Admissions and Application

The Ph.D. program accepts applications every other year, during even-numbered years. Admitted students begin the program in the fall semester of the following odd-numbered year.

Applicants must have the following:

• Master’s degree in social work or an allied discipline from an accredited institution
• A completed statistics course within two years prior to admission

Note: We will give preference to applicants who have an MSW. Further preference will be given to applicants who have an MSW and at least two full years of post-MSW professional practice experience.

Required Application Materials to be uploaded to the Graduate School’s online application during the application period include:

• Resume
• Official transcripts from each post-high school institution attended. To be official, transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution to CSU. If the transcripts are in a language other than English, we require that certified translations accompany the transcripts. (Exception: Colorado State University transcripts do not need to be sent).
• Three letters of recommendation, at least one of which should be from a former professor and speak to the applicant’s ability to succeed in the Ph.D. program, when possible. The letters must be uploaded directly from the person recommending you to the Graduate School application site. You provide CSU with the email addresses of those submitting recommendations, and CSU then sends those people instructions on submitting the recommendation.
• Personal Statement: In less than 2500 words, please address the following.
  • Tell us why you want to pursue a Ph.D. in social work. What academic or professional experiences have prepared you for advanced studies in the field of social work? What are your long-term professional goals with this degree?
  • What are your current research interests? Keep in mind that your research interests may not be fully developed and may change over time. We’re interested in understanding how you think about pressing issues in the field of social work and what issues you would like to explore in a doctoral program.
  • Why are you interested in CSU’s School of Social Work Ph.D. program? Please indicate faculty research that interests you.
  • How do your professional goals and/or future research/teaching interests align with our School’s commitment to preparing leaders who demonstrate excellence in practice, research, advocacy, and community engagement?
  • Please describe your commitment to and involvement in/action toward advancing established social work values and ethics through your practice and/or research.
  • Please describe how personal attributes and experiences (such as motivation, leadership, resilience, problem-solving, curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, teamwork, tenacity, caregiving, volunteer work, and community engagement) have prepared you for a doctoral program.
  • Please describe a time you faced an academic or professional challenge and how you addressed it. What lessons or insights did you learn from that experience, and how did it carry forward in your academics or profession?

Also, please note:

• Applicant interviews with the admissions committee may be required as a part of the application process prior to offering formal admission.
• International Students are required to score 4.5 for TOEFL; 6.5 for IELTS; and 58 for PTE. Please refer to CSU’s Graduate School website for FAQs on English proficiency for international students.
• WICHE/WRPG If you live in the Western United States Region outside of Colorado and would like to apply for in-state tuition with WICHE/WRPG, please refer to the Graduate School website.

Please note: application requirements may be subject to change by our department, the Graduate School, and/or the CSU Office of Admissions.