fsu social work phd

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The graduate school, social work (msw).

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University registrar, 2024-2025 graduate bulletin.

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College of Social Work

Dean : David W. Springer; Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs : Lisa Schelbe; Associate Dean for Research : Yaacov Petscher; Associate Dean for Academic Administration : Jennifer Jane Farinella; Assistant Dean for Culture and Community Engagement : Keithen Mathis

The social work program at Florida State University has its origins in the early history of the institution, with social welfare content first being introduced into the curriculum in the 1920s. By the mid-30s, during the Great Depression, undergraduate courses in casework and group work were offered, as well as field placements at the Leon County Welfare Association and the Leon County Unemployment Relief Council.

In 1947, the year that the Florida State College for Women was named Florida State University, Dr. Coyle Moore became the Chair of the Department of Social Welfare. The Master of Social Work program was established in 1948 and in 1950 received accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education, which has earned reaccreditation continuously since that time. The School of Social Welfare was created in 1950, and Dr. Moore became the first Dean. The bachelor's program was accredited in 1974, the first year that undergraduate programs were granted accredited status.

The PhD program in social work was approved by the Board of Regents in 1974 and accepted its first student in the fall of that year. In June 1973, as part of an overall University structural reorganization, the social work program became identified as the School of Social Work with Dr. L. Diane Bernard as Dean. Earning recognition as the College of Social Work in 2005 and Dr. C. Aaron McNeece named Dean in the same year. In 2002, FSU established the first CSWE-accredited master's program in the U.S. with a complete online curriculum.

The College of Social Work is dedicated to the preparation of tomorrow's social workers who demonstrate awareness of the impact of the many social changes that have taken place in our contemporary world. The College's curriculum is continually updated to recognize and respond to the changing demands made on the profession. The curriculum is rooted in the ecosystems perspective, which serves as an organizing framework for the entire program, thereby providing an effective basis for studying people and their environment. The combination of class and field work provides students with a rich educational experience and the opportunity for the integration of research, theory, and practice. Presently, there are approximately 150 undergraduates and 1000 graduate students enrolled in the College, with 35 faculty members. More than 20 students are engaged in active study for the PhD in social work.

The College of Social Work is committed to the pursuit and delivery of excellence in social work education. Through teaching, research, and service, the College educates its graduates for productive careers as professional social workers in diverse arenas; contributes to the knowledge base guiding social welfare practice and policy decisions; and offers expertise and energy to local, state, and national concerns.

The College's initiatives build on the traditional heritage of social work and are guided by a commitment to community-based social services. Recognizing that communities function as political, social, and familial entities, the College's efforts emphasize, but are not limited to, health care, mental health, and the special concerns of children, families, women, and the aged. The College recognizes and values mutuality among diverse community groups, and promotes models of service-delivery empowering vulnerable populations ensuring social services for all community members.

Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS)

The College of Social Work adheres to accreditation standards established by the Council on Social Work Education. These standards are referred to as EPAS and were voted and put into effect December 2015. For further details, refer to: https://www.cswe.org/accreditation/standards/2015-epas .

College of Social Work Mission Statement

It is the mission of the Florida State University College of Social Work to provide quality educational services at the baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral levels that prepare professional social workers to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic needs of diverse populations with particular attention to the empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, or living in poverty. The College of Social Work also has as its purpose to contribute to the knowledge base that supports social work practice and social policy development and to provide leadership through community service at the local, state, national, and international levels.

Master of Social Work (MSW) Degree Program

MSW Program Director: Fran Gomory, MSW

The curriculum at the MSW level is designed to educate professional social workers at the advanced level. Students may choose to concentrate their studies in either clinical social work or social leadership.

Goals of the Master's in Social Work (MSW) Program

The Master's in Social Work (MSW) program, nationally accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), offers a broad professional education based on a systems perspective, which stresses how individuals live in their environment and how the environment affects them.

The goal of the MSW program is to educate students for advanced social work practice with diverse client systems and problems. Toward this end, the MSW program will prepare students to:

• assess and/or diagnose and intervene with client psychosocial problems through individual, couple, family, and/or group modalities,
• conduct autonomous empirical evaluations of their own practice interventions incorporating valid and reliable measures,
• analyze how policies impact clinical practice,
• critically evaluate, synthesize, and articulate empirical and conceptual literature related to an applied clinical context,
• provide leadership in organizations and communities within the public and private sectors,
• synthesize and apply theories and methods of policy analysis to advance social and economic justice,
• synthesize and apply theories of change and methods of program evaluation to assess the effectiveness of social programs,
• develop, provide, and assess effective administrative policies and practices, and
• critically evaluate, synthesize, and articulate empirical and conceptual literature related to practice in social policy, program, and administrative contexts.

Master's Program Requirements

For full-time students, the requirements for the traditional Master of Social Work degree are normally completed in two years (five semesters) beginning in August of one year and ending in May of the last year. The degree is awarded upon completion of a minimum of 61 semester hours, including 39 semester hours of on-campus instruction and 22 semester hours of field instruction. Some specializations may require summer attendance between the first and second years. A part-time option also exists, and students enrolled in this program are expected to take six hours a semester. The part-time format requires nine semesters to complete. The student chooses to specialize in either social leadership or clinical social work.

