PhD Program

About the Program

The Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work (FIFSW) at the University of Toronto offers a unique opportunity to learn within a thriving community of social work researchers, educators, and practitioners who are deeply engaged with the interdisciplinary community of the University of Toronto. As one of the leading schools of social work in Canada and North America, FIFSW faculty, staff, and students come from a range of cultural, personal, and professional backgrounds which inform their research and teaching expertise. As we strive to bridge the gap between research and practice, FIFSW faculty, staff and students work in partnership with community-based, government, and grassroots leaders to address pressing social justice, economic, and health concerns towards advancing the welfare of people in Canada and around the world. Mindful of the Indigenous peoples, histories, and relationship to the territory upon which the University of Toronto is situated, we embrace the Calls to Action put forward by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada through engaging with local Indigenous communities while working collectively to understand and address the continued impacts of colonization and systemic racism for Indigenous, Black racialized and marginalized communities.

Our Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program is designed to cultivate high-calibre scholars and leaders in social work research, education, policy, and practice. Our Faculty is committed to mentoring students to deepen their knowledge, broaden research capacities, and develop strategies to enrich social work’s commitment to promoting human rights, dignity, and social justice. Through coursework, research, and teaching opportunities, doctoral students are challenged to grow personally, academically, and professionally in a supportive environment. Beyond FIFSW, students are also encouraged to tap into the wealth of activities and resources offered by the greater University of Toronto Community. These opportunities enable doctoral students to form community bonds while developing a comprehensive lens and skillset that enhances their independent research and scholarly goals.

Overview of the Program

The PhD program at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work is available on a full-time basis. The minimum period of registration is 12 academic sessions of full-time enrolment (i.e., Fall, Winter, Summer sessions).

The PhD program is structured to support the completion of all degree requirements within four years. However, students can register for up to a cumulative total of six years following their admission into the program to complete their degree requirements.

Students have four major milestones to accomplish in the program: (1) the required courses and seminars, (2) the comprehensive exam, (3) the thesis proposal defense, and (4) the thesis. 

PhD Program – Timeline at a Glance