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Social Work Research Topics & Tips on Finding and Distinguishing Good Ones

Updated 12 Jun 2024

Social work research is the systematic investigation of problems pertaining to the social work field. Alternatively, it can be defined as the application of research methods for addressing/solving problems confronted by social workers in their practice.

Major research areas include studying concepts, theories, principles, underlying methods, employees’ skills and their interaction with individuals and groups as well as internal processes, functioning principles within social entities. For a more specific selection of social work research topics, go to the appropriate section within this article.

Social work is ultimately focused on practical application, hence, the ultimate goal of social work research is understanding the efficacy of various intervention methods aimed at alleviating the conditions of people suffering from social deprivation – this highlights the importance presented by both the field and its associated research. For such difficult topics, you may ask yourself "can I pay someone to write my research paper " - and our professional team is here to help you.

Signs of Good Research Topics

Of all social work research questions, how could one distinguish the ones holding the greatest value or potential? Considering these signs could increase the chances of picking higher quality or more productive social work topics:

Chosen topics are backed up by one or more published studies by research teams from the US or from abroad with solid article-related citation metrics, typically published in prestigious peer-reviewed academic journals (journals with high impact factor).
Social work research topics in question are related to practice – theoretical research is very important, but nothing beats practical knowledge and efficient practical intervention methods and strategies. However, this aspect might depend on other circumstances as well (for students, for instance, theoretical topics are fairly acceptable). To ensure a successful research proposal in the field of social work, consider utilizing research proposal writing services .
Social work research topics are breaking certain stereotypes. People are inclined towards topics that break preconceived notions – such topics naturally receive greater attention. If they bring solid evidence and reasonable arguments while providing/promising real benefits, such topics can simply revolutionize the field.
Chosen social work research topics match current trends. Don’t understand us wrong – not everything that is trendy deserves attention (many things are overhyped). However, trends do have a sound reason for emerging (there is normally value behind the forces driving them). Moreover, delving into a field/topic that has only been recently established often gives significant advantages (career-wise). So watch out for trends in your research field closely, but always scrutinize them for what they are worth.

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Where Can You Find Perfect Topics?

When exploring education research topics or searching for social worker research topics, it might prove useful to follow a few proven strategies (which are equally valid for many other occasions):

Skim through your study literature (e.g. handbooks, course notes) – this is material you already studied, but going through it might help you to systematically visualize all studied topics or subtopics (these can suggest new ideas).
Brainstorming. Access your knowledge base – chances are you have a few interesting topics stored in mind that you’d like to explore in greater detail.
Browse through published article titles in social work journals or, even better, study newsletters/highlights on journal websites. Alternatively, one could search on platforms aggregating field-related news from multiple journals.– while some articles/topics might be overly complicated or specific, these still offer an immense choice.
Browse online for ready research topics for a custom research paper from our research paper writing service – skimming through such lists would bombard you with topics of appropriate complexity and scope /broadness or would inspire new related ideas (e.g. by combining elements from different topics).

Yet another way to pick a good topic is to get research paper writing help from our professional writers – they would manage all aspects, including that of choosing an original and solid topic (obviously, you might be willing to confirm it, before proceeding with your writing project).

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100 Social Work Research Topics

Below is a comprehensive social work research topics list to help get you started with your project.

50 Controversial Research Topics

Group therapy vs individual therapy for increasing autistic children adaptability
Impact on parents having children with autism spectrum disorder.
Role play vs group discussion efficiency in increasing knowledge regarding drug abuse among high-school students.
Addressing the stigma associated with depression.
Measures to counteract condemning stereotypes with regard to depression (explaining and highlighting the biological mechanisms underlying it)
Identifying individuals with suicide predisposition serving in military units.
Life events role in PTSD onset in veterans.
Strategies to prevent PTSD onset in US army veterans.
Social inclusion measures for war veterans.
Most efficient strategies for suicide prevention in academic setting.
Categories are most vulnerable to drug abuse.
Most efficient educational measures to prevent future drug abuse in children
Myths about substance abuse among adolescents.
Family support importance for alcohol addicts rehabilitation.
Workaholics – new type of addicts. Impact on personal and family lives.
Mental retardation in Alzheimer’s disease – how to cope with it as a family member?
Promoting integration for children with Down syndrome.
General considerations for working with children with developmental disabilities.
Educating society with regard to dyslexic children (all target groups could be considered: parents, classmates, teachers, etc.)
Dyslexia cases combined with ADHD – how to approach it?
Dismounting common myths about dyslexia.
Counteracting bullying aimed at dyslexic children.
Early intervention benefits to address language difficulties in case of dyslexic children.
What role should educators, parents, schools, mental health centers, private practice have in addressing dyslexia?
Key prerequisites for building resilience to adverse life events in children
Strategies for building resilience in welfare workers.
Who is responsible for developing resilience in social workers?
Self-help guidelines for social workers to become resilient.
Most common problems encountered by LGBT youth in US schools.
Arming LGBT individuals with coping strategies to face discrimination.
The situation with juvenile delinquents across various US states.
Rationale behind separating juvenile delinquents from adult delinquents.
Factors contributing to high youth incarceration rate in certain US states (Wyoming, Nebraska, South Dakota).
Most efficient reeducation strategies for juvenile delinquents.
Society inclusion measures for people that served in prison.
Coping with the stigma of having served in prison.
Attitudes of welfare workers towards incarcerated individuals.
Attitudes of correctional officers towards mental health of incarcerated individuals.
Gender differences relevance when working with incarcerated people.
Factors increasing the risk of recidivism in released prisoners.
Incarceration impacts on parent-child relationships.
Incarceration effects on mental health.
Social inclusion role and family support in preventing recidivism by former prisoners.
Circumstances associated with the highest risk of becoming a human trafficking victim.
Ethical rules important when working with human trafficking victims.
Trauma characteristic depiction for human trafficking victims.
What is considered neglecting a child in child welfare?
Prerequisites of a safe childhood and a functional family.
Dealing with child abuse in orphanages.
Types of child maltreatment/abuse.

Essay Examples Relevant to Social Work Controversial Topics

Social Work
Child Abuse
Discrimination

50 Hot Research Topics for Social Work Students

Difference in approaching children vs adolescents suffering from domestic violence.
Success stories in preventing child abuse in certain regions/states.
Strategies to encourage women to report domestic violence cases.
Damage to families with ongoing domestic violence.
Healing steps for victims of domestic violence.
Effects of child neglect on later academic performance and career.
Removing a child from a setting – when is it justified?
Guidelines on providing testimony in court as a social worker
Peculiarities of social work in health care assistance.
Grief counseling for families that lost a loved one.
Understanding the symptoms of grief.
Risk factors for dangerous grief.
Conduct/communication rules with persons in grief.
Types of elder abuse. Which are the most common ones?
Predictors of elder abuse (related to relationships within families, financial, status).
The integrative concept of human services.
The utility of mentoring programs in social care.
Work with elders experiencing cognitive impairment.
Peculiarities of working with immigrants in social care.
Considerations for working with HIV positive people.
Social research topics about homeless people.
Primary factors contributing to homelessness.
Challenges faced by social care assistants in working with sexually exploited clients belonging to the opposite gender.
Meeting unique needs of sexually exploited children.
Compassion fatigue experienced by welfare worker.
Challenges experienced by single parents and support strategies
Problem of getting medical help when belonging to vulnerable categories
Is there place for spirituality in welfare worker?
Religious beliefs obstructing welfare worker.
Support strategies for low-income families having children with impaired development.
Retrospective views and youth opinions on foster care facilities they have gone through.
Key wishes/demands expressed by foster care facility residents
Strategies employed by welfare worker to avoid burnout.
Importance of building emotional intelligence as welfare worker.
Discussing sexual health with mentally ill or retarded clients.
Spirituality and faith as an essential element in many addiction rehabilitation programs.
Attitude towards older people among welfare workers.
Factors responsible for reluctance to benefit from mental health services among certain population groups.
Differences in working with adolescent and adult drug abusers.
Factors affecting foster youth that impact their higher education retention rate.
Language barrier as an obstructing factor for minorities in benefiting from mental health services.
Cultural competence as social work research topic
Pre and post birth assistance to surrogate mothers. Evaluating impact on mental health.
Challenges and issues arising in families with adoptive children.
Play therapy interventions effectiveness in school-based counseling.
Mental health in hemodialysis patients and corresponding support strategies.
Importance presented by recreational activities for patients with Alzheimer’s.
Intimacy impact on the outcome of group therapy practices for alcohol addiction.
Mental health care outcomes in pedophilia victims.
Alternative practices in social work.

