社会福利哲学博士旨在为学生提供从事研究，大学教学和领导社会工作与社会福利的职业的准备。该计划强调研究，为制定，实施和评估文化上适当的干预措施提供信息，以满足个人，家庭，团体和社区的人类需求。该计划旨在发展和增强学生在科学探究方法中的技能，加深他们对社会问题和公共问题的理解和分析，并为社会福利的知识基础做出贡献。学生学习的课程重点是社会问题，干预研究和与他们特别感兴趣的专业领域相关的研究方法。教师指导学生进行特定领域的研究，其理论基础和实际应用。指导和指导涉及课程和研讨会，有监督的研究活动，与教师的协作工作
The Ph.D. in Social Welfare is the flagship program of the School of Social Work. The program prepares students in cutting-edge investigative techniques and methodologies. The program has one of the fastest completion rates, and highest retention rates among social work Ph.D. programs nationally. Students can complete the program in as little as three years. We are able to achieve this because of an intensive first-year curriculum, and because students work closely with our nationally and internationally renowned faculty. Our Ph.D. graduates have secured positions in the best universities in the country, prestigious government institutes such as the National Institutes of Health, post-doctoral positions in Ivy League universities, as well as an increasing number of leadership positions in the community. Our graduates are especially sought after for their expertise in minority health disparities.