Coursework & Program Requirements

• Program Prerequisite

  Successful completion of coursework for the doctoral program requires knowledge of statistics at an introductory level. All incoming students to the PhD program are, therefore, required to take SWK4506H, Applied Quantitative Data Analysis for Social Workers (typically offered during the fall session of year 1 in the PhD Program).

  Alternatively, students can take an equivalent competency exam (to be scheduled at the start of the fall session). Students must obtain a grade of A or higher on the exam to be exempt from taking SWK4506H.

  NOTE: If a student takes SWK4506H, the course will not count towards PhD courses requirement. The grade for SWK4506H will, however, be included in the calculation of the overall GPA. Students will need to purchase SPSS to install on their personal computer (approx. $138).  Instructions will be provided after enrolment.

• Coursework & Program Requirements

  Doctoral students complete ten graduate-level half-credit (0.5 full-course equivalent or FCE) courses in addition to a social work seminar colloquia series as a requirement of the PhD program in Social Work. 

  The ten graduate half-credit courses are comprised of:

  • five required courses in social work (one of which has a pre-requisite) and
  • five elective courses

  The social work seminar colloquia series is comprised of::

  • First-Year Doctoral Colloquium (no course code, Spring session)

• Required Courses in Social Work

  The 5 required PhD courses are: 

  1. SWK6301H: Intermediate Statistics and Data Analysis (0.5 FCE)
  *Prerequisite: Passing grade in SWK4506H or statistics competency exam

  2. SWK6302H: Epistemology and Social Work Research (0.5 FCE)

  3. SWK6307H: Designing and Implementing Qualitative Social Work Research
  (0.5 FCE)

  4. SWK6308H: Designing and Implementing Quantitative Social Work Research
  (0.5 FCE)

  5. SWK7000H: Comprehensive Exam Seminar (0.5 FCE)

  *Note: Attendance at the First Year Doctoral Colloquium (held winter/spring of first year) is also required (Non Credit)

  

• Elective Courses

  Elective courses provide students the opportunity to choose among methodological, theoretical, or substantive courses to support their individualized learning goals. Elective courses may be taken within the graduate courses offered the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work (FIFSW) or from graduate-level courses offered in other departments of the University of Toronto. Students may also request to take courses offered at another university.

  Requirements for the five half-credit elective courses:

  • At least one elective must be taken at FIFSW
  • At least one elective must be taken outside FIFSW (i.e., another graduate department at the University of Toronto).
  • Up to two independent reading courses may count towards the elective course requirements.

  Elective courses offered at FIFSW are listed on the PhD Timetable and the MSW Year Two and Advanced Standing timetable. MSW courses are not typically available to PhD students to count as electives for the PhD Program.   

  Students are encouraged to review course offerings in related departments at the University of Toronto, including collaborative programs. Students may also inquire with the PhD Program Assistant (phdprogram.fifsw@utoronto.ca) for a list of courses in which PhD students in social work have previously enrolled.

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• Course Enrolment Procedures

  
  Enrolling in a PhD course offered in FIFSW 

  Students will use ACORN to enroll in PhD courses offered in the Faculty.
  

  
  Enrolling in a MSW course offered in FIFSW

  PhD Students are not permitted to enroll directly in MSW courses through ACORN unless the course is cross-listed with the PhD Program. PhD students who are interested in enrolling in a MSW course must first obtain permission and signatures from the course instructor and the PhD Program Director using the Add/Drop Course form. Completed forms should be submitted to phdprogram.fifsw@utoronto.ca.

• Procedure to Request an Exemption from a Required Course

  1. Students who wish to seek an exemption from taking a required course must have taken course(s) previously, for another degree, that demonstrate competency in the area of the required course. Course instructors will determine competency, and the student will need to substitute an alternate graduate-level elective course for each exempted course. This is done in close consultation with the PhD Program Director. Transcripts will note exemptions.