Essay Examples Relevant to Hot Research Topics for Social Work

Domestic Violence
Elder Abuse
Homelessness

Read also: Get excellent grades with the help of online research paper maker.

Found Topic But No Time For Writing?

We truly hope that by providing this list of social work topics for research papers we’ve addressed an important challenge many students encounter. Nevertheless, choosing suitable social work research topics is not the only challenge when having to write a paper.

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206 Interesting Social Work Research Topics You Should Consider

Many students struggle to find suitable social work research topics. This field has many subjects that learners can explore in their dissertations. The simplest social work definition describes it as a set of functions that enable you to improve other people’s lives. A social worker helps children and adults cope with daily issues, personal issues, family issues, and relationship troubles.

Considering the scope of this field, selecting an ideal social work research topic can be challenging. Learners have many pressing issues that they can cover in their papers. Nevertheless, choosing an interesting topic is essential in writing a winning dissertation.

Social Work Research Paper Outline

Once you’ve chosen a topic for your social work dissertation or research paper, the next step is to outline it. Your outline should highlight the components of your work, incorporating the argument. Also, identify your stance on an issue, tying up the other parts of the paper because it will enable you to create a thesis statement. Here are the key sections to highlight in your outline.

Introduction: The intro should present your study’s background while providing relevant details of the problem. Use a strong opening phrase to grab your readers’ attention and engage them so they can read the rest of the paper. The introduction should present your study’s context, formulate its primary goal, and end with an effective thesis statement. Main body: This section should feature the main arguments. It highly depends on your research type and the methods you use. It may include a literature review analyzing other scholars’ findings and identifying gaps in previous studies. Also, this section explains the methods you use in your research, results, and discussions. Conclusion: The conclusion should summarize the findings and wrap up the dissertation. You can restate your thesis statement to remind readers about your position on the issue and your goal. The best approach is to reward the thesis statement persuasively while encouraging readers to think about the problem. Also, you can recommend further research explaining why the topic is worth exploring.

After drafting an outline, you can proceed to research and write your social work paper. Edit and proofread the work or seek professional assistance to ensure its quality.

General Social Work Research Topics Ideas

Maybe you want to write a thesis on general topics in this study field. In that case, here are ideas you can explore in your paper.

How substance abuse influence parenting
Teenager adoption- Happiness and hardships that come with it
How to address the inclination to commit suicide
Should society question the stigma surrounding mental sickness?
Foster homes and group therapy- Is it effective?
How does the lack of child support affect childcare
Investigating autistic children and social displacement
How does clinical depression affect adolescent children
How does continuous mobility influence orphan toddlers
Analyzing the stigma surrounding depression
How to manage intrinsic PTSD for medical veterans
Exploring the stigma surrounding disability
How homelessness influences a person’s psychology
How does displacement influence aggressiveness among street children
How the works of several agencies affect child protection
Exploring perceptions and attitudes of oppression between the community and health professionals
Addressing cultural perspectives- Transiting to social work
The social worker’s role in deciding to end life
Lifelong learning model- Exploring evidence-based practices
The reflection law- a learning model or self-indulgence in social work

These are general ideas worth exploring in your social work dissertation. Nevertheless, please select any of these titles when confident you will be comfortable working on them.

Common Social Worker Research Topics

Maybe you’re searching for something your readers can quickly identify with when reading your paper. If so, this section lists some of the best ideas to investigate in your social work thesis.

How to create dyslexia patients’ awareness
Analyzing similarities and differences between ADHD and dyslexia
How alcoholism affects personal, family, and social lifestyle
How a family can exacerbate depression
Why academic and social integration matter for kids suffering from down syndrome
Investigating the social exclusion of kids with down syndrome
The effectiveness of anti-depressants- A clinical study
How alcoholism affects a person’s psyche
The positive impact of sponsors on recovering addicts’ lives
Investigating family support and its effects on alcohol recovery
Why group therapy matters for foster home children
How clinical depression affects teenage girls
How the lack of support affects child care in America
How ADHD affects foster home children
How mental illness misdiagnosis affects people
How to address suicidal tendencies in military units
Why social interrogation matters when dealing with stigma surrounding mental illness
How parents’ bipolar affects their children’s lives and parenting
Is childhood displacement the cause of antisocial lifestyle among foster children?
The joys and struggles of teenagers’ adoption
Investigating the undisclosed rape violence cases among military women- How it affects their service and lives
How substance abuse affects parenting
Child-parent separation- Investigating the stigma it brings
Positive impacts of divorce on children’s lifestyle and health
Addressing substance abuse issues among teenagers
How death affects a family’s well-being
Family support study- Is it a viable option for alcohol recovery?

Most people will identify with these topics because they touch on issues with which they are familiar. However, investigate the matter you select carefully to develop a winning dissertation.

Exciting Social Work Research Questions

Maybe you want to answer a question in your thesis paper. If so, consider any of these questions as a topic for your essay.

How can you support an adult living with a disability?
What are the social and psychological impacts of student loans?
What are the psychological, physical, and emotional effects of incarceration of pregnant mothers?
What challenges do minority children face in foster homes?
Transformative change- Can police brutality enhance it?
How can society deal with the rising obesity in America?
How can we support bipolar patients?
What are the effects of incarcerated individuals’ entry into the community?
What is the percentage of incarcerated adults among minority groups?
Does substance misuse increase alcoholism cases?
How does community violence affect LGBT lives?
What is the difference between Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2?
Can trauma inform children’s education in foster homes?
Can protesting police brutality promote transformative change?
Does divorce affect all children’s psyches negatively?
Does foster homes’ trauma cause kids’ disappearance from the facility?
Can implementing learning curriculums with a positive impact on dyslexic students enhance academics?
Does trauma-informed learning reflect parenting?
Do food and house security affect foster children throughout their lives?
Has the criminal justice system failed social lifestyle in America?
What are the primary workplace trauma signs?
How can society address workplace violence?
How do scarcity and poverty affect young children’s psychology?
How can you identify depression in a teenager?
Has the American healthcare system failed minority groups?
What are the risks of kids-parent separation?
What are the impacts of living with dyslexia?
Is depression a mental disorder?
What are the effects of racial disparity?

Any of these questions can be an excellent title for your dissertation. Nevertheless, consult various information sources to write a high-quality paper.

Human Services Research Paper Topics

Human services is a part of the social work field dealing with issues related to human services, factors affecting them, and how to address the challenges. Here are ideas to consider in this category.

How to address panic, anxiety, and depression in young children
The psychological impact of human trafficking on victims
Psychological effects of child trafficking
Similarities between adult incarceration and juvenile delinquency
How unemployment affects people
Factors that increase depression cases among the youth
Police system- Defunded, reformed, or abolished?
How the carceral system in America affects minority and low-income homes
Social integration of dyslexic and down syndrome patients
Effective ways to enhance welfare conditions
Food banks and their adverse psychological effects
The benefits of food banks on American lives
The impact of home violence on children
The result of high school bullying
Why welfare workers need support groups and therapy
How to enhance love in foster homes
Resilience practice among social workers
Juvenile delinquency impacts in America
The shortcomings of America’s carceral system
How to address the homophobia issue in the U.S
How homophobia affects LGBT+ adults
What causes family violence?
How to address spousal violence
How family cruelty affects lives
Undiagnosed bipolar cases and their effects
Impacts of misdiagnosed mental illnesses
How to enhance LGBTQ+ kids’ support systems
The result of home insecurity on the homeless
How to bridge the gap between community members and formerly incarcerated individuals
Incarceration- Abolished or reformed?

These human services topics are worth investigating in a research paper. However, take the time to research your chosen title to write an exciting piece.

Controversial Topics In Social Work

Some social work essay topics are controversial. Some people find these titles controversial because they provoke public interest. Here are some of them.

Flood and hurricane survivors and their hidden trauma
How hurricanes affect low-income neighborhoods
Trafficking- How it affects a society’s social well-being
Unreported abuse cases in homes and how they promote violence
Social, health, and psychological implications of the abortion ban for rape victims
Why the community should enhance awareness of AIDS stigmatization
Therapy continuous cycle- Why a therapist requires therapy
The unnoticed and hidden trauma among therapists and counselors
How court-sanctioned confinement promotes mental illness instead of facilitating correlation
How to address violence- Is it a social problem in the correctional system?
Sexual health education- Is it vital for incarcerated women?
How social media affects a person’s mental health and well-being
The effectiveness of different types of therapy for treating mental health disorders.
The prevalence of Eating Disorders in developed countries.
The role of family dynamics in the development and treatment of Eating Disorders.
How do different cultures view mental health and mental illness?
Is there a link between creativity and mental illness?
Does psychiatric medication use lead to higher recovery rates from mental illness?
What are the most effective interventions for helping people with substance abuse problems?
How to deal with grief and loss?
How can we better support people with chronic physical health conditions?
Drug abuse- Is it increasing in low-income neighborhoods?
The negative impacts of incarceration on the imprisoned people’s psychological well-being
Reasons to investigate confinement and its dangers
Ways to help addicts facing high drug vulnerability
How cognitive-behavioral therapy enhances the relationship between social workers and their situations or environments
The health benefits of hypnosis on individuals
Why treatment is essential for less represented groups
Distinguishing undiagnosed depression and clinical depression
A qualitative investigation of dyslexia among adolescents
How empathy can enhance the social work sector
Why qualitative examination of foster homes for peace and child safety matters

These are controversial topics to consider in this academic field. Prepare to take a stance and defend it if you pick any of these social work project ideas.

Social Work Topics For Presentation

Maybe you want to include a presentation in your paper. That’s because social work is a practical field requiring some displays. Consider the following titles for your essay if you want to include a presentation.

What are Stockholm syndrome and its effects?
How to understand syndrome victims better
How incest affects homes
Investigating sexually violated kids
Why free healthcare matters in foster homes and low-income neighborhoods
How adult incarceration and juvenile delinquency affect society
Juvenile delinquency and trauma
LGBTQ+ children trauma and adolescent transitioning
Foster kids and neglect-syndrome
Why diversity matters in the social work sector
Social workers- Understanding their trauma
Foster parenting- What are the positive impacts?
Do foster homes create a safe space?
Foster parents and their roles in preventing violence
Social workers and their role in preventing drug abuse
The effects of domestic violence
Psychological violence and its damages
How spirituality affects techniques in social works
Social works and their historical development
Social work and its importance in schools
Why teenagers’ therapy matters
Exploring the challenges facing social workers in the forensics sector
Investigating the struggles facing the minority groups
Studying abuse and violence in middle-class homes
Why finance matters in social works sustenance
The impact of compassion fatigue
Modern social workers and their challenges
Drug abuse and its effects on children
Why inclusivity matters in social works
Same-sex relationships- Why they matter to a social worker
Why high schools need drug sensitization
Investigating depression stereotypes

Pick any of these ideas and use them to draft a paper that includes a presentation. Nevertheless, research your topic extensively to prepare a winning dissertation.

Interesting Social Work Topics

Some issues in social work draw more attention than others because they are unique. Here are such topics.

The impacts of pregnancy on teenage mothers
The increasing pressure and effects of social media on teenagers’ lives
How welfare systems relate to low-income neighborhoods
Why are rehabilitation centers are essential in America than carceral systems
How cultural beliefs and gender roles affect marriages
Low labor and its role in workplace abuse
How the increasing housing cost affects young millennials
The part of abortion bans on psychological issues
How birth control roles affect society negatively
How are teenagers, the general community, and school related?
Analyzing first-time menstrual experiences and their impact on teenage girls within foster homes
Wellness therapy and its sustainability
Investigating poverty prevalence in the American Deep South- How it prevents the growth
The implications of relationships on social workers’ interactions
The negative impact of conversion therapy on the LGBTQ+ community
How an inclusive and functional healthcare system enhances social growth
Shelter homes women- Investigating their life experiences
The prevalent racial disparity in food bank systems in America
Understanding social relegations and stigma of welfare mothers
Client-therapist relationship- Investigating psychiatric therapists and their work

These topics address relevant issues that society often neglects. Pick any idea in this category and explore it further through research and analysis.

Social Work Thesis Topics

Educators will ask you to write different papers when pursuing social work studies. A sociology thesis is among the documents you might write when pursuing a master’s or Ph.D. studies. Here are topics to consider for these papers.

Investigating expecting mothers’ postpartum depression
How interdependency differs from codependency among youth adults
Emotional unavailability in homes- Does it enhance codependency?
Codependency- Is it a displacement feature?
Foster kids and future attachment methods
Social work and disability disparity
Disability challenges facing the healthcare system
Compassion integration in social works
ADHD- What are the most common myths about it?
How emotionally immature parents affect their adult children psychologically
Drug addiction and treatment plans
Addressing challenges facing visually impaired students
Investigating foster homes and child abuse
The emotional impact of a transition into a nursing home
Exploring immigrant families and parenthood
The intricacies of child labor

These are exciting topics to consider for your social work thesis. Nevertheless, prepare adequate time and resources to investigate any of these titles to develop a paper that will earn you the best grade.

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199+ Social Work Research Topics [Updated 2024]

In the vast and dynamic field of social work, research plays a pivotal role in shaping interventions, policies, and practices. Social work research is not just an academic pursuit but a powerful tool for effecting positive change in communities. As aspiring researchers delve into this realm, the journey begins with a crucial decision – selecting the right social work research topic.

In this blog, we will explore the significance of choosing the right social work research topics, provide insights into the selection process, highlight popular research areas, discuss emerging trends, offer tips for conducting research, and share valuable resources for social work researchers.

Significance of Choosing the Right Social Work Research Topics

Table of Contents

Impact on Research Quality

The choice of a research topic significantly influences the quality and relevance of the research conducted. A well-chosen topic enhances the researcher’s ability to contribute meaningfully to the existing body of knowledge in social work.

Alignment with Personal Interests and Goals

Selecting a topic aligned with personal interests and career goals fosters a sense of passion and commitment. This alignment not only sustains the researcher’s enthusiasm throughout the process but also increases the likelihood of producing impactful research.

Contribution to the Field of Social Work

The right research topic has the potential to contribute to the broader field of social work by addressing pressing issues, proposing innovative solutions, and advancing our understanding of complex social dynamics.

How to Select Social Work Research Topics?

Understanding the Scope of Social Work: Social work is a multifaceted discipline that encompasses various domains such as mental health, child welfare, community development, and more. Prospective researchers should explore the diverse scopes within social work to identify areas that resonate with their interests and expertise.
Identifying Personal Interests and Passion: Passion fuels research endeavors. Researchers should reflect on their personal experiences, values, and interests to identify areas within social work that evoke a strong sense of commitment.
Considering Relevance to Current Social Issues: Social work research gains significance when it addresses current societal challenges. Researchers should evaluate potential topics based on their relevance to contemporary issues, ensuring that the findings can contribute meaningfully to ongoing dialogues and efforts for social change.

199+ Social Work Research Topics: Category-Wise

Mental health and social work.

The impact of community support on mental health outcomes.
Examining the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in social work.
Exploring stigma surrounding mental health in diverse populations.
Integrating technology in mental health counseling: Challenges and opportunities.
The role of social work in preventing suicide and self-harm.

Diversity and Inclusion in Social Work

LGBTQ+ inclusivity in social work practice.
Addressing microaggressions and bias in social work interactions.
Promoting cultural competence in social work education.
Exploring challenges faced by immigrants and refugees in accessing social services.
Intersectionality in social work: Understanding and addressing multiple identities.

Social Work and Community Development

Evaluating the impact of community gardens on neighborhood well-being.
The role of social workers in disaster response and recovery.
Strategies for combating homelessness and housing insecurity.
Assessing the effectiveness of community-based participatory research in social work.
Social work’s contribution to sustainable community development.

Social Work and Child Welfare

Investigating the long-term outcomes of children in foster care.
The impact of parental substance abuse on child welfare.
Exploring cultural competence in child welfare services.
Innovative approaches to supporting kinship care families.
Assessing the effectiveness of early intervention programs for at-risk children.

Global Perspectives in Social Work Research

Cross-cultural perspectives on social work ethics.
Human rights and social work: An international comparison.
The role of social work in addressing global health disparities.
Social work responses to forced migration and refugee crises.
Comparative analysis of social work systems in different countries.

Technology and Social Work

Ethical considerations in the use of artificial intelligence in social work.
Online therapy and its implications for the future of social work.
Integrating telehealth in social work practice: Challenges and benefits.
Cyberbullying and the role of social workers in prevention and intervention.
The impact of social media on social work advocacy.

Policy and Advocacy in Social Work

Analyzing the impact of welfare reform on vulnerable populations.
Social work advocacy for criminal justice reform.
The role of social workers in shaping healthcare policies.
Addressing disparities in access to education through social work policy.
Environmental justice and the role of social work in sustainability.

Substance Abuse and Addiction in Social Work

Harm reduction strategies in social work practice.
Supporting families affected by substance abuse: A social work perspective.
Exploring the intersection of trauma and addiction in social work.
Assessing the effectiveness of drug prevention programs in schools.
The role of social workers in opioid addiction treatment.

