Greetings from the program director

On behalf of our faculty and staff, I would like to welcome you to the University of Missouri’s School of Social Work PhD Program website. Our program stands apart from other doctoral training programs in social work and social welfare for several reasons. First, ours is the only PhD program in all of Missouri’s publicly funded institutions of higher education. Second, given our standing amongst the Association of American Universities, and in the spirit of our land grant mission as Missouri’s flagship institution of higher learning, our goal is to prepare social work scholars who can competently engage in all stages of the social prevention-intervention development and research cycle to better the lives of people. Third, we work alongside each student to craft an individualized learning plan that promotes their interests and builds upon prior experiences as we teach them basic social scientific skills so they can (a) expertly identify social problems; (b) design, implement, and rigorously test social interventions to alleviate those problems; and (c) contribute our collective social science knowledge through effective analytical, writing, and teaching skills.

Our former graduates work in a range of policy, practice, and academic settings where they successfully apply these skills. Our current students regularly contribute to ongoing research to advance progressive social programs and policies and disseminate knowledge in journals, at conferences, and in trainings for social work professionals. Ultimately, it is expected that graduates with a PhD in Social Work from the University of Missouri will pursue scholarly careers in academic, research, or program/policy settings using basic and applied research skills we impart here in our program. It is also expected that the scholarly careers of our graduates will ultimately enhance the lives of individual people and the social systems with which they interact.

We are honored you are exploring the University of Missouri’s School of Social Work PhD program as an option for your doctoral training. As a key step in identifying a program for academic training in research and social intervention, it is important to identify successful faculty who are aligned with your areas of interest. On that note, please take some time to review the webpages of our top notch faculty and their current research interests. In addition, we hope you will contact us as you consider a program to advance your future in social work research. We are eager to speak with you about your interests and to answer any questions you may have about our program.

Sincerely,
Dr. Mansoo Yu

What our graduates say

The Social Work PhD program at the University of Missouri is highly research-oriented, with top-class professors who prepared me to become an independent researcher. With diverse research areas and strong mentorship, the program provided the expertise needed to be competitive on the academic job market. The well-rounded support and opportunities in teaching and research helped me excel, ultimately leading to my tenure-track position at an R1 research university.

Gashaye Melaku Tefera, PhD ’23
Assistant Professor, College of Social Work, Florida State University

My PhD from Mizzou has been invaluable in positioning me to advance my career, particularly as a social work educator. I was challenged to understand how theory informs all that we do and how doctoral level social workers leverage research and knowledge building to inform our work with individuals, families, and communities. The program made me a better educator and positioned me to become an academic administrator as well.

Kalea Benner, PhD ’09
Dean, School of Social Work, Indiana University, Indianapolis

Earning my PhD in Social Work at the University of Missouri was a transformative journey that enhanced my ability to lead impactful initiatives, mentor emerging professionals, and create meaningful change in social work and higher education. It equipped me with the skills to conduct innovative research and adopt culturally responsive teaching practices, solidifying my role as a champion for equity and inclusion in both academic and professional settings.

Erica Campbell, PhD ’13
Associate Professor, School of Social Work, Fayetteville State University

As a first-generation college student, I found the prospect of pursuing doctoral studies daunting. However, the PhD program at Mizzou provided me with unparalleled support and resources. The rigorous academic training and mentorship I received were instrumental in shaping both my confidence and my career. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunities and experiences that prepared me to excel in my field.

Karla T. Washington, PhD ’09
Associate Professor, Washington University School of Medicine

I owe my success as a researcher and academic to the mentoring and guidance I received from my dissertation advisor (Dr. Marjorie Sable) and my faculty mentor (Dr. Mansoo Yu). My experience as a PhD student in the school has not only shaped my academic pursuits but also empowered me to make a meaningful impact in my career. I now feel more equipped than ever to advocate for social justice and contribute to positive change in my community.

Mustapha Alhassan PhD ’13
Associate Professor & BSW Program Director, Clark Atlanta University

Where our graduates go

Here are a few of the institutions where our PhD graduates have advanced their careers.

• California State University, Chico
• Clark Atlanta University
• Fayetteville State University
• Florida State University
• Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, South Korea
• Kansas State University
• Indiana University
• Missouri State University
• Ohio State University
• Purdue University, Northwest
• University of Arkansas, Little Rock
• University of Central Missouri
• University of Minnesota, Duluth
• University of Missouri, School of Medicine
• University of Missouri, School of Social Work
• University of Nevada, Las Vegas
• University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
• University of Wisconsin, Whitewater
• Washington University, School of Medicine