  2. The student is expected to contact the PhD Program Director and provide evidence of having covered the content previously (e.g., transcripts, course syllabus). The PhD Program Director will consult with the appropriate instructors to inform a decision.

  3. If a course exemption is approved, the student discusses with the PhD Program Director a suitable course substitute. The course requirements for the PhD degree of at least ten half-credit courses are not reduced. 

  4. On the recommendation of the PhD Program Director, the student completes the School of Graduate Studies (SGS) Transfer Credit and/or Course Exemption form. Please check the form for requirements.

  The form is submitted to the PhD Program Director for their signature and is then forwarded to the FIFSW Registrar’s Office for further processing and forwarding to the School of Graduate Studies. A copy of the paperwork is kept in the student record at the Faculty. Please note that the School of Graduate Studies makes the final decision on whether to allow a course transfer/exemption or not.

• Graduate Courses Offered in Other Departments

  Most graduate departments do not allow students from other departments to enroll in courses through ACORN. Before attempting to add a course outside FIFSW, please check with the host department on availability and registration procedures. The Add/Drop Course form should include a short course description and required signatures of the host department and the PhD Program Director. Please refer to the Course Enrolment Information page for more details. 

• Request for Independent Reading/Research Courses

  Also known as an independent studies course, Reading and/or Research courses are typically taken within the Faculty to meet particular needs or interests unavailable in other graduate courses offered at the University, and the specific topic must not be offered in other approved courses at the Faculty or in other graduate departments at the University. It may include either a student meeting individually or periodically with an instructor for independent study to seek direction and feedback on the submitted assignments, or can be offered as a special studies course developed in concert with one or more students. Student initiative is encouraged in identifying the need for this type of course and identifying course topics that will support the development of their comprehensive exam or thesis proposal.

  These courses are limited by faculty resources and time constraints of potential instructors, so students are requested to contact instructors directly to develop the learning goals, selected reading, assignments, and meeting frequency. A reading course that is individually developed with one or a few students should involve as much reading and written work as a regular course, and the frequency of meetings with the instructor should be consistent with other graduate-level courses. To supervise, the instructor must hold an appointment to the Graduate Faculty at Social Work, or students may work with any faculty at the University of Toronto who holds an appointment with the School of Graduate Studies or an equivalent appointment at another University. Course Instructors (including PhD students) and Sessional Instructors cannot supervise a directed reading course. A maximum of two 0.5 FCE (credit) courses can be accepted toward degree requirements.

  Students enrol by:

  1. Completing an SGS Request for Reading and/or Research Course form (PDF)
     
     
  2. Complete an SGS Add / Drop Course(s) (PDF) adding the Directed Reading course code on form:

  • SWK6501H Special Studies 1 or SWK6502H Special Studies 2 for course number and description
    
    

  3. A copy of the Reading Course Syllabus includes:
     • Course description
     • Course objectives
     • Description of assignments
     • Course schedule
     • Reading list
       
       

  4. Submit the completed forms with instructor and Program Director signatures and supporting materials to to phdprogram.fifsw@utoronto.ca before the SGS deadline to add courses in a session.
     
     

• Approved Graduate-Level Courses in Other Universities

  Students may take approved graduate-level courses from other universities in Ontario. They will need to complete the Ontario Visiting Graduate Student (OVGS) Agreement. This agreement form can be found on the SGS website within the Exchanges & Agreements section.

  If you are considering taking a course at the graduate level outside Ontario, you will require permission from the PhD Program Director and the host University.

  
  The procedure for University of Toronto Graduate Students outlined by the School of Graduate Studies (SGS):

  1. Complete the Ontario Visiting Graduate Student Agreement form (OVGS). Submit the form with the syllabus from the host university to the Program Director for approval.

  2. SGS seeks approval from the host university.

  3. Notice (either approval or not) is given to SGS.

  4. If approved, SGS processes the enrolment and notifies the FIFSW/home department and the student.

• Collaborative Specializations

  The Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work offers several interdisciplinary collaborative specializations. Information about each program is available on the Faculty website. Please review programs specific to PhD students. Students apply directly to these programs. Please note that students who take part in these interdisciplinary programs must meet all the requirements of the collaborative specialization in addition to the doctoral degree requirements in order to graduate. 