Gerontology and Aging in Social Work

Aging in place: Examining the role of social work in supporting seniors at home.
Social isolation and mental health in the elderly population.
Addressing elder abuse: Strategies for prevention and intervention.
Palliative care and the role of social workers in end-of-life care.
The impact of dementia on families and the role of social work support.

Education and Social Work

The role of school social workers in addressing student mental health.
Inclusive education: Social work interventions for students with disabilities.
Bullying prevention programs in schools: A social work perspective.
Examining the impact of teacher-student relationships on academic outcomes.
Social work support for students experiencing homelessness.

Human Trafficking and Exploitation

Human trafficking prevention and intervention strategies in social work.
The role of social workers in supporting survivors of human trafficking.
Addressing labor exploitation through social work advocacy.
Intersectionality and human trafficking: A comprehensive approach.
Assessing the effectiveness of anti-trafficking policies and programs.

Family Dynamics and Social Work

Impact of divorce and separation on children: Social work interventions.
Foster care reunification: Challenges and success factors.
LGBTQ+ parenting and the role of social work in family support.
Domestic violence prevention programs: A social work perspective.
Blended families: Navigating challenges and fostering resilience.

Health and Healthcare Disparities

Social determinants of health and their impact on vulnerable populations.
Access to healthcare for underserved communities: A social work perspective.
The role of social workers in supporting individuals with chronic illnesses.
Reducing health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities through social work interventions.
Palliative care and the psychosocial aspects of terminal illness.

Human Rights and Social Work

Social work advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.
Promoting gender equality through social work initiatives.
Indigenous rights and the role of social workers in reconciliation.
Advocacy for the rights of people with disabilities: A social work perspective.
Social work responses to human rights violations and social justice issues.

Disability and Inclusion

Social work interventions for children with developmental disabilities.
The impact of inclusive employment programs on individuals with disabilities.
Accessibility and social work advocacy for people with physical disabilities.
Autism spectrum disorder: Social work support for individuals and families.
Inclusive recreation programs: Enhancing the lives of people with disabilities.

Veterans and Military Social Work

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the role of social workers in veteran support.
Social work interventions for military families experiencing deployment stress.
Transitioning from military to civilian life: Challenges and opportunities.
The impact of substance abuse on veterans and social work prevention strategies.
Access to mental health services for veterans: A social work perspective.

Community Mental Health Programs

Evaluating the effectiveness of community mental health clinics.
Peer support programs in community mental health: A social work approach.
Social work interventions for reducing stigma around mental illness in communities.
Integrating mental health into primary care settings through collaborative care approaches.
Social workers’ roles in school-based mental health initiatives.

Immigration and Social Work

Social work responds to populations of immigrants and refugees’ mental health issues.
The effect of immigration laws on social service accessibility.
Community integration and social work support for immigrants.
Advocacy for immigrant rights: A social work perspective.
Family reunification and the role of social workers in immigration processes.

Social Work in Rural Communities

Access to healthcare in rural communities: Social work interventions.
Substance abuse prevention in rural settings: Challenges and solutions.
Community development strategies for promoting rural well-being.
Addressing mental health disparities in rural populations: A social work approach.
Social work support for families facing economic challenges in rural areas.

Trauma-Informed Social Work Practice

Integrating trauma-informed care into social work practice.
Addressing childhood trauma through school-based interventions.
Trauma-focused therapies and their application in social work.
Vicarious trauma and self-care strategies for social workers.
The role of social workers in supporting survivors of sexual assault.

Social Work in Schools

School-based bullying prevention programs: A social work perspective.
Social work interventions for students with learning disabilities.
The impact of school social workers on academic success.
Mental health support for at-risk youth in school settings.
The role of social workers in addressing the school-to-prison pipeline.

Criminal Justice and Social Work

Reentry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals: A social work approach.
Juvenile justice and the role of social workers in rehabilitation.
Addressing racial disparities in the criminal justice system: A social work perspective.
The impact of incarceration on families and social work support.

Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR)

Principles and applications of community-based participatory research in social work.
Engaging communities in the research process: A CBPR approach.
Evaluating the outcomes of community-based interventions using CBPR.
Challenges and opportunities in implementing CBPR in diverse settings.
Empowering communities through CBPR: Case studies and best practices.

Social Work and Environmental Justice

Climate change and its impact on vulnerable populations: A social work perspective.
Environmental justice and community organizing: Social work interventions.
Sustainable community development and the role of social workers.
Access to clean water and sanitation: A social work advocacy approach.
Indigenous perspectives on environmental justice: A social work lens.

Human Services Administration

Leadership styles in human services administration: A social work perspective.
The role of technology in improving human services delivery.
Strategies for effective human services program evaluation.
Addressing burnout and promoting self-care in human services organizations.
Social work ethics and decision-making in human services administration.

Social Work and Artificial Intelligence

Applications of AI in social work practice: Opportunities and challenges.
The role of chatbots in mental health support: A social work perspective.
Bias and fairness in algorithmic decision-making in social work.
Human-AI collaboration in social work: Enhancing service delivery.

Crisis Intervention and Social Work

Social work responses to natural disasters: Lessons learned and best practices.
Crisis intervention strategies for individuals experiencing acute trauma.
The role of social workers in emergency shelters and disaster recovery.
Trauma-informed care in crisis intervention: A social work approach.
Collaborative approaches to crisis intervention in community settings.

Social Work in the LGBTQ+ Community

LGBTQ+ youth homelessness: Social work interventions and prevention.
Supporting transgender and non-binary individuals in social work practice.
Mental health disparities in the LGBTQ+ community: A social work perspective.
LGBTQ+ inclusive policies in social service organizations.
Social work advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and equal access to services.

Social Work and Aging

Aging in place: Social work interventions for promoting independence.
Social work support for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and their families.
End-of-life decision-making and the role of social workers.
Social isolation among older adults: Strategies for prevention and intervention.
Exploring innovative housing models for aging populations.

Faith-Based Social Work

The intersection of faith and social work: Ethical considerations.
Faith-based organizations in community development: A social work perspective.
Pastoral care and counseling: Social work support in religious communities.
Addressing religious discrimination in social work practice.
Interfaith dialogue and its role in fostering social cohesion: A social work approach.

Social Work in Substance Use Prevention

Social work interventions for preventing substance use among adolescents.
The impact of early childhood experiences on later substance use: A social work perspective.
Prevention programs targeting high-risk populations: A social work approach.
Social work support for families affected by parental substance use.
Community-based strategies for preventing opioid misuse: A social work lens.

Global Mental Health and Social Work

Cultural considerations in global mental health: A social work approach.
Collaborative approaches to addressing mental health stigma globally.
The role of social workers in disaster mental health response internationally.
Integrating traditional healing practices into global mental health interventions.
Comparative analysis of mental health policies and services worldwide.

Social Work and Human-Animal Interaction

Animal-assisted therapy in social work practice: Applications and benefits.
The role of therapy animals in reducing stress and promoting well-being.
Animal cruelty prevention and the role of social workers.
The impact of pet ownership on mental health: A social work perspective.
Ethical considerations in incorporating animals into social work interventions.

Refugee Mental Health and Social Work

Trauma-informed approaches in working with refugee populations.
Social work support for refugee children in educational settings.
Addressing mental health disparities among refugee communities.
Cultural competence in providing mental health services to refugees.
Resettlement challenges and social work interventions for refugees.

Community Resilience and Social Work

Building community resilience in the face of adversity: A social work perspective.
Social work interventions for promoting resilience in vulnerable populations.
Resilience-based mental health programs in schools: A social work approach.
The role of social workers in disaster resilience planning.
Collective trauma and community healing: A social work lens.

Technology and Social Work Ethics

Ethical considerations in the use of social media in social work practice.
Privacy and confidentiality in the age of digital record-keeping.
Ensuring equity in access to technology-based interventions: A social work approach.
Social work responses to cyberbullying: Prevention and intervention strategies.
Ethical guidelines for the use of virtual reality in social work practice.

Social Work in Sports

Sports-based youth development programs: A social work perspective.
The role of social workers in promoting mental health in athletes.
Addressing substance use and performance-enhancing drugs in sports: A social work lens.
Inclusive sports programs for individuals with disabilities: A social work approach.
Social work interventions for preventing and addressing sports-related violence.

Social Work in the Arts

Arts-based interventions in social work practice: Applications and outcomes.
The role of creative expression in trauma recovery: A social work perspective.
Using theater and performance arts in social work education and therapy.
Arts programs for at-risk youth: A social work approach.
The impact of the arts on community well-being: A social work lens.

Social Work and Foster Care Adoption

Social work interventions for successful foster care reunification.
Addressing the unique needs of LGBTQ+ youth in foster care.
The impact of foster care placement on child development: A social work perspective.
Post-adoption support services: A social work approach.
Cultural competence in transracial and transcultural foster care and adoption.

Social Work in the Gig Economy

The Role of Social Work in Addressing Mental Health Challenges in the Gig Economy
Exploring Social Work Strategies for Supporting Gig Workers’ Financial Stability
Gig Economy and Social Work Advocacy: Ensuring Fair Labor Practices
Navigating Occupational Hazards: Social Work Interventions in Gig Work Environments
Social Work’s Contribution to Promoting Work-Life Balance in the Gig Economy

Emerging Trends in Social Work Research

The Impact of Technology on Social Work Practice: Examine how technology is influencing social work practices and service delivery, considering both advantages and ethical considerations.
Ethical Considerations in the Use of Technology in Social Work Research: Discuss the ethical challenges associated with the integration of technology in social work research and propose guidelines for responsible use.
Cross-Cultural Studies in Social Work: Explore the significance of cross-cultural studies in social work research, promoting a deeper understanding of diverse cultural contexts.
Addressing Global Social Issues through Research: Investigate how social work research can contribute to addressing global social challenges, such as poverty, migration, and climate change.

Tips for Conducting Social Work Research

Developing a Research Question

Craft a research question for social work research topics that is clear, concise, and aligns with the chosen social work research topic. The question should guide the research process and contribute meaningfully to the existing literature.

Choosing Appropriate Research Methods

Select research methods that align with the nature of the research question and the goals of the study. Consider whether qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods approaches are most suitable for addressing the research objectives.

Ethical Considerations in Social Work Research

Prioritize ethical considerations throughout the research process. Ensure informed consent, confidentiality, and respect for the dignity and rights of research participants.

Resources for Social Work Researchers

Journals and Publications

Explore reputable social work journals and publications to stay updated on the latest research, methodologies, and findings. Examples include the “Journal of Social Work” and the “British Journal of Social Work.”

Professional Organizations

Joining professional organizations such as the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) provides access to valuable resources, networking opportunities, and conferences that enhance a researcher’s knowledge and skills.

Online Databases and Research Tools

Utilize online databases like PubMed , Social Work Abstracts, and Google Scholar to access a wide range of social work research articles. Additionally, familiarize yourself with research tools and software that can streamline the research process.

In conclusion, the journey of selecting the social work research topics is a crucial step that requires thoughtful consideration and reflection. The chosen topic should align with personal interests, address current social issues, and contribute meaningfully to the field of social work.

As researchers embark on this journey, they have the opportunity to explore diverse areas, from mental health and child welfare to emerging trends in technology and global perspectives.

By following ethical guidelines, employing appropriate research methods, and leveraging valuable resources, social work researchers can make significant contributions to improving the well-being of individuals and communities.

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81 Social Work Research Topics to Consider for PhD Research

Browse our collection of wide-ranging research topics for social work that can make your project stand out.

Great Social Work Topics to Research: Signs, Features & Examples

The main thing to remember when seeking great social work research proposal topics is the need to focus on investigating actual problems. Major research areas are related to concepts, theories, and principles people use to interact with individuals and groups. Moreover, research also covers internal processes and functioning principles within social entities. The research helps to understand the problems better and find solutions.

Another important thing is that social work topics to research should be associated with the practice. Theoretical knowledge can’t be completed without a practical part. The research proposal topic should bring specific evidence, functional arguments, and tangible benefits. Your social work research topics should be revolutionary for the field and align with the latest trends.

What Makes Qualitative Research Topics in Social Work Outstanding

Composing a proposal is essential if you need to conduct investigations in a particular field. Social work research proposals are required to outline your plan to study a specific area. In the research proposal, you should demonstrate impeccable knowledge of the field’s fundamental problems and an understanding of the research question set. It should clearly explain the social work research methods chosen and state the outcomes you expect to get.

The initial step in creating a proposal is finding an appropriate social work research topics ideas. However, selecting an exciting theme among myriads of options may be challenging, even if you narrow the search area. To simplify the process and provide you with the most valuable opportunities, we’ve collected some of the best ideas to inspire you for an excellent research proposal and further work.

Besides having a paper topic list, you may need an example of social work research proposal to complete the task successfully. This sample shows how the text is structured and how the information is distributed among all parts. Just look at how the research question is formulated here and how the author manages it to add more value to their work.

Social Work Research Topics Ideas to Inspire You

Developing worthy scholarly research topics in social work is usually the hardest, especially if people must do it themselves. Without proper experience, it is sometimes difficult to assess the manageability of the study, the relevance, and the availability of supporting materials. To make the task easier, we present you with research topics for social work proposals that will inspire you and give you an idea of what to write a paper about.

Preparing Educators for Multiple Settings
Evaluation of the Impact of Innovation on Social Workers’ Performance
Support Services for Families in Need
Peer Service Providers in Addressing Reproductive Health
The Major Problems Encountered by Social Workers During Work
The Best Inclusive Practices on Education for People with ASD
The Impact of Gender Diversity in Schools
How Secondary Trauma Affects Adults
Importance of Religion in Reducing Stereotypes
The Impact of Death on the Collective Well-Being of the Family
How Does Evidence-Based Practice Influence Life-Long Learning?
How Homelessness Impacts People’s Psyche
The Best Social Inclusion Strategies for War Victims
Strategies to Support Single Parents
The Effect and Consequences of Mis- and Undiagnosed Mental Illnesses
The Cultural Importance of Generation Gap
Significance of Family Support as a Possible Way of Alcohol Recovery
The Impact of Alcohol on the Psychology of a Person
Proper Ways to Breed Love in Foster Care

Most of the ideas in this social work research topics list have a solid research base that you can use to conduct a detailed literature review and develop your own arguments. Reinventing the wheel is good practice, but the ability to find a worthwhile solution by examining an exciting question from a different perspective is just as good.

Controversial Social Work Research Topics List

As with different fields and areas, many paper topics relate to problems, situations, and cases that are worth discussing but often glossed over. Violence, trauma, and stigmatization are just a few examples of such issues that would seem better suited for psychology research proposals . However, these issues are no less important to consider in the social work context.

Exploration of the Effect of Poverty on Children’s Mental Health
The Impact of Student Loans on Learners Motivation and Well-Being
Helping Sexually Exploited Children
The Common Types of Elder Abuse and Ways to Prevent Them
The Major Stigma Associated With People Who Have Depression
Therapy and Support Groups for Welfare Workers
Coping With Imprisonment Stigma
Coping Strategies of Men During Violence at Home
Social Inclusion Measures for War Veterans
The Essence of Welfare Work Sector Diversity
What Are Disability and the Stigma Enveloping It?
Identifying the Practices Considered Neglecting Children
The Connection Between Divorce and the Health and Lifestyle of Children
Psychological Violence and Damages It Causes
Ways to Identify Trauma in the Workplace
Ways to Improve Living Standards in Foster Homes
Counteracting Bullying Aimed At Dyslexic Children
Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on Community Wellbeing
Effects of Misdiagnosis of Mental Illness
How Home Violence Impacts Children
Challenges Faced by Minority Children at Their Foster Homes
Social Problems of ASD Children
Research of Social Reacts to Euthanasia
Undiagnosed Depression and How Family Exacerbates It
Ways to Control Addiction at Various Stages
Psychological Impacts of Child Trafficking
Sustainability of Wellness Therapy
Teenage Pregnancy Impact on Teenage Mothers
Negative Impact of Conversion Therapy Negatively on the LGBTQ+ Community
Spousal Violence and How to Address It

Research Topics for Social Work Students Who Want to Go Far

What do you want to achieve with your social work research proposal? Is it a common assignment you just need to handle, or will this project mark the beginning of your path to effectively helping people? Think about this when selecting a research proposal sociology topic, and consider choosing something that resonates with you personally.

Risks of Drug Abuse Among Adolescents From Disadvantaged Families
Negative Effects of Abusive Parenting
Investigation and Prevention Causes of Child Abuse in Orphanages
How Does Domestic Violence Affect a Family
The Strategies Put in Place to Encourage Women to Report GBV
A Study of Dealing With Dyslexia as an Adolescent
Trafficking: The Impacts of It on the Social Well-Being of a Society
Vulnerability to Drugs and Ways to Help Drug Addicts
Clinical Depression and Undiagnosed Depression
Therapy for Underrepresented Groups and Its Importance in Reducing Discrimination
The Dangers of Confinement and Why It Should Be Looked Into
The Challenges of Hurricanes in Low-Income Neighborhoods
Ways for PTSD Patients to Receive Inclusive Support
Gender Roles and Cultural Beliefs and Their Impact on Marriages
The Practice of Resilience Amongst Social Workers
The Protest Against Police Brutality
Sponsorship Impact on the Lives of Recovering Addicts
The Impacts of Constant Mobility on the Lives of Orphaned Toddlers
The Ways Physical Abuse Affects Spousal Intimacy
An Importance of Encouraging More Flexible Social Structures for Disabled People
The Greatest Risk of Fetal Alcohol Exposure
Transition to Social Work From Previous Employment
The Global Poverty of Modern Human Services
The Best Way to Establish a High School Service-Learning Program
How Mass Media Affects Educational Development
Factors Leading To Children’s Neglection in Society
The Effect of Mass Media on Childhood Socialization
The Best Autism Care Practices
The Generation Gap and Effect on Culture
How Family Cruelty Impacts Lives
Factors Contributing to Family Violence

To find more paper topic ideas, check out the social work research topics pdf and pick something to inspire yourself.

Download Here More Social Science Research Proposal Ideas!

What else does the choice of research topics for social work students affect?

Data Collection and Analysis

Ensure your chosen proposal topic has enough materials to create a solid theoretical framework. Also, it often influences research methodology. For example, by selecting a qualitative research topic in social work, you should be prepared to organize focus groups, develop questionnaires, etc.

The Whole Work Process

A social work research proposal is just a plan for your work during the next several years. If you choose a paper topic that doesn’t interest you, you risk burnout and failing to earn the desired degree.

The Outcome and Research Success

Most research topics in social work are related to significant problems humanity faces. Thus, your proposal ideas should be practicable and relevant. They also should have measurable outcomes and lead to improvements in your field.

Let Experts Help with Social Work Research Proposals Preparation

The selection of research topics social work is only a part of the process. Next, you will need to collect and analyze available materials, design your own research, and cope with it, which may not be easy. Luckily, our seasoned proposal writing experts can help you not only with great inspirational ideas but also with their realization in the paper. No matter how complex and comprehensive your qualitative research topics in social work are, there are field-related PhD researchers to support you. Just provide us with the needed requirements and research materials, if any, and enjoy your well-written proposal paper delivered soon!

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Home » Blog » Dissertation » Topics » Social Work » Social Work Dissertation Topics (25 Examples) For Research

Social Work Dissertation Topics (25 Examples) For Research

Mark Jun 20, 2020 Jun 18, 2020 Social Work No Comments

If you are planning to make a career in the field of social work, you need to take a cognitive approach to improve the lives of many people. Your social work dissertation would be an important part of your degree program. You need to choose the right social work dissertation topics considering your area of […]

We offer a list of social work dissertation topics providing suggestions on research topics on social work and project topic on social work. So, if you are stuck in choosing social work dissertation topics and project topics on social work, you can take our help. We not only help in topic selection but also offer writing services.

List of Social work dissertation topics

The role of social workers in the evolution of children raised in violent families.

Studying the impact of social work on the mental health of visually impaired people.

The importance of social work for domestic violence in slum areas.

The role of social workers in rescuing procedures of earthquake victims.

The risks involved in the areas of an epidemic for social work professionals.

Evaluating the legal rights of families of social workers working in susceptible areas – case of the UK.

Investigating the role of social work in the mainstream development of low-income groups.

The significant problems associated with dealing with children related to the victims of kidnapping.

How social workers can help in bringing positive changes and developments in society?

How social workers highlight the problems of society and contribute to developing solutions to reduce problems?

Impact of technology on mass communication and how it reaches the public.

What are the main reasons behind homelessness in the UK?

Are there any connections between race and the occurrence of child abuse in families?

Exploring the relationship between social work and social problems studying systems theory and constructionism.

The relationship between sociology, social work, and social problems.

Analysing the knowledge of social conditions and social problems.

How social work is contributing to solving social problems in underdeveloped countries?

The strategies that can be used by social workers to volunteer for helping elderly people?

Helping stray animals can help in creating a better place to live in – A qualitative analysis.

A literature review on how social work has a positive impact on society and communities.

Can social workers convince people to act responsibly and ethically?

Exploring the future of the newspaper based on qualitative analysis.

Values, dilemmas and political controversies faced by the professional social workers.

Analysing the societal challenges that affect the role of social workers.

Critique the social work profession’s response to social problems.

Discussing the cases of how the donations are used unethically and inappropriately.

Importance of a journalist’s integrity while reporting.

The importance of transparency and accountability in the field of social work.

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Dissertations

Graduates' doctoral dissertations #.

Samantha Wolfe-Taylor

The e-OSCE and Social Work Education: Creating Authentic, High-impact Practice Learning Opportunities for Students

Mary Provence

How Public Libraries Respond to Crises Involving Patrons Experiencing Homelessness: Multiple Perspectives of the Role of the Public Library Social Worker

Paige Klemme

Secondary Traumatic Stress: Pervasiveness and Contributing Factors in School Personnel

Danny Carroll Leaving Hate: Social Work and the Journey out of Far-Right Extremism

Minyoung Lim The Experience of Burmese Refugee Students in Higher Education: Blooming out of Concrete

Joe Bartholomew Predictors of Acceptance: Exploring Healthcare-Related Master’s-Level Social Workers’ Attitudes on Alcohol Use Disorder, Opioid Use Disorder, and Medicated-Assisted Treatment

Marcia French Post Liver Transplant Patient Outcomes and Survival: Impact of Demographics and Psychosocial Factors

Dolapo Adeniji The Influence of Social Isolation and Other Risk Factors on Older African Immigrants’ Emotional Well-Being

Stephanie Rudd Oppression in Social Work Education: How Do Oppression and Privilege Impact Social Work Educators’ Pedagogy?

Stephanie Q. Quiring Living with Serious Mental Illness, Police Encounters, and Relationships of Power: A Critical Phenomenological Study

M. Killian Kinney Learning to Thrive in a Binary World: Understanding the Gendered Experiences of Nonbinary Individuals and Ways to Bolster Wellbeing

Grace Yi Using Technology to Enhance the Well-Being of Caregivers of Persons with Dementia: Implications for Social Work Practice and Policy
Christine Bishop The Experiences of Latino Adolescent Mentees Growing-Up with a Single Mother and Mentoring Program Development: A Narrative Analysis Study
Sara Makki Alamdari Resilience-Related Outcomes Among War-Affected Arab Refugees in the U.S.
Lisa McConnell Lewis Deliberate Self-Harm in Young Children
Wafa Alhajri Women’s Perspectives on Social Change in Saudi Arabia
Pinkie Evans The Intersections of Military Family Culture and Black Family Culture: Challenges and Benefits of Being a Black Daughter in a Military Family
Drew Winters Social Cognitive and Affective Neural Substrates of Adolescent Transdiagnostic Symptoms
Matthew Walsh Examining Collaboration Within Child Welfare Multidisciplinary Teams: How Home-Based Therapists Respond to Conflict
Richard Brandon Friedman The Impact of Sexual Identity Development on the Sexual Health of Youth Formerly in the Foster Care System
Kristin Trainor Prenatal Substance Misuse: Exploring Healthcare Providers’ Attitudes and Perceptions
Evan Harris Sex-Based Employment Protections for Transgender Individuals: A Study of Title VII Legal Cases in the Sixth Circuit
I-Hsuan Lin Work-Family Conflict and Gender Equality: Theory Development, Responses of Policy Regimes, and Immigrants’ Experiences
Taekyung Park Perspectives of transformational leadership by child welfare workers : impacts on turnover intention
Hyemin Son Established multicultural families’ work and life : the impact of employment and perceived Korean husbands’ practical support on migrant wives’ life satisfaction
Sheila Dennis Applied Educational Neuroscience in Elementary Classrooms: A Grounded Theory Study
Jangmin Kim Building Transformative School-Community Collaboration: A Critical Paradigm
Lalit Khandare Domestic Violence and Empowerment: A National Study of Scheduled Caste Women in India
Haiping Chen Developing the Organizational Competencies to Promote American Elders’ Civic Engagement
Steven Hyer The Impact of Combat Deployment Experiences on Intimate Partner Violence in the Air Force
Aaron Willis Using Marion County, Indiana Coroner Records and Deputy Field Officer Reports to Understand Heroin and Prescription Painkiller Overdoses