Advanced Standing

The college offers an advanced standing program for graduates of an undergraduate social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education who have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0, and who meet certain other course, field practice, and related work/volunteer experience requirements.

The advanced standing students are admitted in the Fall and Spring semesters and the program is normally completed in three semesters for full-time students and six for part-time students. This program consists of a minimum of 39 semester hours including 12 semester hours of field instruction. The student chooses to specialize in either social leadership or clinical social work.

Distance Learning Programs

The MSW degree (clinical social work specialization) is also offered at the Panama City campus as well as online for qualified applicants. Requirements are the same as for the full-time program. All distance learning programs are offered in the part-time format only.

Admission to the traditional master's program in social work is limited to August of each year for the face-to-face programs, except for transfer and advanced standing students (see below). Application for admission to the program must be completed by May 1 of the year in which admission is planned and must be made through graduate admissions at Florida State University. Applications for face-to-face advanced standing students are to be completed by May 1 for fall admission and by October 1 for spring. Prospective students may apply for admission to the traditional or advanced-standing online programs for fall, spring, and summer start dates. Application deadlines are May 1, October 1, and March 1, respectively.

Minimum academic standards for admission to the MSW program are:

• a bachelor's degree (with a liberal arts foundation) from an accredited college or university,
• a GPA of at least 3.0 in upper-division courses at the undergraduate level, and
• scores obtained for the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General test.

Students who meet the following criteria may apply for a waiver of the GRE requirement:

• five years or more of social work experience in a traditional social work agency providing direct service delivery or macro services and a 3.0 undergraduate upper division GPA (advanced standing or traditional students) from a regionally accredited institution,
• a completed master's, JD, MD, or PhD degree with a 3.0 (or better) cumulative GPA from a regionally accredited institution,
• a 3.5 or higher undergraduate cumulative GPA from a regionally accredited institution,
• any earned or anticipated baccalaureate degree from Florida State University, with a 3.25 upper division GPA at time of application.
• Students who wish to be considered for the advanced-standing program must have earned a BSW degree from a CSWE accredited program.

University requirements for admissions must also be met. A limited number of exceptions to these requirements are available. For further information and application materials, see https://csw.fsu.edu .

Transfer Students

A limited number of students who have completed a full year of graduate study in an accredited College of Social Work may be admitted to the second year of graduate study. Applications should be completed before May 1 of the year in which admission is requested. Work completed more than seven years before the date of admission cannot be credited toward the Master of Social Work degree.

Grade Requirements

The College of Social Work expects graduate students to maintain a “B” average in each semester of classroom work and a grade of “S” in each field education course. Continuation in the program with less than a 3.0 GPA will require the approval of the Dean of the College of Social Work. Students may not be in a field placement with an “I” or “NG” on their graduate record.

Doctor (PhD) of Social Work Degree Program

Doctoral Program Director : Stephen Tripodi, PhD

The mission of the PhD program is to develop social work scholars and leaders in research and education who use systematic methods of inquiry and reasoned argument to advance knowledge. Specific goals of the program are:

• To offer courses and opportunities for experiential learning in systematic methods of inquiry that are sequentially integrated and foster independent capabilities.
• To offer courses and opportunities for experiential learning in adult pedagogy that are sequentially integrated and foster independent capabilities.

Admission to the PhD program as a full- or part-time student requires:

a master's degree from a social-work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education,

“good standing” status at the last school attended,

an official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) taken within the previous five years*, and

a GPA of at least 3.0 on a four-point scale.

*GRE Waiver criteria available on https://csw.fsu.edu .

Each candidate for admission should also have completed at least two years of successful (paid) professional experience after having earned the first professional degree in social work, whether that first professional degree is a baccalaureate degree in social work or a Master of Social Work. (In special circumstances and in limited numbers, exceptions may be made to any of these requirements in conformance with university and college policy for such exceptions.) This requirement will ensure that applicants come with an experiential base of practice upon which they can draw during the period of doctoral study. All applicants will be considered on an individual basis. An interview may be requested. Students are admitted in the fall term of each academic year.

For further information, interested persons may request materials and application forms from the Doctoral Program Director at https://csw.fsu.edu/academics/doctoral-program-phd/phd-overview .

Doctoral Program Requirements

An individualized course of study that meets the needs and preferences of the student is prepared by the student in conjunction with faculty members. This shall include core courses required of all students. There is no foreign language requirement for the degree. Supervised practice in the content area of the student's major substantive interests is optional.

A written and oral preliminary examination must be passed by the student prior to admission to candidacy.

Upon satisfactory completion of the required individualized course of study, including completion and successful defense of a dissertation which represents an original contribution to knowledge, the student will be awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work.

Program Opportunities

The College of Social Work offers other unique opportunities that afford students the ability to focus on specialized areas of interest. With the guidance of faculty and our graduate advisor, students create a program of study, which meets their specific educational and career goals. For more information and certificate applications, visit the College's Website at: https://csw.fsu.edu .

Child Welfare Practice Certificate Program

This certificate program offers both undergraduate and graduate students an opportunity to focus their curriculum on issues related to child welfare. Coursework addresses: the prevention of neglect, abuse, exploitation, or delinquency of children; the protection of homeless, dependent, or maltreated children; the strengthening of families to maintain children in their own homes; the development of advocacy groups, and analysis of social policies and mental health issues related to this population. Child welfare practitioners provide a continuum of services in both public and private settings. For further information, visit https://csw.fsu.edu/academics/certificate-programs/certificate-programs-overview .

