Social work doctoral education programs: A consumer's eye-view

This paper investigates doctoral programs in social work from a consumer's perspective.¹ Required courses, credit hours required for the degree, specializations, and admissions criteria are examined using descriptive materials usually distributed to prospective applicants and incoming doctoral students. The study found a lack of uniformity and agreement as to what constitutes the essentials for a doctorate in the profession. In addition, there did not appear to be consensus on minimum admissions criteria.