Social Work (PhD) is a doctorate in Social Work programme offered by Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Canada. The programme runs for 3 years, delivered fully online. Tuition for international students is CAD 6,885 per semester (CAD 2,675 per semester for local students).
At a glance
Degree:Doctorate
Field:Social Work
Duration: 3 years
Delivery: Online
Local tuition: CAD 2,675 / semester
International tuition: CAD 6,885 / semester
We have no an application deadline on record for this programme yet — see the official programme page.
— it helps other students.
Last reviewed September 2026 ·
Program details
Overview
This PhD in Social Work is Laurier's first virtual synchronous doctoral program and the first social work PhD of its kind in Canada. The program trains researchers to examine diversity, equity, and inclusion, and to address inequality and promote social justice affecting individuals, families, organizations, and communities. It begins each May with a multi-day in-person orientation at the Faculty of Social Work in Kitchener, Ontario; all subsequent courses, seminars, and program meetings are held over Zoom. The curriculum runs across roughly twelve terms, moving through coursework, a comprehensive examination, dissertation research and data analysis, and a concluding colloquium, and includes SK765: Relational Accountability, described as the first course of its kind in a Canadian social work PhD. Domestic full-time students receive a minimum guaranteed funding package; international applicants must have confirmed third-party funding before admission.
Requirements
Admission Requirements: A Master of Social Work degree from a recognized university, normally with at least an A- average; applicants without this background may submit an Experience Profile. Normally requires three or more years of post-MSW practice experience. Requires a statement of intent with a proposed research plan, a resume, a writing sample of 10-20 pages, and three academic references. English proficiency testing required for applicants whose prior education was not in English.
