Doctoral Social Work Education

Doctoral education in social work is critical in nurturing new thought leaders, teachers, and researchers in this discipline. Canadian universities are increasing admissions for bachelor and masters level social work degree programs. This means doctoral programs are expanding to educate and train future social work faculty. Currently, research and scholarship on doctoral social work education is predominantly American, and no study has observed the state of the fourteen doctoral social work programs in Canada. This article looks at PhD social work student experiences in 2019-2020. Firstly, a student survey of 157 respondents indicated a) the quality of PhD social work programs in Canada was rated as “moderate”; and b) finances may be a barrier to academic success. Secondly, an an online survey with 69 respondents found that workshops significantly supported scholarship success – facilitating financial stability. This article provides a current picture of doctoral social work education in Canada, with recommendations for further research and education.