Isaac Karikari Child Labor: A Critical Discourse Analysis

Matt Moore Taking a Time-Out to Ensure Well-Being: Social Work Involvement in College Sports
Rob Richardson Education on the Edge: Underprepared Students in BSW Programs
Kori Bloomquist “A Piece of You is Gone:” Foster Parent Experiences of Pre-adoptive Placement Disruption
Gail Augustine An Examination of Attrition Factors for Underrepresented Minority Undergraduate Students: Phenomenological Perspectives of Successful Students and Graduates
Susan Larimer From testing the water to riding the waves: New master of social work graduates’ journey from student to professional
Victoria Hanson The Meaning of Successful Aging Among Older Adults with Long-Term Disabilities
Jennifer Anderson Scaffolding in Interprofessional Education: Implications for Social Work Education
Kyle McGregor New Approaches to Research with Vulnerable Populations: Interdisciplinary Application of a Framework for Vulnerability and Adolescent Capacity to Consent
Leila Wood Domestic Violence Advocacy
Jennifer Wright Berryman The Influence of Decision-Making Preferences on Medication Adherence for Persons with Severe Mental Illness in Primary Health Care
David Wilkerson Integrating Individual and Social Learning Strategies in a Small-Group Model for Online Psycho-Educational Intervention: A Mixed Methods Study of a Parent-Management Training Program
Govind Dhaske The Lived Experience of Rural Women Affected with Matted Hair in Southwestern India
Amy Murphy-Nugen From Homeownership to Foreclosure: Exploring the Meanings Homeowners’ Associate with the Lived Experience of Foreclosure
Barb Burdge A Phenomenology of Transgenderism as a Valued Life Experience Among Transgender Adults in the Midwestern United States
Janell Horton Exploring the Cultural Experiences of Family Case Managers: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Zulkipli Lessy Philanthropic Zakat for Empowering Indonesian’s Poor: A Qualitative Study of Recipient Experiences at Rumah Zakat
Sung-Ju Kim The Impact of Federal Government Expenditures on State Government Expenditures and Philanthropic Giving to Human Services Organizations (HSOs): 2005-2006
Ankita Deka Racial Disparities in Self-Reported Health and Health Care Utilization: Does Primary Care Matter?
Jieru Bai Development and Validation of the Acculturative Stress Scale for Chinese College Students in the United States (ASSCS)
James Brown Trajectories of Parents’ Experiences in Discovering, Reporting, and Living with the Aftermath of Middle School Bullying
Beth Muehlhausen Dual Degree Programs in Social Work and Divinity: Graduates’ Experiences
Jaylene Schaefer Child Abuse Prevention by Home Visitors: A Study of Outstanding Home Visitors using Mixed Methods

Virgil Gregory Gregory Research Beliefs Scale: Factor Structure and Psychometric Characteristics

Delthea Hill African American Heterosexual Women Facing the HIV/AIDS Pandemic: Giving Voice to Sexual Decision-Making
Daniel Navarro Cross- Border Fathering: The Lived Experience of Mexican Immigrant Fathers
Carolyn Gentle-Genitty Impact of Social Bonding on Chronic Truancy: Perceptions of Middle School Principals
Betty Walton Predictors of Improvement for Children Served in Developing Systems of Care
Monique Busch Examining Organizational Learning for Application in Human Service Organizations
Michael Twyman The Lived Experience of African American Grandfathers Raising their Grandchildren
Greta Yoder Slater Firearm Suicide among Older Adults: A Sociological Autopsy
Glenna Barnes Understanding the Social and Cultural Factors Related To African American Infant Mortality: A Phenomenological Approach
Carol Decker Social Support, Family Environment, and Coping in Adolescents with Cancer

Marty Pentz Cancer: The Lived Experience of the Older Adult

Celia Williamson Entrance, Maintenance, and Exit: The Socio-Economic Influences and umulative Burdens of Female Street Prostitution
Jacqualyn Green Factors in African American Social Work Student Persistence

Home > School, College, or Department > SSW > Dissertations and Theses

School of Social Work Dissertations and Theses

Theses/dissertations from 2024 2024.

Understanding the Other: Mentor Ethnocultural Empathy and Relationship Quality and Duration in Youth Mentoring , Miriam Miranda-Diaz

The Mirror Project: Reflections on the Experiences of African-American Female Adolescents Experiencing Foster Care , Bahia Anise-Cross DeGruy Overton

Living on the Outskirts of Things: Women and Nonbinary People of Color with Cognitive Disabilities Describe Their Employment Experiences , Laura Spura Rodriguez

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

Does Structural Racism Influence How Black/African Americans Define Memory Loss and Cognitive Impairment? An Africana Phenomenological Study , Andre Pruitt

Prosecutors or Helpers: An Institutional Ethnography of Child Protective Services Casework , Anna Maria Rockhill

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

A Critical Discourse Analysis of How Youth in Care Describe Social Support , Jared Israel Best

Examining Demographic and Environmental Factors in Predicting the Perceived Impact of Cancer on Childhood and Adolescent Cancer Survivors , Nazan Cetin

Health Literacy and People Diagnosed with Mental Illness , Beckie Child

High School Persisters and Alternative Schools , Hyuny Clark-Shim

Examining the Role of Social Support and Neighborhood Deprivation in the Relationship Between Multiple ACEs and Health Risk Behaviors , Marin L. Henderson-Posther

A Typology of Foster Home Quality Elements in Relation to Foster Youth Mental Health , Paul Sorenson

"I'm Very Enlightened:" Assisting Black Males Involved in the Criminal Justice System to Deal With and Heal From Racism , Darnell Jackie Strong

The Mechanisms Connecting State Marijuana Policies to Parent, Peer, and Youth Drug Perception Leading to Youth Marijuana Use , Eunbyeor Sophie Yang

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

E(Raced): Race and Use of Self Amongst BIPOC Social Workers , Anita Reinette Gooding

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

A Colorless Nature: Exploring the Mental Health (Help-Seeking) Experiences of Pre-Adolescent Black American Children , Christopher Ashley Burkett

The Economically Disadvantaged Speak: Exploring the Intersection of Poverty, Race, Child Neglect and Racial Disproportionality in the Child Welfare System , Angela Gail Cause

Examining the Narratives of Military Sexual Trauma Survivors , Maria Carolina González-Prats

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Our Vision of Health for Future Generations: an Exploration of Proximal and Intermediary Motivations with Women of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma , Danica Love Brown

Interrogating the Construction and Representations of Criminalized Women in the Academic Social Work Literature: a Critical Discourse Analysis , Sandra Marie Leotti

Learning From Culturally Specific Programs and Their Impact on Latino Parent Engagement , Analucia Lopezrevoredo

Physical and Emotional Sibling Violence and Child Welfare: a Critical Realist Exploratory Study , Katherine Elizabeth Winters

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Is Therapy Going to the Dogs? Evaluating Animal Assisted Therapy for Early Identified At-Risk Children , Leah Faith Brookner

Investigating Time During Residential Program Until Transition for Adjudicated Youth: a Mixed Methods Study Using Event History Analysis with Follow-Up Interviews , Emily Carol Lott

Role of Spouse/Partner in Fertility Preservation Decision Making by Young Women with Cancer , Aakrati Mathur

Exploring the Association of Victimization and Alcohol and Marijuana Use among American Indian Youth Living On or Near Reservations: a Mixed Methods Study , Lindsay Nicole Merritt

The Intersections of Good Intentions, Criminality, and Anti-Carceral Feminist Logic: a Qualitative Study that Explores Sex Trades Content in Social Work Education , Meg Rose Panichelli

Latinas and Sexual Health: Correlates of Sexual Satisfaction , Christine Marie Velez

A Foucaultian Discourse Analysis of Person-Centered Practice Using a Genealogical Framework of Intellectual Disability , Nick Winges-Yanez

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Foundational Knowledge and Other Predictors of Commitment to Trauma-Informed Care , Stephanie Anne Sundborg

An Analysis of Oregon Youth Authority Populations: Who Receives Treatment and What Factors Influence Allocation of Treatment Resources? , Rebecca Arredondo Yazzie

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

The Importance of Online Peer Relationships During the Transition to Motherhood: Do They Decrease Stress, Alleviate Depression and Increase Parenting Competence? , Bobbie Sue Arias

Bridging the Worlds of Home and School: a Study of the Relational Worlds of First-Generation Students in a School of Social Work , Miranda Cunningham

An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis of Long-Term Mentoring Relationships from the Youth Perspective , Kevin Richard Jones

The Development and Validation of the Social Recovery Measure , Casadi "Khaki" Marino

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

A Queer Liberation Movement? A Qualitative Content Analysis of Queer Liberation Organizations, Investigating Whether They are Building a Separate Social Movement , Joseph Nicholas DeFilippis

Got Hair that Flows in the Wind: The Complexity of Hair and Identity among African American Female Adolescents in Foster Care , Lakindra Michelle Mitchell Dove

