic Probation or Termination:
Students may not issue a grievance against an academic probation or termination or the terms therein. If a student believes that an academic probation or termination decision, or the terms thereof, is in violation of an NYU or Silver rule, the appeal process should be employed.
Student Status during Grievance
During the grievance process of an academic probation or termination, a student must be allowed to maintain student status and continue enrollment in any courses they were enrolled in at the date of the enactment of the probation or termination. The student’s academic record will be frozen for the duration of the appeals process. No grade changes will be accepted during this time. However, as provided in University Bylaw 80, the Dean of a school or the Dean’s representative may suspend a student pending consideration of a case. The Silver School of Social Work (Silver) urges that such action should only be taken to protect the physical or emotional safety and well-being of the student, the physical or emotional safety and well-being of other students, faculty, and/or University staff, the security of University property, the maintenance of public order or the effective continuation of the educational process. When such action does occur, the student shall be afforded the opportunity to expedite disciplinary proceedings. Any period of interim suspension shall be deducted from any final sanction involving suspension.
Initiation of the Complaint:
Complaint proceedings concerning events or conditions within Silver may be initiated in two ways:
- Informal Resolution: If the event or condition occurred within a program context, the student shall notify the Program Director within thirty (30) days of the occurrence of the event or occurrence being grieved. The Director shall investigate the complaint and respond to the student within fifteen days of notification. The student may be offered terms which, if accepted, will constitute a binding consensual agreement in resolution of the issue.
- Informal Resolution: If the event or condition occurred outside the program context but still within Silver, the student shall contact the Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs within thirty (30) days of the occurrence of the event or occurrence being grieved. The Assistant Dean will arrange meetings within fifteen (15) days of notification as appropriate, attend such meeting(s), and attempt to aid in the resolution of the complaint. The student may be offered terms which, if accepted, will constitute a binding consensual agreement in resolution of the issue.
Formal Grievance
If the complaint is not resolved to the student’s satisfaction, and the complaint is one defined to be adjudicated by Silver, the student may bring a formal grievance to the PhD Program Committee within fifteen (15) days after the conclusion of the initiation of the complaint. In this case, the student must submit a formal written grievance to the Committee. The grievant shall state the grounds for the grievance, specifying program, Silver policy, rules, or procedures in question, describe the facts and evidence supporting the grievance, indicate what redress the grievant seeks, provide a brief history of the attempts to resolve the grievance, and identify any individuals who can be contacted for relevant information. Students may request a restriction of the investigation or attempted resolution of a grievance based on concerns about privacy or conflict of interest. The PhD Program Committee will determine which faculty member on the Committee will oversee the grievance and will notify the student of their decision.
Receipt of Formal Grievance
Upon receipt of a formal grievance, the PhD Program Committee faculty overseeing the grievance will promptly schedule a meeting with the grievant. One person may accompany and advise the grievant, but cannot directly participate in the meeting. The PhD Program Committee or the student may request the presence of the other OASA Assistant Dean. The student or the PhD Program Committee may request that the meeting be recorded. The PhD Program Committee may contact such other persons as the Assistant Dean deems appropriate, subject to the restrictions of the grievant, for the purpose of ascertaining the facts and evidence in the case. The PhD Program Committee shall render a written decision on the grievance to the grievant, the respondent, and, if the matter had previously been addressed in the program, to the program.
Appeal of PhD Program Committee’s Decision
The student may appeal in writing the decision of the PhD Program Committee to the Dean of Silver within two weeks of receipt of the PhD Program Committee’s decision. The Dean will review only the process resulting in the PhD Program Committee’s finding to determine if it was fair and impartial and followed the rules and policies of the Graduate School. No new information beyond what was reported to the PhD Program Committee will be considered. The Dean will render a written decision to the student within thirty days of receipt of the appeal. The Dean’s decision shall be final for Silver and its program.
Appeal of Dean’s Decision
Students wishing to appeal the Dean’s decision should consult the University’s Student Grievance Procedure. GSAS procedures cover Phases I and II of the University’s procedures, so any appeal would start with Phase III, the University Judicial Board.
Record Keeping
The Office of the Dean shall retain a copy of any grievance formally submitted to the PhD Program Committee or to the Dean, any amended grievance, and any decision of the PhD Program Committee and/or Dean for five (5) calendar years following the date on which the grievance is resolved.
NYU Policies
University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages.