Student Experiences in the PhD Program
In the Words of our Students Heading link
“I’m incredibly grateful that I had the opportunity to do my studies here. JACSW was my first and only choice to pursue doctoral studies, and I can truly say that the college really walks the talk of its mission. I’m proud to have been intellectually nurtured in this environment and empowered to take action on issues I truly care about.
The first two years of coursework was the highlight of my experience at JACSW, because taking courses and being in the building nearly every day provided me with the most opportunities not just to learn something new every day, but also really build relationships within my cohort and with faculty.”
| Director of Research and Advocacy, National Black Women’s Justice Institute
“I always knew that I wanted to be a researcher, first and foremost. I needed a program and an advisor that would help train me to think like a researcher, to ask the right questions, to identify or create the right sources of information, and to have a keen analytical eye and to present my findings effectively. I received all of this and more from my program at Jane Addams.
Students that attend the Jane Addams PhD program will participate in a well-designed program that will equip them with the skills and experiences they will need to work in many different environments, doing many different kinds of jobs. They will meet classmates and colleagues that will be as interested and motivated in the work as they are, and it’s refreshing to have that kind of support in your graduate program.”
| Vice President and Executive Director, Research & Policy Center, Chicago Urban League
“The Jane Addams PhD program curriculum is designed to help students shape their research agenda and gain the skills required to conduct rigorous studies that have real-life impact. The college also provides students the opportunity to develop teaching skills and offers the necessary supports.
In my three years in the program, I benefited from continuous support and guidance, including when applying for awards and scholarships, preparing for presentations, and conducting my dissertation.
Overall, I found the college to be a supportive environment for me to learn, teach, and conduct my research, which focuses on topics related to aging among Latino populations.”
| Assistant Professor, University of Central Florida, Co-Director of the Center for Behavioral Health Research and Training, Social Work
“In Jane Addams’ doctoral program, I have been fortunate to work with well-respected researchers, teach a master’s level course, and gain service experience as a student representative on the doctoral committee.
When I entered the program, I had a broad interest in veterans’ issues, but the program’s coursework helped me to refine my research focus. For example, one practical course assignment resulted in original research on veterans’ health care utilization.
Now that I am focusing almost exclusively on my dissertation and publishing, I am especially grateful to have the continued support and guidance of my dissertation committee, faculty-at-large, and my fellow doctoral students.”
| Assistant Professor at St. Ambrose University