• Checking/Modifying Course Status

  Students are responsible for the accuracy of their timetable through ACORN. Students may cancel or withdraw from individual courses using the web service up to certain dates. These deadlines are set annually by the School of Graduate Studies and published under the Dates and Deadlines page on the FIFSW website. Students are advised to consult with their Interim Academic Advisor or Thesis Supervisor before withdrawing from courses. 

• Final Grades

  Final grades can be accessed through ACORN. The dates for viewing grades for a session are posted under Dates and Deadlines page. Students will be able to view their grades online approximately 6-7 weeks after the session ends. If a grade is not available, contact your instructor or the graduate unit offering the course.

• Recommended Course Load & Timeline

  Students are required to register for each successive session, including summers, on a full-time basis unless granted a leave of absence.  

  Below is the recommended course progression to complete all program requirements within the SGS timeframe for PhD programs.

  Program Year	Session	Recommended Courseload & Program Timeline
  YEAR 1	Fall	SWK 6302H SWK 6307H SWK 4506H (or passing grade on competency exam; by early Sept.) (Optional, 1 elective – typically for those not enrolled in SWK 4506H)
  	Winter	SWK 6301H SWK 6308H 1 elective Attend Doctoral Colloquia Series (~2.5 days across February/March)
  	Spring/ Summer	2 electives  Due by June 1st – Selection of the Thesis Supervisor in the Annual Progress Report
  YEAR 2	Fall	SWK 7000H 1-2 electives Draft Comprehensive Exam Proposal & Annotated Bibliography
  	Winter	1-2 electives Submit Approved Comprehensive Exam Proposal & Bibliography (if taking Winter Comp Exam) SWK8000H Comprehensive Exam (if applicable) Note: Must have completed 9/10 required/elective courses before enrolling in Comprehensive Exam
  	Spring /Summer	Submit Approved Comprehensive Exam Proposal & Bibliography (if taking Summer Comp Exam) SWK8000H Comprehensive Exam (if applicable) Note: Must have completed 9/10 required/elective courses before enrolling in Comprehensive Exam Due by June 1st – Annual Progress Report

  Program Year	Recommended Course Load & Program Timeline
  YEAR 3	Elective (if student has one remaining required course)  Finalize Selection of Thesis Committee  Thesis Proposal and Oral Thesis Proposal Defense  Note: All 10 required/elective courses must be completed before the Oral Thesis Defense  The Thesis Proposal must be approved by the Supervisory Committee by August 31st of the third year of the program for the student to achieve candidacy and maintain good standing.  Due by June 1st – Annual Progress Report     NOTE: Students who do not achieve candidacy by the end of Year 3, must submit an Request for Extension to Achieve Candidacy in order to remain actively registered in the PhD Program
  YEAR 4	Thesis Research & Writing  Due by June 1st, Annual Progress Report
  YEAR 5	Thesis Research & Writing   Due by June 1st, Annual Progress Report    Thesis Completion & Oral Defense    NOTE: Students should prepare to defend their thesis by the end of Year 5. Students who have not completed all degree requirements at the end of Year 6 must request a Program Extension, in order to remain registered.

  *Students who need to submit an extension to achieve Candidacy or Program Extension are advised to submit all required documents to the PhD Program for approvals at least four weeks prior to the start of the respective session to avoid delays in registration.

• Coursework Extension Policies

  FIFSW Coursework Extension Policies for PhD students apply to course assignments in FIFSW courses, independent reading/research courses, and the comprehensive exam (SWK8000H).  

  Academic considerations or accommodations can be applied to these coursework types and program requirements. For more details on how to apply for a coursework extension within the academic session or after the academic session go to Coursework Extensions under Current Students on the FIFSW website.