Leadership in Executive and Administrative Development in Social Work (L.E.A.D.) Certificate Program

The mission of this leadership certificate is to educate students about leadership theories and practices and provide students with leadership experience. Learning about leadership will give these students the skills that they will need for middle and executive positions in social service organizations. An in-depth curriculum that emphasizes leadership, decision-making, client-centered management, team building, negotiating, budget and finance, and the successful management of grants will guide our students in the direction of being able to successfully manage social service agencies. For more details, visit https://csw.fsu.edu/academics/certificate-programs/certificate-programs-overview .

Gerontology Certificate Program

The mission of this certificate is to educate students about gerontological theories and practices and provide students with gerontological internship and service-learning experiences. These educational objectives will give students the skills that they need for frontline positions in practice and administrative positions in social service organizations. For more details, visit https://csw.fsu.edu/academics/certificate-programs/certificate-programs-overview .

Joint JD/MSW Pathway

This program is for students interested in combining an MSW with a degree in law. Persons graduating with this joint graduate pathway go into areas such as family law, child advocacy, domestic violence, public policy, and public defense. Students interested in this joint graduate pathway must be admitted independently to both FSU's College of Social Work and College of Law.

Joint MSW/MBA Pathway

This curriculum is structured for graduate students enrolled in the Social Leadership concentration in the MSW program and for students pursuing an MBA. The mission of this joint graduate pathway is to unite the strengths of both these degree programs and to educate students about leadership theories and practices, while also providing students with leadership experience from business and social-work perspectives. Mastering these skills will give these students the backgrounds that they will need for middle and executive positions in social-service organizations. Students must be admitted to both graduate programs independently.

Joint MSW/MPA Pathway

Florida State University's Reuben O'D. Askew School of Public Administration and Policy and the College of Social Work offer a Joint Graduate Pathway leading to the degree of Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of Public Administration (MPA). This is one of the few Joint Graduate Pathways in these fields offered in the U.S. This program prepares students for positions in public, private and nonprofit human service organizations by gaining knowledge in social work and public administration. Students must be admitted to both graduate programs independently.

Joint MSW/MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice

The MSW/MS is a collaboration between the College of Social Work and the College of Criminology and Criminal Justice. The joint graduate pathway is for graduate students in both programs who wish to expand their understanding of the connection between these two fields of study and gain expertise through work with forensic clients. Students must be admitted to both graduate programs independently.

Field Education

Director of Campus-Based Field Education : Katrina Boone, MSW; Director of Online Field Education : Rosalyn Deckerhoff, MSW

The purpose of field education is to provide students with a structured learning opportunity for development and reinforcement of appropriate levels of competence in the field of social work. Field education allows students to apply knowledge, values, and skills learned in the classroom to social work practice settings. As students undertake learning tasks within the reality of agency life, a vehicle is established whereby knowledge and theories can be applied, attitudes and values examined, and skills developed and refined.

The field education component of the College of Social Work is designed to ensure that each student completes a high quality educational experience in a supervised agency placement. This learning experience is designed to enhance a student's ability to integrate theory into effective evidence-based social work practice, broaden the range of skills for performing social work functions, and strengthen awareness of attitudes, motivations, and judgments identified with the profession of social work. The Office of Field Education selects field placements based on the potential for providing the range and depth of learning experiences necessary to achieve the educational objectives established for those students. Agencies affiliating with the College of Social Work represent the diversity found in social services throughout our community. The College offers a wide array of internships in both public and private agencies, and with diverse populations of clients so that students will be provided opportunities for exposure to a wide range of social work roles and learning tasks.

Overseas Study

International Program Director : Neil Abell, PhD

Florida State University offers students the opportunity to study abroad and to gain valuable experience through international internships, study abroad classes, student exchanges, and Spring break service programs. For information concerning eligibility, fees, and other details of these programs, contact the College's Director of International Programs. Social work majors are encouraged to consider these opportunities for study overseas.

Professional Development

Professional Development Director : Carol Edwards, MSW

The Professional Development program at the College of Social Work is committed to life-long learning for social work practitioners. The goal of continuing education is to provide a continuum of instruction to professionals as an integral part of curriculum and practice.

Outstanding workshops and seminars are presented at the request of professionals, private and public agencies, and members of the College of Social Work.

The Professional Development program is an authorized provider through the Florida Department of Professional Regulation of continuing education units (CEUs). CEUs are awarded to all participants who successfully complete any continuing education presentation.

Student Organizations

The Student Association of Social Workers (SASW) is an organization of and for social work students. It is open to undergraduates as well as graduates and participation by all is welcome. The association is a good vehicle for socialization to the profession. It can be used as a channel for handling complaints and is an excellent way for students to get to know one another.

The Macro Social Work Student Network (MSWSN) is a social work student organization that promotes the value of macro social work practice through education, networking, and activism.

The Doctoral Student Organization (DSO) is an official FSU student organization. Membership is awarded when students are admitted to the doctoral program. The DSO provides service to the College and community, selects a representative to participate in Doctoral Program Committee meetings, and advocates for the needs of students.

The Phi Alpha Honor Society serves as a means of recognizing outstanding academic students. The society involves itself in fundraising and community service.

Sigma Phi Omega is an academic honor and professional society in gerontology. It recognizes excellence of those who study gerontology and aging and the outstanding service of professionals who work on behalf of older persons.

College of Social Work Scholarships

Instructions on applying for scholarships are made available in December each year from the College (phone 850-644-4751 or 1 -800-378-9550 ). Applications are accepted January through February. Awards are for fall semester only, except as noted (see Hurrle, Montgomery Scholarships). Deadline dates and applications are available on the College of Social Work website, at https://csw.fsu.edu/academics/financial-assistance .

Angela Martinez and Raul Chavez Endowed Social Work Scholarship

The Angela Martinez and Raul Chavez Endowed Social Work Scholarship provides much-needed support to MSW students, with a preference for Hispanic students, with a commitment to mental health. This scholarship should be awarded to students who are high-performing and demonstrate financial need.

Art Cleveland Play Therapy Endowment Scholarship – Fund #8557

The Art Cleveland Play Therapy Endowment supports social work students interested in play therapy.

Barbara White Social Work Scholarship – Fund #7962

The Barbara White Social Work Scholarship was established in memory of Barbara Williams White, a three-time alumna of the FSU College of Social Work. She also served as a professor and associate dean at the college from 1979 until 1993. The scholarship supports social work students who demonstrate integrity and passion for the profession. Students must have a 3.0 GPA and financial needs.

Bernhard Scher Undergraduate Scholarship – Fund #5265

Dr. Scher served as Dean of the School of Social Work from 1968-1973 and was a faculty member until his death five years later.   This memorial scholarship, established by the family of Dr. Scher, was first presented in 1978. The undergraduate recipient of this award Demonstrates A Strong Commitment To Social Work Values Through Actions And Words.

Bill and Nolia Brandt Scholarship – Fund #7526

This scholarship is awarded to undergraduate or graduate students who are in good academic standing, of high moral character, and demonstrate financial need. Students pursuing a dual MSW/MBA degree or the LEAD certificate are encouraged to apply.

C. Aaron McNeece Endowed Field Education Scholarship – Fund #7175

Created by the College's Field Advisory Committee, this scholarship honors its namesake, Dr. McNeece, who served as a College of Social Work faculty member for 30 years. He held various leadership positions in the College and was the Dean from 2004 until his retirement in 2008. Dr. McNeece has received international recognition for his work in chemical dependency and treatment for criminal offenders. This award is intended to support BSW and MSW students during their internships.

Center for the Study and Promotion of Communities, Families and Children Assistantship – Fund #8510s

Created thanks to the generosity of Jeff and Aggie Stoops, the Center for the Study and Promotion of Communities Families and Children provides opportunities to Social Work students the opportunity to work with the center to generate and sustain transformational knowledge development for effective policies, services, and usable research for the promotion of communities, families, and children in Florida, the nation, and across the globe.

Cheryl Roland Endowed Scholarship – Fund #7240

Cherie Rowland established this scholarship, first awarded in 2013. Cherie is an alumna and a strong advocate for women. Graduate students with an expressed interest in women's issues are eligible for this award. 

Christopher D. Hefren Child Welfare Endowed Doctoral Scholarship – Fund #8285

This scholarship serves as a lasting tribute to donor Judy Hefren's son, Christopher. It supports doctoral candidates whose primary research focus is Child Welfare.

Citrus Health Network Scholarship – Fund #5286

Established in 2002, this scholarship serves as a lasting tribute to the community services provided by Citrus Health Network, Inc. It is awarded annually to graduate students interested in working in the behavioral healthcare field in the Miami-Dade County area.

Coyle & Mabel Moore Scholarship – Fund #5261

Dr. Coyle Moore came to Tallahassee in 1928 to develop a course of instruction in social work at the Florida State College for Women (FSCW). When FSCW became a university in 1947, Dr. Moore was appointed dean of the School of Social Welfare. Mrs. Moore, who had a degree in social work from the University of North Carolina, was an active advocate of community service. This award, created in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Moore, supports full-time undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate a commitment to the social work profession through strong character and service.

David L. Albright Social Work Endowed Doctoral Scholarship – Fund #8416

This scholarship supports PhD students that are committed to contributing to the research and scholarship on military populations or veteran-connected populations.

Delia Sanchez Social Work Scholarship – Fund #9258s

Delia Sanchez Social Work Scholarship in memory of Delia Sanchez, the Delia Sanchez Social Work Scholarship will serve as a lasting tribute to her commitment as a public servant and lover of all people. Her passion for social work and impact to preschool-aged children through Head Start. The award should be awarded to social work majors focused in child welfare. All eligible students may apply and will be fully considered. Preference will be given to Hispanic/Latinx applicants, consistent with the donor's intent and in accordance with applicable university policies, regulations, and federal and state law. This scholarship will be awarded to a student in good academic standing and demonstrate financial need.

Dianne F. Harrison Montgomery Award – Fund #5257

The Dianne F. Harrison award was created in honor of former PhD Program Director and Dean Dr. Dianne F. Harrison by her friends and former colleagues. This is a competitive award given to doctoral students with the best dissertation prospectus.

Dianne F. Harrison Award – Fund #9227

The Dianne F. Harrison award was created in honor of former PhD Program Director and Dean Dr. Dianne F. Harrison. This is a competitive award given to doctoral students with the best dissertation prospectus.

Donald J. Hevey Memorial MSW Scholarship – Fund #9227

The Donald J. Hevey Memorial MSW Scholarship will provide much-needed support to an MSW student who demonstrates an interest in community behavioral health. This award is intended to support students who are high performing and demonstrate financial need. 

General Scholarships – Fund #7526

This fund is available for students who may not qualify for other scholarships offered by the College. It is intended to support high-performing students and students who demonstrate financial need.

Gomory Family Scholarship for Homeless Services – Fund #7526

The Gomory Family Scholarship for Homeless Services is awarded to students who demonstrate a commitment to working with the poor and the homeless.

Grace Ann Graduate Assistantship - Fund #9002s

The Grace Ann Graduate Assistantship will support full-time MSW students with a proven commitment to criminal justice or women's issues. This award is intended to support high-performing students and demonstrate financial need. Preference is given to students who have practiced in the field and have shown commitment to criminal justice or women's issues.

Guy & Delores Spearman Scholarship – Fund #5251

This scholarship was created by 1975 MSW Alumnus Guy Spearman and his wife to support exemplary undergraduate and graduate social work students who come to FSU from Brevard County, Florida. Mr. Spearman is well known as a legislative lobbyist and an enthusiastic supporter of FSU.

Herndon Scholars Program – Fund #5300

The Herndon Scholars Program is sponsored by the Helios Education Foundation, which created the scholarship in 2007. It was first awarded in Fall 2008. It provides annual scholarships to graduate students in the College of Social Work. Recipients must be MSW or PhD students who are also Florida residents. Preference is given to students who have practiced in the field of social work before graduate school.

James & Mary Koalska Undergraduate Scholarship – Fund #5260

Professors Paul and Betty Piccard established this memorial scholarship in memory of Bettyʼs parents, James Koalska and Mary Brennan Koalska. The Koalskas were the children of Irish and Polish immigrants and entered the workforce at a very young age. While they could not benefit from a college education themselves, they valued education. They provided their daughters with opportunities in higher education – one in nursing, the other in social work. This award covers tuition for a social work undergraduate student whose parents did not attend college.

Jane Addams Scholarship – Fund #8689

This scholarship, established in 2018, supports students in the College of Social Work who are enrolled full-time, in good academic standing, and demonstrate financial need.

Jim Clark CSW Leadership Scholarship – Fund #9226

Joanna f. gorman scholarship – fund #5256.

The Joanna F. Gorman scholarship was established to honor Dr. Gorman, who had a deep commitment to the profession's development and a clear vision of social workʼs mission to create a more just society. Full-time social work students receiving this award show evidence of outstanding academic achievement, exemplify the highest standards of character and plan to work for one year in child welfare, health, or mental health.

John & Meg Paschal International Scholarship – Fund #8055

This scholarship is available to Social Work students who are studying abroad. Eligible recipients must have a 3.0-grade point average or higher, a passion for the profession, and demonstrated financial need.

John P. & Jane W. Wakeman Memorial Scholarship for Arts in Social Work – Fund #5278

Mary Wakeman established this scholarship to honor her parents, John and Jane. BSW and MSW students with an expressed interest in studying and practicing the arts in social work are eligible for this award.

Joyce Harper Laidlaw Scholarship in Child Welfare – Fund #5284

First presented in 2003, the Laidlaw Scholarship was established by FSU alumna Joyce Harper Laidlaw and her husband, Don. This award is intended to support graduate students who have decided to focus their studies on child welfare.

Karen Oehme Endowed Scholarship – Fund #8632

The Karen Oehme Endowed scholarship is awarded to students that work at the Institute for Trauma and Resilience Studies.

Katherine Kole MSW Scholarship – Fund #9251

Katherine Kole MSW Scholarship will be awarded to a Master of Social Work, on-campus student. Preference is given to single-parent MSW students. This scholarship will be given to a College of Social Work student who is enrolled full time in the MSW on-campus program, in good academic standing and demonstrates financial need.

Lamar F. Everett Scholarship – Fund #7269

This scholarship was established as a bequest from Mr. Everettʼs estate in 2009. The award is intended to support undergraduate and graduate students in the College of Social Work who are economically disadvantaged and academically worthy.

Macdill-Wold Unconquered Scholarship Endowment – Fund #8977

The scholarship supports social work students who have experienced foster care, homelessness, relative care, or ward of the State status or are completing internships in child welfare or pediatrics.

Mark DeGraff & Lula Hamilton DeGraff Scholarship – Fund #0553

This award, first presented in 1985, is given to a senior undergraduate or graduate student who intends to conduct research on factors influencing the growth and development of youth, or who intends to work professionally with youth.

Margaret H. Jacks Scholarship in Aging – Fund #5259

For more than five decades, Ms. Jacks was a formidable and outspoken advocate for elderly Floridians. This scholarship is for graduate students studying gerontology. Recipients must have completed one course on aging or demonstrated a commitment to the field of aging through volunteer or work experiences.

Mary DiNitto Endowed Scholarship – Fund #7437

Dr. Diana DiNitto (MSW '74) established the Mary DiNitto Endowed Scholarship in honor of her mother's 90th birthday.  This generous gift supports students in the College of Social Work with strong interests in the profession and creative ideas for practice broadly defined. Preference will be given to students with financial needs.  

Maura's Voice Research Fund Award – Fund #8709s

Maura's Voice Research Fund provides undergraduate research opportunities for Tri-Delta students to work with researchers on reducing violence and responding to the complex causes and effects of firearm violence, especially the interacting phenomena of gun violence and psychiatric illness thanks to the generosity of Jeff Binkley. Maura's Voice Research Fund will look for new approaches to forensic evaluation, management, treatment, and prevention strategies, while supporting sound policy development and implementation.

MSW Class Of ʼ75 March Graduates Scholarship – Fund #5279

In March 2000, attendees shared stories about their lives during a class reunion. They recognized the defining influence FSU had on their successes.  This award was created to support full-time MSW students interested in community-based practice, advocacy, or public policy. Eligible students must also have a demonstrated commitment to social justice concerns.

Patricia Vance Scholarship – Fund #5293

Ms. Patricia V. Vance, MSW “Pat” served on the FSU College of Social Work faculty from 1966-1986, supporting students and faculty. She worked to promote the profession through her service and teaching. Upon retirement, she and her husband, Dr. Maurice Vance, established this scholarship for students returning to school to forward their professional careers in social work.  MSW and PhD students in the College of Social Work are eligible for this award. Academic achievement, financial need, and dedication to the field are considered when selecting recipients.

Richard M. King Scholarship in Social Work & Business Administration – Fund #5280

This scholarship was established by alumnus Richard King (MSW ʼ69) to encourage graduate students who demonstrate an interest in earning both an MSW and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. Social work students who take electives in the College of Business are also eligible for this award.

Robert P. Hurrle Doctoral Scholarship – Fund #5289

Selected by the director of the PhD Program, this scholarship is awarded to full-time doctoral students who are newly entering the program. Academic excellence and dedication to evidence-based social work are considered during selection, with priority given to students interested in working with the aged or veterans.

Robert P. Hurrle Scholarship Fund – Fund #5282

This scholarship supports Social Work students who are completing their field internships in a foreign country or students who are studying abroad.

Sarah Sealey Morrill Scholarship – Fund #5258

This scholarship is a tribute to Sarah Sealey Morrillʼs life-long commitment to community mental health services. It is intended for undergraduate and graduate students specializing in community mental health. Mrs. Morrill graduated from the FSU School of Social Work in 1955. She was a pioneering activist who planned and established counseling and guidance services for children in Leon County. Later, she assumed leadership roles in planning and managing programs for the elderly.

Spearman Social Work Veteran Support Scholarship – Fund #7991

This scholarship is intended to support student veterans in the College of Social Work. Eligible recipients should be pursuing research on military service members, veterans, or their families and communities.

Spearman Social Work Veteran MSW Field Scholarship – Fund #7991

This scholarship is intended to support MSW students in the College of Social Work who are also veterans. Eligible recipients must be completing their MSW field placement to qualify for the award.

Victoria E. Warner Scholarship – Fund #5271

This scholarship was established to honor Dr. Victoria Warner, a long-time faculty member and Chair of the Department of Social Work at Florida A & M University in Tallahassee.   Full-time junior or senior level undergraduate students are eligible for this award.

Violet Crook Scholarship – Fund #5299

Dr. Wendy Crook was a professor in the College of Social Work who initiated the creation of an endowment to support doctoral students in 2006.  Sadly, Dr. Crook passed away in 2007 before her pledge could be fulfilled. When her mother passed in 2012, the pledge was fulfilled five years later.  This scholarship honors Dr. Crook and her love for the College and Social Work. It is intended to support doctoral students who seek to contribute to the body of knowledge on women's issues in the macro social environment.

Walter W. Hudson Doctoral Scholarship – Fund #5291

Dr. Walter Hudson was a former faculty member and was named the first recipient of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society of Social Work & Research in 1999. Dr. Hudson was an international leader in measurement theory, development and testing of assessment and outcome evaluation tools, statistics, evidence-based practice methodology, and computer applications for practice. This award is intended to support PhD students at the College of Social Work.

William Lloyd Garrison MSW Endowed Scholarship – Fund #9257

The William Lloyd Garrison MSW Endowed scholarship will support deserving MSW students in perpetuity with first preference for this scholarship given to an Eagle Scout or Boy Scout with financial need regardless of gender. The scholarship also will support students who demonstrate leadership experience and has financial need. It was established to honor William Lloyd Garrison's life of service to the Boy Scouts and will serve as a lasting tribute to his vision and commitment to leadership. Garrison earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1962. earned his MSW degree at Florida State University in 1967. He continued his academic efforts at Case Western Reserve University, where he graduated in 1976 with a master's degree in management. William enjoyed a fulfilling and multifaceted career in social work and nonprofit management spanning more than four decades.

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College of Social Work

Published: June 7, 2018 | 8:45 pm

The mission of the college is to provide quality educatinal services at the baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral levels that prepare professional social workers to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic needs of diverse populations with particular attention to the empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppresed, or living in poverty. The college also has a purpose to contribute to the knowledge base thst supports social work practice and social policy development and to provide leadership through community service at the local, state, national, and international levels.In 2016, the College was ranked a top 25 social work program at a public university by U.S. News & World Report. In the same year, U.S. News & World Report, ranked, The MSW Program as one of the top graduate programs in social work.

