The School of Social Work has developed the plan for the PhD program in accordance with the Quality Guidelines for PhD Programs in Social Work established by The Group for the Advancement of Social Work Education (GADE).
GADE is the primary organization which promotes doctoral study and disseminates guidelines for quality Social Work PhD Programs. Founded in the late 1970’s, GADE’s primary purpose is to promote excellence in doctoral education in social work, especially through networking, information sharing, and advocacy. It does not, however, accredit doctoral programs, as only MSW and BSW Programs are accredited (through the Council on Social Work Education).
In developing the PhD program in Social Work, the School consulted the GADE quality guidelines. The GADE guidelines state the “purpose of the PhD in social work is to prepare students to be scholars who function as ‘stewards of the discipline’. . . who improve the art and science of social work by generating, disseminating, and conserving the knowledge that informs and transforms practice.”
The GADE guidelines further state that upon completing of their PhD programs, graduates should have specific skills and knowledge in the following areas:
- Knowledge of social work as a profession and discipline
- Research/scholarship
- Teaching
More information on GADE can be found at the GADE website.