• Time Limit for Completion of Program Requirements

  The time limit to complete all requirements for the PhD degree (courses, Comprehensive Exam and Thesis) is six years.  

  Requesting a Program Extension 

  Students who do not complete all degree requirements within the PhD program’s six-year may request a program extension. Doctoral students may apply for a maximum of four one-year extensions. The first two extension requests require the approval of the graduate unit; the second two require the approval of both the graduate unit and SGS.  

  To seek an extension, complete a Program Extension (Current Regulations) form (PDF) and submit it to the PhD Director for approval, along with an explanation for the delay and evidence that the remaining degree requirements may be completed within the period of the extension request.  

  Final Program Extension Requests 

  Third or fourth (FINAL) program extension requests for doctoral students require additional approval from the School of Graduate Studies (SGS). To obtain this approval, the student, supervisor, and PhD Director must provide additional information in a separate letter of support to SGS. This can be a single letter co-signed by all parties, or separate letters, that outline the following: 

  • a reflection on the progress to date, including progress in the previous extension periods. 

  • detailed plan or timeline for completion, a confirmation that the degree requirements can be met within one year of the final program extension, and  

  • a confirmation that the student has been made aware of support services that are available to help the student complete their thesis. 

  Once approved by the graduate unit, the PhD Program Assistant will submit the form and supporting documents to SGS for final review and approval.  

  For more information see Time Limits for Program Completion on the SGS Website.

• Accommodations for Students with Disabilities or Medical Conditions

  Graduate students who have a documented disability or medical condition may be eligible for an academic accommodation (which refers to any service, equipment, or special arrangement that is put in place to support students who are completing course work, doing field research, or preparing a dissertation or completing an oral exam). 

  Students are encouraged to contact Accessibility Services Central Services for more information. Students who are registered with Accessibility Services can also access drop-in advising hours at the School of Graduate Studies.  

  Students who require one or more program extensions should discuss your accommodation request with your Accessibility Advisor. If required, the student may submit a letter from the Accessibility Advisor to support a further program extension.  

  Students who receive an extension approval for more than one academic session should work with their supervisor and provide the PhD Program Director a progress update by the end of each session (i.e., Fall, Winter, and Summer). 

  Additional information is available in the Graduate and Professional Program Student Handbook (PDF). 

• Annual Progress Report 

  Toward the end of each year in the PhD program, the student and their supervisor will collaborate to submit an Annual Progress Report. The report is submitted to the PhD Program (phdprogram.fifsw@utoronto.ca). In some cases, a meeting may be arranged to discuss a student’s progress and possible issues related to supervision, resources, and any other concerns. The student, the supervisor, or the PhD Program Director can initiate this meeting. This report is due on June 1 each year. 

  Students in Year 1 should identify and work with their supervisor to complete the sections of the Annual Progress Report that apply to Year 1 students. Year 1 students who have questions or have not identified their supervisor by the Annual Progress Report submission deadline should contact the PhD Program Director.  

• Program Termination or Program Withdrawal 

  A candidate for the PhD degree may be denied further registration in that program and will have the candidacy terminated at the end of the third year of registration if by that time, either of the following: 

  • the candidate has not completed all requirements for the degree exclusive of thesis research—including course requirements, language requirements, qualifying departmental examinations—i.e., Comprehensive Exam. 

  • the candidate does not have an approved thesis topic, supervisor, or supervisory committee. 

  Students may withdraw voluntarily from their program at any point before the termination. A student may decide to withdraw from the program before the Chair/Director submits the recommendation to SGS for termination of registration or before the SGS Vice-Dean, Students, approves the Chair/Director’s recommendation. In such cases, SGS will record the withdrawal on the student’s academic record and transcript, and SGS will not act on the recommendation for termination of registration.  

  Students may appeal a decision to terminate their program by formally requesting a reconsideration or change to an official academic decision made by the University. For more information on academic appeals visit the SGS website. 

  As program withdrawal is a voluntary action, it is a final decision and cannot be appealed.