GCSW Ph.D. Admissions Requirements: University of Houston - University of Houston
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Graduate College of Social Work

Prospective Students

Ph.D. Admissions Requirements

Early application is strongly encouraged as the number of new students admitted each year is limited, and the admissions process is competitive. Applications must be accompanied by a non-refundable application fee of $50.00 for domestic applicants and $80.00 for international applicants. Incomplete applications, including those without the required fee, will not be reviewed.

The deadline to submit your Fall 2025 application and all supporting material to the PhD Program is December 15th, 2024. 

To be considered for admission to the Ph.D. Program applicants must:

  1. Hold a master’s degree in social work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program OR hold a master’s degree in a related social science discipline from an accredited program. Official transcripts, showing degrees awarded and date(s) conferred, from all colleges and universities previously attended are required. 
  2. Have achieved a grade point average of 3.5 or better (A=4.0) in all previous undergraduate and graduate work. Applicants who do not meet the minimum 3.5 GPA requirement but who demonstrate excellence in other areas of the application may be considered. We will calculate your GPA based on your transcripts.
  3. The GRE is NOT REQUIRED for admission into the PhD program.
  4. Submit a minimum of three, but not more than four, letters of recommendation from persons who are familiar with your potential for doctoral education. At least two letters must be from academics (i.e., former tenure-track professors, graduate advisor, etc).
  5. Submit a current resume or Curriculum Vitae and a research statement that describes your academic and employment histories, and your interest in the Ph.D. program. Identify at least 2 GCSW faculty you wish to work with in order to develop your research interest.
  6. Submit samples of publications, papers, or other materials reflecting your academic and research excellence. An admissions interview (in-person or by phone) may be requested at the discretion of the Doctoral Committee.

Note: International applicants. See the UH Graduate School’s information for international applicants, including additional requirements for the English Proficiency Requirement, transcripts, and documents needed for the visa process.

The International Student Admissions Checklist can be found HERE.