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Ph.D. Admission Requirements
The Doctoral Committee seeks to determine which applicants to the program
have the greatest potential for a career in which they produce independent
research and contribute to knowledge development in social welfare and
social work. We are also interested in applicants who show unusual promise
to become exceptional leaders in the field.
The Committee relies on many sources of information to identify the
best qualified applicants. The following sources of information (not in
rank order of importance) are relevant to this determination:
- Academic Grades: Both undergraduate and graduates grades are
reviewed. The Committee takes into account when and where the applicants
completed prior academic work. It is generally expected that applicants
have grade point averages in the 3.5 to 4.0 range.
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores: GRE scores above
600 on the Math and Verbal sections are considered favorably.
- TOEFL: For foreign students whose native language is not English
or whose undergraduate degree was not obtained in an English-speaking
university, a TOEFL of 600 or above is expected.
- Letters of Recommendation Three letters of recommendation are
required from individuals familiar with your academic and scholarly
work. The Committee expects strong letters attesting to the candidate’s
intellectual capabilities and probable success in doctoral study. The
qualifications of the letter writer are considered in evaluating these
letters.
- Match between Student and Program: The Committee seeks to match
the applicant with professors in the student’s area of interest.
- Professional Experience: The Committee considers the extent
and quality of the applicant’s professional experience in social work
practice and research.
- Writing Samples: Samples of the applicant’s academic writing
are assessed for evidence of intellectual rigor and clarity of presentation.
- Statement of Purpose: The Committee reviews the statement of
purpose very carefully to assess the match between applicant and program
and the applicant’s ability to write clearly and persuasively.
- Personal Interview: On occasion the Committee may interview
applicants to help clarify their interests and abilities.
Applicants must submit two separate applications:
the UCLA Graduate
Division application, and an online
supplemental application to the department. While
the department can recommend whether a student
should be offered admission, the Graduate Division
has final authority in all admission decisions.
For PhD and combined MSW/PhD applicants, the final deadline
for filing both applications is Jan 10. However, early application is strongly encouraged. For students seeking merit-based fellowships,
all application materials must be submitted
to Graduate Division and the department by December 15.
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