Admission Requirements

Admission

• Completion of an MSW or equivalent with a minimum B+ average
• Statement of interest
• Research proposal
• Practice and educational experience demonstrating capacity to engage in a research-oriented doctoral program  within the context of civic engagement.
• Curriculum vitae
• Sole or co-authored sample of professional or academic writing (if co-authored please note your specific contribution). This may include a research-oriented paper, scholarly paper, report (research or technical), funding proposal or significant course paper
• Three letters of reference

Course Sequencing

Specifically, coursework in the first year introduces students to pedagogy, and to the history of Social Work and epistemology (e.g., positivism/post-positivism, interpretive, critical theory, pragmatism). The second term builds on these courses by addressing the methods typically used in social work research and the underlying

** PLEASE NOTE:  THIS IS A TENATIVE SCHEDULE**

Course Descriptions 

(*Pending for Approval)

02-47-720 Epistemology and Philosophy of Science in Social Work

This course examines the epistemological foundations of social work research. The nature of knowledge, the different ways we come to know, and the social process in the distribution of knowledge are discussed. Critical analysis of the historical context, philosophical assumptions, and current debates related to each paradigm--positivist/postpositivist, interpretative, critical and postmodernism are explored. Students identify their own standpoint with respect to their dissertation research. The process by which social work researchers can advance evidence for practice within social justice principles for each of the available paradigms is emphasized.

02-47-730 History and Theory in Social Work

This course provides an in-depth examination of the development of the social work profession over the last one hundred years. An exploration of the impact of changing social, political, economic, moral, and historical contexts on the practice, theoretical and scholarly orientations of the profession will be highlighted. Key debates regarding the mission and development of professions in general and social work in particular; the relationship between practice, scholarship, and social policy; and tensions between disciplinary (and inter-disciplinary) approaches to social work knowledge development will be discussed within its national and international contexts. This seminar will also provide an examination of selected issues facing the profession today.

02-47-731. Promoting Social Justice Through Civic Engagement

This course focuses on using advocacy and leadership skills to promote social justice through civic engagement with communities, social programs, and policy developers. Students examine oppression and discrimination and devise methods of addressing related issues using individual and collective strategies. This includes methods of creating partnerships between higher education and the broader community, exploring ways to collaborate with relevant key informants and consumers during the research development process, involving community partners in the teaching of university courses and participation on university committees, and strategies for influencing positive change within communities, social programs, and policy development processes.

02-47-740 Qualitative Methods in Social Work Research*

This course provides an overview of qualitative research design and application. It is intended to facilitate students’ understanding in both designing, and in implementing their doctoral dissertation research or a sample of research involving qualitative methods. A number of designs are discussed as well as debates related to the position of the researcher, interviewing, ethics and diversity. The contribution of qualitative research to current models/issues of evidence-based social work practices, knowledge, truth and representation is also discussed. (3 lecture hours)

02-47-743 Quantitative Methods in Social Work Research*

This course introduces students to quantitative research methods, including research designs, sampling methods, standardized measures, questionnaire design, meta-analysis and ethical consideration in conducting research. The course also covers the operationalization of social science concepts and scale construction, validity and reliability, and measurement error. Students gain knowledge about the current trends in evidence-based practice..(3 lecture hours)

02-47-750 Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Social Work Education*

This course provides conceptual frameworks and practice approaches toward comprehensive and inclusive social work pedagogies. The goal is to prepare students to function as effective social work educators through an understanding of theories of teaching and learning; curriculum development; reflective and critical instruction; diversity and equity issues; and the role of research and evaluation..(3 lecture hours)

02-47-741 Qualitative Data Analysis*

This course examines various approaches to qualitative data analysis and their grounding in various theoretical foundations. Students learn and practice multi-level approaches to data analysis, using software applications as data organization tools. Building on the qualitative methods course, students articulate the reasons for choosing certain approaches to analysis, referring to their consistency with various methodologies and theoretical foundations. The course applies the standards for rigour in qualitative analysis as a tool for evaluating various approaches.(3 lecture hours)

02-47-742 Mixed Methods in Social Work Research*

Building on the epistemology course, and the qualitative and quantitative research methods courses, this course examines the current conceptualizations of mixed methods in social work research. Students learn how to develop research questions appropriate for mixed research designs, how to select from the varying types of mixed research, and how to critique mixed methods studies in the literature. The course also addresses the emerging debates and tensions about the use and application of mixed methods, and the implications of these for knowledge translation and civic engagement..(3 lecture hours)

02-47-744 Quantitative Data Analysis*

This course provides an examination of the principles of quantitative data analysis with a focus on conducting and interpreting common bivariate and multivariate statistical procedures used in social science research. Parametric and non-parametric approaches are examined. Students gain competency in the assumptions underlying statistical tests, the criterion for test selection, and the utilization of computer software analysis for analyzing small and large datasets..(3 lecture hours)

02-47-798 Dissertation Seminar*

Program Requirements

The PhD In Social Work program is designed as a full-time doctoral program. Founded on civic engagement, graduates will be well prepared to assume leadership roles in higher education, research and practice.