The college offers social work programs at the undergraduate level with the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), and they offer programs at the graduate levels including: Master of Social Work (MSW) with traditional classroom attendance, and they also offer their MSW program online. At the Masters level, Joint Degree Programs are also available.

The College of Social Work offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program with an emphasis in research methods and teaching. The college also offers certificate programs in: Child Welfare Practice, Gerontology/Aging Studies, and a certificate program titled: Leadership in Executive and Administrative Development (LEAD). They also offer a CSW International Program.

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Brief Overview of FSU College of Social Work Programs

All brevard residents enrolled in the florida state university college of social work receive  guaranteed scholarships, email [email protected] to learn more, bachelor of social work (bsw), 2-year, limited access program: must meet minimum admission requirements & submit an application, tallahassee main campus program, designed for full-time students | learn more  , master of social work (msw) advanced-standing, on campus, for students with a bsw from a cswe-accredited program, tallahassee main campus program, full-time (3 semesters) or part-time | learn more, two concentrations: clinical social work or social leadership, master of social work (msw) advanced-standing, online, for students with a bsw from a cswe-accredited program, fully asynchronous, online, part-time, two courses per semester, 2-year program | learn more, master of social work (msw) traditional, on campus, for students with a bachelor degree in a subject other than social work, tallahassee main campus program, full-time or part-time (61 credit hours) | learn more, master of social work (msw) traditional, online, for students with a bachelor degree in a subject other than social work, fully asynchronous, online, part-time, two courses per semester, 3-year program | learn more, phd  in social work, on campus, for students with a master of social work who wish to earn their doctoral degree in social work.

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Social work doctoral program information session.

This message has been approved by Dr. David W. Springer, dean of the College of Social Work for distribution to students, faculty and staff.

Join Doctoral Program Director Stephen Tripodi for an information session on Wednesday, February 28th about earning a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in social work and learning more about the Doctoral Program at the FSU College of Social Work. 

In-person attendance: University Center C, Conference Room 3401 (3rd Floor) Zoom attendance: Click here to register

Contact: Charlotte Hayes ( [email protected] )

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The College of Law and the College of Social Work joint graduate pathway in law and social work, J.D./M.S.W. , permits the completion of both programs concurrently. Current law students must meet with and submit all documents for admission to the College of Law joint graduate pathway coordinator before May 1 following their first year of law school. The College of Law joint graduate pathway coordinator will then submit their completed packet to the College of Law and the College of Social Work for approval. Any student who has completed M.S.W. coursework prior to matriculating to the College of Law, or who wishes to apply for the joint graduate pathway after beginning their second year of law school, must obtain prior written approval from the College of Law before applying for the joint graduate pathway.

Applicants to the M.S.W. program must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university and an upper division (junior and senior) grade point average of 3.0 or better. Currently, the GRE requirement for the M.S.W. program is waived for all applicants applying through the 2026 academic year. Applicants should contact the College of Social Work to obtain specific information regarding the status of the GRE requirement.

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Upon entering the program, a student will consult with the Ph.D. Program Director, who will serve as academic adviser until the student has selected a major professor. No later than the end of the second semester of doctoral work, in consultation with the Ph.D. Program Director and other members of the faculty, students should select a major professor from among the public administration faculty with doctoral directive status. Faculty with doctoral directive status are listed in the annual Florida State University Bulletin, but students should consult the School for recent appointments. Students going through the mid program review will be required to report their major professor and members of their supervisory committee.

Together, the student and the major professor select other members of the supervisory committee which must include a second professor for the area of specialization, an outside representative-at-large from the University graduate faculty and one additional member from the graduate faculty. If they cannot obtain this additional member, they shall ask the Ph.D. Director to assign a faculty member to the supervisory committee. The Ph.D. Director will make a random assignment from among those public administration faculty with doctoral directive status who fall in the bottom quartile when ranked according to the number of students for whom they are then serving as major professor. At least three members of the supervisory committee must have doctoral directive status.

The committee is formalized by their signatures on the Doctoral Supervisory Committee form which is available from the Ph.D. Program secretary. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain the required signatures and to return it to the Ph.D. Program secretary. Upon the approval of the composition of the supervisory committee by the Director of the School of Public Administration and Policy, the major professor will serve as the student’s principal academic adviser, and together with the other professors, will supervise the work of the student until all requirements for the degree have been completed.

Filing the Doctoral Program of Studies

All doctoral students must submit a “Doctoral Program of Studies” on the required forms as soon as possible after appointment of the supervisory committee, but at least six months before the comprehensive examination. The “Doctoral Program of Studies” is a form available from the Program secretary and prepared by the student with the major professor. It consists of a complete list of courses and must be signed by the student’s supervisory committee, the Ph.D. Program Director, and the Director of the School of Public Administration and Policy.

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• Tuesday, August 27

FSU Social Work Doctoral Program Information Session: August 27

Tuesday, August 27, 2024 12pm to 1pm

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About this Event

Join the FSU College of Social Work for a virtual Doctoral Information Session on Tuesday, August 27th, from 12 - 1 pm. Connect with Doctoral Program Director, Dr. Stephen Tripodi to learn about earning a doctoral degree in social work. 

