HUNTSVILLE — Alabama A&M’s motto is “Start Here, Go Anywhere” and now grad students can start pursuing a doctorate in social work fully online.
The university has launched its Ph.D. in Social Work program which opens for enrollment this fall. The program is the first fully online research doctorate in social work based at a Historically Black College and University.
“Building upon its nearly 50-year history of providing social work education, the Department of Social Work’s expansion of program offerings to include a Ph.D. program will benefit the university, the social work profession, and the community at large,” said Dr. Tonya Perry, professor of Social Work and chairperson of the Department of Social Work. “In alignment with the university’s mission and goals, our Ph.D. program will prepare scholars who develop and disseminate knowledge and future social work educators who will in turn educate and train the next leaders in the profession of social work.”
The Ph.D. program is designed to empower social work professionals as transformative scholars, educators and administrators. Graduates will not only embody the core values of the profession, but also challenge existing knowledge while actively contributing to the advancement of social justice.
“This program, offered completely online, is a gamechanger in helping individuals take their careers to new levels,” said Dr. Peter Eley, interim dean of the College of Education, Humanities, and Behavioral Sciences. “Eligibility for the program is restricted to professionals holding Master of Social Work degrees from Council on Social Work Education accredited programs, with a preference for candidates possessing two years post-MSW practice experience.”
The rigorous curriculum, comprising 58 credit hours, including dissertation hours, targets individuals who demonstrate significant promise to excel in a research-intensive environment. It aims to meet the needs of social work professionals seeking to expand their knowledge and skills base, fostering transformative leadership in social work education and administration.
“Consistent with the university’s mission as a land-grant institution, our graduates will be equipped to fulfill their professional commitment to pursue social, economic and environmental justice on behalf of vulnerable and oppressed communities in rural and urban contexts locally, nationally and globally,” said Perry.
The curriculum emphasizes the application of social work perspectives, behavioral and social science theories, research methods, critical analysis of social problems, and social welfare policy. It draws upon disciplinary knowledge to address complex societal challenges.
“The need for persons with Ph.D.’s in social work is enormous because there is a growing national workforce demand for social work practitioners and social work educators,” said Perry. “According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for social workers is expected to grow by 13% through 2029. With more individuals entering the field, there will also be significant growth in the demand for those who can educate and lead within the industry.”
While applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, admission to the Ph.D. program will occur once annually. AAMU plans to enroll 30 students in the inaugural year, with an incremental increase in subsequent years.
“Continuing the rich, historical and cultural legacy of AAMU and the commitment to excellence and pride of HBCUs, AAMU’s Ph.D. Program in Social Work will prepare visionary thinkers to address the grand challenges of our time,” said Dr. Cassandra Scott, Program Committee chairperson. “AAMU’s social work Ph.D. graduates will be trailblazers in research, education, and advancing social justice.”
In addition to the new Ph.D. in Social Work, AAMU will launch two additional online degrees during the Fall 2024 semester. The university is accepting applications for the new Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction through the College of Education, Humanities, and Behavioral Sciences and the new M.S. degree in Food Science Business through the College of Agricultural, Life and Natural Sciences.
“As online degree programs, we can recruit nationally and internationally thus broadening our mission of access and opportunity,” said Dr. John D. Jones, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. “It also assists the institution in enhancing its designation as a research institution.”
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