Ph.D. / MPA Dual Degree

The College of Social Work and the Department of Political Science have established a dual degree program which offers the PhD in Social Work and the Master of Public Administration (MPA). The purpose of this program is to prepare students in a unique interdisciplinary fashion to assume leadership roles in those institutions of government which are concerned with the social welfare of the public. Applicants must follow admission requirements and be accepted by both departments.

Social Work:

1. Graduate School Application
2. CSW PhD Application
3. Three Reference Letters
4. GRE scores (from past 5 years)
5. Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, with at least 3.25 in previous graduate work
6. Letter of Intent stating the reasons for applying to the CSW PhD Program
7. Writing Sample
8. MSW Degree

Public Administration:

1. Graduate School Application
2. MPA Application
3. Three Reference Letters
4. GRE scores
5. Undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or higher, with particular attention given to last two years
6. Letter of Intent stating the reasons for applying to the MPA Program
7. Personal Interview
Transfer Credit: Transfer work must be approved by the student’s supervisory committee and conform to policy guidelines and requirements of the University and of the respective departments. The last full year of work must be taken at the University of Utah.

Curriculum: The College of Social Work PhD Program requires a minimum of 56 graduate hours of course work beyond the MSW. The MPA Program requires 39 semester hours of graduate work in addition to experience and a thesis or public policy paper. The dual degree can be completed in a minimum of 100-120 graduate hours beyond the MSW requirements by consolidating electives, dissertation requirements, and practicum requirements.

Experience: Both programs require that students have considerable experience. The PhD requires two years of professional experience. The MPA requires either one year of administrative experience or a six-month full-time internship.