Registration:  Click here to register. Registration is required.

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The Ohio State University

PhD Program Curriculum

The curriculum is everything students do to learn and achieve the educational objectives of the program. Its entire focus is creating positive change through translational social work science. Research is done in applied settings such as schools, mental health centers, hospitals, prisons, community centers and social service agencies.  

Our curriculum includes

• Courses in social work and from across the university to develop specialized expertise
• Research mentoring
• Candidacy examination that can take the form of a grant proposal or answering faculty committee questions on theory, practice, research and the student’s individualized specialization
• Dissertation reflecting original research

Following the translational science model, the PhD curriculum is designed to move primary research results into application and dissemination to the practice community, social work courses develop the knowledge and skills to:

• Conduct basic research on etiology, prevalence, and demographics of problems in communities and populations;
• Design interventions based on theories of change;
• Conduct research in efficacy and effectiveness of interventions;
• Conduct research in the implementation, dissemination and utilization of evidence-informed interventions

The courses include quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches.

Guiding you through your journey to becoming an independent researcher and scholar are social work faculty who conduct research in a variety of areas including, but not limited to: aging, child welfare, health, mental health, substance abuse, corrections, juvenile justice, positive youth development, school social work, immigrants and refugees, environmental justice, community food security, international issues and human trafficking.

PhD Requirements

Social Work PhD Curriculum and Requirements: Required core courses

Social Work PhD Curriculum and Requirements: Optional Advanced Research and Statistics Courses and Elective Courses

Summary of Course Requirements

PhD Course Offerings

Autumn 2024

Spring 2025

Summer 2025

Social Science and Social Work

Explore the intricacies of social behaviors. Examine cultural interaction through a scientific or humanistic lens. Develop your ability to understand, interpret, and positively impact our global culture. When you pursue an advanced degree in the social sciences or social work, you prepare yourself for a career in fields that include anthropology, social intervention, quantitative analysis, clinical social work, and ethics.

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Economics: MA , PhD , PhD/JD Graduate School of Arts and Science; dual JD w/ School of Law

Economics: MS NYU Abu Dhabi

Economics: PhD Stern School of Business

Public Policy: MS Wagner Graduate School of Public Service

Public Policy Analysis: AdvC Wagner Graduate School of Public Service

Quantitative Methods for Policy Analysis: AdvC Wagner Graduate School of Public Service

Real Estate: MS School of Professional Studies

Applied Urban Science and Informatics:   AdvC , MS Center for Urban Science and Progress

Bioinformatics: Cert , MS Tandon School of Engineering

Biomedical Informatics: MS Vilcek Institute of Graduate Biomedical Sciences

Computer Science: MS , PhD * Tandon School of Engineering

Human Capital Analytics and Technology:   MS School of Professional Studies

Information Systems: MS Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences

Information Systems: PhD Stern School of Business

Management and Systems: MS School of Professional Studies

Project Management: MS School of Professional Studies

Urban Infrastructure Systems: MS Tandon School of Engineering

*Interested applicants may have the opportunity to participate in the NYU Abu Dhabi Global PhD Student Fellowship program or the NYU Shanghai doctoral study and research program .

Applied Quantitative Research: MA Graduate School of Arts and Science

Applied Statistics for Social Science Research:   MS Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development

Archaeological Anthropology: PhD Graduate School of Arts and Science

Bioethics: MA * School of Global Public Health

Biological Anthropology: PhD Graduate School of Arts and Science

Counseling Psychology: PhD Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development

Developmental Psychology: PhD Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development

Digital Humanities: AdvC Graduate School of Arts and Science

Executive Coaching and Organizational Consulting: MS School of Professional Studies

Food Studies: MA , PhD Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development

Health and Human Rights: AdvC School of Global Public Health

Human Development and Social Intervention:   MA Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development

Human Resource Management and Development: MS School of Professional Studies

LGBT Health, Education, and Social Services: AdvC Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development

Linguistic Anthropology: PhD Graduate School of Arts and Science

Linguistics: PhD Graduate School of Arts and Science

Psychology and Social Intervention: PhD Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development

Social and Cultural Analysis: MA Graduate School of Arts and Science

Social Psychology: PhD ✝ Graduate School of Arts and Science

Sociocultural Anthropology: PhD Graduate School of Arts and Science

Sociology: PhD Graduate School of Arts and Science

Sociology: PhD NYU Shanghai and Graduate School of Arts and Science

Sociology of Education: MA , PhD Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development

*Interested applicants may have the opportunity to earn an MD/MA in Bioethics dual degree in collaboration with the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. ✝ Interested applicants may have the opportunity to participate in the NYU Abu Dhabi Global PhD Student Fellowship program .

Clinical Social Work: DSW Silver School of Social Work

Social Work: ExecMPA/MSW , MSW ,  MSW/JD , MSW/MPH , PhD Silver School of Social Work; dual ExecMPA w/ Wagner Graduate School of Public Service; dual JD w/ School of Law; dual MPH w/ School of Global Public Health

Social Work: MSW NYU Shanghai and Silver School of Social Work

Social Work and Child Development:   MSW/MA Silver School of Social Work (w/ Sarah Lawrence College)

If you’re excited by more than one subject and would like to combine them to create your own individualized program of study, you may be interested in the MA in Individualized Study degree at the Gallatin School of Individualized Study.

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