The School of Social Work offers Ph.D. students a state-of-the-art education at a research intensive university that includes opportunities to study with renowned social work scholars, small classes, active involvement in both teaching and research, and an interdisciplinary perspective that includes courses both within social work and in other disciplines. The economic and cultural diversity of the southwest affords a unique opportunity to engage in exciting and meaningful community-based research that reflects the region’s distinct history and experiences. Our School has some unique features that will enhance your educational opportunities including:

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• The Southwest Interdisciplinary Research Center, funded by NIH, this center supports culturally sensitive research on prevention of substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, and mental health problems (Dr. Flavio Marsiglia, Director).

• The Center for Applied Behavioral Health Policy leads a collaborative mission to evaluate and champion successful, science-based treatment and innovation in the field of behavioral health (Dr. Michael Shafer, Director).

• The Office of American Indian Projects works with tribal governments and urban Indian agencies (Edwin Gonzalez-Santin, Director)

• The Office of Forensic Social Work focuses on the intersection between law, the criminal justice system, and social work (Dr. Jose Ashford, Director)

• The Office of Latino Projects focuses on enhancing Latino/a well-being in the borderland regions and increasing the bilingual social work workforce (Dr. Barbara Robles, Director)

• Center for Violence Prevention and Community Safety evaluates policies and programs, analyzes and evaluates patterns and causes of violence, develops strategies and programs, develops a clearinghouse of research reports and "best practice" models, educates, trains and provides technical assistance, and facilitates the development of and construction of databases. 

• The Title IV-E Child Welfare Program provides support for students who are committed to working in the area of child welfare (Dr. Nora Gustavsson, Dr. Teri Kennedy, & Dr. Christina Risley-Curtiss).

• Certificate programs in the Assessment of Integrative Health Modalities (Dr. Maria Napoli), Gerontology (Dr. Teri Kennedy), Latino Cultural Competency (Dr. Barbara Robles and Josefina Ahumada) and treating animal abuse (Dr. Christina Risley-Curtiss)


What you will be prepared for upon graduation
The combination of coursework and hands-on experience in teaching and research ensures that when you receive your Ph.D., you will be prepared as a future social work scholar who will advance the profession through: 1) culturally competent research that informs practice and policy and 2) the preparation of ethical and effective social work professionals.