Apply to the PhD Program
How to Apply Heading link
The PhD in Social Work Program invites applications from prospective students who possess a commitment to advancing social work knowledge and enhancing the well-being of vulnerable, urban populations. Applications for full- and part-time study are accepted from September through February in order to begin classes the following fall semester. There are two application deadlines: December 15 is the early application deadline and February 15 is the final deadline. Applicants who meet the December 15th deadline will receive an admission decision by the end of January and are eligible to be nominated for University Fellowships. Applicants who meet the February 15th deadline will receive an admission decision by mid- to late March.
For consideration for admission to the PhD in Social Work Program, you must be admitted to both the UIC Graduate College and the Jane Addams College of Social Work Doctoral Program. To complete the necessary application, all of the following materials should be electronically submitted via the UIC Graduate Application Document process.
The entire application process is outlined in the task list below. If you have questions please contact the PhD Program Office at jaddams-phd@uic.edu or (312) 996-4928.
NOTE: GRE scores are no longer required for application to the PhD program.
Application Deadlines Heading link
August 1
UIC Online Graduate Application for the PhD program is available
December 15
PhD Program Preferred/Early Decision Application Deadline
February 15
PhD Program Application Final Deadline
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Apply to the PhD Program
Application Task Checklist Heading link
Submit the UIC Graduate College Admission Application
NOTE: The application is not considered complete unless all checklist items (UIC and departmental program) have been submitted. The application must be completed prior to or on the deadline shown above.
You can begin the PhD program application process at UIC Graduate College Admissions Application.
Submit your Personal Statement
Submit a personal statement in which you address the following points:
- Reasons for applying to the PhD program, your professional plans and objectives, and how the PhD will help you achieve these objectives;
- A discussion of the fit between your objectives and the mission of the program;
- The anticipated focus of your research; and
- Any other relevant information about your interests.
The personal statement should not exceed 1,000 words.
Submit your Writing Samples
Writing samples can be either published or unpublished.
Submit References
Submit the contact information for your references by using the reference form on your online application checklist. Once you submit the email addresses for your references the university will automatically contact the references by email to request an electronic letter of recommendation. Go to your online checklist to access the reference form.
Submit Undergraduate and Graduate Transcripts
Upload and submit electronically to your application checklist the transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended. To submit transcripts we recommend that applicants request academic transcripts from each college attended be sent to their home. Those transcripts should then be opened, scanned and saved to a computer or other storage device, and finally retrieved and uploaded to the application checklist. Upon admission applicants will be prompted to submit official versions of the same transcripts.
Applicants Whose Native Language is not English
Applicants whose native language is not English must take either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the exam of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Person’s PTE Academic. The test score cannot be more than two years old. See also UIC’s International Requirements.
Submit the Application Fee
A $70 non-refundable application fee for domestic and international applicants to the University of Illinois at Chicago. Using the online Graduate College application, you will be given the option of paying your fee by Visa or MasterCard.
Application Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The UIC Graduate Admissions Office has compiled a list of FAQs. You may also direct inquiries and questions to the Social Work PhD Office.
GRE Scores Are Not Required Heading link
Though not required, Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores may be submitted if you wish. GRE scores must be submitted directly to the University of Illinois at Chicago (Institution Code 1851-5001). It can take several weeks for the test scores to arrive at the University, so plan to take the examination well in advance of the application deadline.