Online PhD in Social Work

Our Lady of the Lake University鈥檚 Worden School of Social Work offers a fully online PhD in Social Work designed to prepare scholar educators, researchers and leaders committed to advancing equity and social justice in minority serving institutions and beyond. As one of only a few online PhD programs among nonprofit universities nationwide, and recognized as one of the top online doctoral programs in social work, this program provides a distinctive opportunity to pursue rigorous doctoral training within a flexible and supportive learning environment.

The program is intentionally structured for working professionals and emerging scholars who seek to deepen their impact while maintaining full-time employment. With a strong emphasis on mentoring, research development and teaching preparation, students are guided to engage in meaningful, high-impact scholarship that addresses pressing social issues affecting diverse communities.

Students in this program join a community that values intellectual growth, professional advancement and purposeful leadership. Graduates are equipped with advanced methodological skills, a strong theoretical foundation and the confidence to contribute to academic scholarship, influence policy and lead within higher education and practice settings. This program is well suited for individuals who are ready to expand their expertise, elevate their careers and make a lasting contribution to the field of social work.

GADE Membership

Our Lady of the Lake University鈥檚 PhD in Social Work is proud to be a member of the Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education in Social Work (GADE), a global organization representing more than 130 doctoral programs committed to excellence in social work education. Since its founding in 1977, GADE has set the standard for rigor, quality and integrity in doctoral training, with a clear focus on preparing scholars, researchers and educators who serve as stewards of the discipline.

Aligned with these national standards, the Worden School of Social Work has maintained active GADE membership since the program鈥檚 inception in 2019. This affiliation reflects a sustained commitment to high quality doctoral education, strong methodological training and the development of impactful scholarship. Students benefit from a program that is grounded in established best practices, positioned within a national network of doctoral education leaders and dedicated to preparing graduates who will shape the future of social work research, teaching and leadership.

Employment Outlook

The PhD in Social Work at Our Lady of the Lake University prepares graduates for impactful careers in academia, research and leadership. This program is well suited for individuals who seek to teach, mentor and conduct rigorous research within universities, particularly in minority serving institutions where there is a strong need for scholar educators committed to equity and access.

In addition to academic pathways, the program supports advancement into leadership and administrative roles across social service organizations, policy settings and community-based agencies. Graduates develop the expertise to lead programs, shape organizational strategy and influence systems that serve diverse populations.

Through advanced training in research, theory and teaching, students graduate with the skills needed to generate evidence, evaluate interventions and contribute to meaningful change in practice and policy. This preparation positions graduates to play a central role in expanding the knowledge base of social work and advancing effective, culturally responsive solutions to complex social challenges.

Student Teaching Assistantship

The PhD program at the Worden School of Social Work is designed to prepare graduates for academic careers, with a strong emphasis on teaching excellence and pedagogical development. As part of this commitment, students have the opportunity to engage in teaching assistantships through partnerships with the BSW and MSW programs.

These assistantships provide valuable, hands-on experience in university-level instruction while working closely with experienced Worden School faculty. Doctoral students serve as instructors of record while receiving structured mentorship to strengthen their teaching skills, course design and student engagement strategies. Each teaching assistantship includes a stipend of $2,500 per course.

After completing one year of teaching experience, students may transition to an adjunct faculty role, with increased instructional independence and a stipend of $3,000 per course. This progression allows students to build a strong teaching portfolio, enhance their academic credentials and enter the job market with demonstrated experience in higher education instruction.

Summer Residency

The PhD program requires students to participate in a one-week summer residency at 51爆料鈥檚 main campus in San Antonio, Texas. This residency is designed to support academic socialization and provide direct faculty mentoring that is essential for success as a social work educator. It also serves as an important component of professional development, offering structured opportunities for students to strengthen their research, teaching and scholarly identity.

During this time, students engage in focused learning activities, receive individualized guidance from faculty and participate in discussions that prepare them for academic and leadership roles. The residency also creates an opportunity for students to build meaningful connections with peers within their cohort and the broader doctoral community. In addition, students are introduced to the history and mission of the university and receive orientation for the upcoming academic year.

Program Design

• 54 credit hours
• Four-year program structure
• Cohort model with initial enrollment beginning in the summer term
• Fall and spring courses delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous formats
• One-week onsite summer residency at 51爆料鈥檚 main campus in San Antonio
• Summer residency fee of $550, which includes room and board

---

*To learn more about Carnegie classifications, visit .

**To learn more about the Council on Social Work Education, visit .