Assessing the Impact of Restrictiveness and Placement Type on Transition-Related Outcomes for Youth With and Without Disabilities Aging Out of Foster Care , Jessica Danielle Schmidt

Fathers Caring for Children with Special Health Care Needs: Experiences of Work-Life Fit , Claudia Sellmaier

Investigating the Impact of Sibling Foster Care on Placement Stability , Jeffrey David Waid

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Understanding Sexual Assault Survivors' Willingness to Participate in the Judicial System , Mildred Ann Davis

The Relationship between Mindfulness and Burnout among Master of Social Work Students , Jolanta Maria Piatkowska

Out of the Way and Out of Place: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the Experiences of Social Interactions of Bisexually Attracted Young People , A. Del Quest

Strengths in Action: Implementing a Learning Organization Model in a Human Service Setting , Barbara Ann Whitbeck

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

"Who Would Have Thought, With a Diagnosis Like This, I Would be Happy?": Portraits of Perceived Strengths and Resources in Early-Stage Dementia , Jutta Elisabeth Ataie

Lost in the Margins? Intersections Between Disability and Other Non-Dominant Statuses with Regard to Peer Victimization and Psychosocial Distress Among Oregon Teens , Marjorie Grace McGee

Teachers' Negative Comments Toward Youth in Foster Care with Disabilities: How Do They Relate to Youths' Problem Behaviors, School Attitudes, and School Performance? , Sunghwan Noh

Exploring the Effects of Multi-Level Protective and Risk Factors on Child and Parenting Outcomes in Families Participating in Healthy Start/Healthy Families Oregon (HS/HFO) , Peggy Nygren

Public Opinion and the Oregon Death with Dignity Act , Peggy Jo Ann Sandeen

The Role of Psycho-Sociocultural Factors in Suicide Risk Among Mong/Hmong Youth , TangJudy Vang

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

Increasing Social Work Students' Political Interest and Efficacy: The Experience and Impact of a Social Welfare Policy Course from the Students' Perspective , Christie Dianne Bernklau Halvor

Exploring Support Network Structure, Content, and Stability as Youth Transition from Foster Care , Jennifer E. Blakeslee

Understanding the Experience of Air Force Single Parents: A Phenomenological Study , Samantha Everhart Blanchard

Implementer Perspectives: The Implementation of a School-Based Mentoring Program , Amanda Angela Fixsen

Risk Factors for Homelessness Among Community Mental Health Patients with Severe Mental Illness , Rupert Talmage van Wormer

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

Gender, Culture, and Prison Classification: Testing the Reliability and Validity of a Prison Classification System , Aimée Ryan Bellmore

An Investigation of the Relationships between Violence Exposure, Internalizing and Externalizing Problems, and Adolescent Alcohol Use , Gregory Lloyd Forehand

Identifying Modifiable Factors associated with Depression across the Lifespan in Stroke Survivor-Spouse Dyads , Michael Joseph McCarthy

Investigating the Predictors of Postsecondary Education Success and Post-College Life Circumstances of Foster Care Alumni , Amy Michele Salazar

Runaway and Homeless Youth: Changing the Discourse by Legitimizing Youth Voice , Donald Dale Schweitzer

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

Visions and Voices: An Arts-Based Qualitative Study Using Photovoice to Understand the Needs and Aspirations of Diverse Women Working in the Sex Industry , Moshoula Capous Desyllas

Somatization and Engagement in Mental Health Treatment , Teresa Chianello

Parental Differential Treatment (PDT) of Siblings: Examining the Impact and Malleability of Differential Warmth and Hostility on Children's Adjustment , Brianne H. Kothari

Understanding the Development of Self-determination in Youth with Disabilities in Foster Care , Jennifer L. Powers

Child Welfare Workforce Turnover: Frontline Workers' Experiences with Organizational Culture and Climate, and Implications for Organizational Practice , Melanie Dawn Sage

Theses/Dissertations from 2009 2009

Developing One's Self: Adoption and Identity Formation Through the Eyes of Transracially Adopted Native American Adults , Jody Becker-Green

Primary Care, Males, Masculinity, and Suicide : a Grounded Theory Study , John Thomas Casey

Dependent Care and Work-Life Outcomes : Comparing Exceptional Care and Typical Care Responsibilities , Lisa Maureen Stewart

Factors Associated with Inclusion of Spirituality in Secular Social Work Education , Leslie Grace Wuest

Theses/Dissertations from 2008 2008

Up a Creek : the Perilous Journey of Recently Uninsured Low-Income Adults in Oregon , Heidi Allen

Attributes of Effective Head Start Mental Health Consultants : a Mixed Method Study of Rural and Urban Programs , Mary Dallas Allen

Staying Within the Margins: The Educational Stories of First-Generation, Low-Income College Students , Diane Lyn Cole

Children with Incarcerated Parents : a Longitudinal Study of the Effect of Parental Incarceration on Adolescent Externalizing Behaviors , Jean Mollenkamp Kjellstrand

The Child Care Self-Sufficiency Scale: Measuring Child Care Funding and Policy Generosity across States , Karen Tvedt

Theses/Dissertations from 2007 2007

Family-Friendly Workplace Culture, Flexibility, and Workplace Support for Dependent Care : the Perspectives of Human Resource Professionals , Katherine June Huffstutter

Family Participation : Exploring the Role it Plays in Outcomes for Youth with Serious Emotional Disorders , Jodi Lee Kerbs

"Creative Interpretation and Fluidity in a Rights Framework": the Intersection of Domestic Violence and Human Rights in the United States , Karen Lynn Morgaine

Food Security and Hunger among Low income US Households: Relations to Federal Food Assistance Program Participation , Rebecca Elizabeth Sanders

Engaging Our Workforce: How Job Demands and Resources Contribute to Social Worker Burnout, Engagement and Intent to Leave , Sara Laura Schwartz

Theses/Dissertations from 2006 2006

Is It Just Me? Felt HIV -Related Stigma among Adults with HIV , Rebecca Gila Block

Social Workers Addressing Student-Perpetrated Interpersonal Violence in the School Context : Awareness and Use of Evidence-Supported Programs , Natalie Diane Cawood

Sons Providing Care at End-of-Life : Common Threads and nuances , Patricia Ebert

Theses/Dissertations from 2004 2004

Applying the Transtheoretical Model to Cigarette Smoking by Pregnant and Parenting Adolescent Females , Barbara Mary Sussex

Theses/Dissertations from 2002 2002

Identifying and Building on Strengths of Children With Serious Emotional Disturbances , Michael Orval Taylor

Theses/Dissertations from 2001 2001

A Dissertation on African American Male Youth Violence: "Trying to Kill the Part of You that Isn’t Loved" , Joy DeGruy Leary

Theses/Dissertations from 1999 1999

Voices of our past: the rank and file movement in social work, 1931-1950 , Richard William Hunter

The Assessment of Children with Attachment Disorder: The Randolph Attachment Disorder Questionnaire, the Behavioral and Emotional Rating Scale, and the Biopsychosocial Attachment Types Framework , Alice Myrth Ogilvie

Theses/Dissertations from 1997 1997

Grandmothers Laughing: Intergenerational Transmission of Cultural Beliefs About Pregnancy and Childbirth Among Native American Women , Claudia Robin Long

Theses/Dissertations from 1983 1983

The needs of older people as seen by themselves and support providers , Sarah Movius Schurr

Theses/Dissertations from 1981 1981

Non-work-related services at the workplace : an exploratory study , William Roland Adix, Elizabeth March Christie, James J. Christrup, Carol M. Kaulukukui, Jennifer Idris Lenway, Cynthia A. Nelson, Linda S. Rielly, Steven Sorlien, Kathleen A. Sweeney-Easter, Lynn Campbell Tate, Patricia Jones Warman, and Donn C. Warton

Assessment of Needs of Adolescent Mothers in Washington County , John L. Arnold, Jean C. Austin, Gary L. Brink, Jane Hall, Patricia C. Hanson, Valerie A. Ivey, April A. Moran, John P. Pank, Mark J. Skolnick, James A. Tarr, and Roberta B. Vaughn

Burnout: Multi-Dimensional Study of Alienation Among Social Service Workers in the Willamette Valley , Sally Carignan, John Deihl, Judy Harris, Jay Jones, Bonnie Rothman, Sabrina Ullmann, Beth Weinberg-Gordon, Phyllis Weter, Patricia Whitty, and Loretta Wilson

Alternative Agencies: An Exploratory Study , Linda Crane, Carolyn M. Curnane, Mike Echols, Mary Ann Hanson, Susan Kouns, Richard Ono, Mark Pierman, Susan K. Rademacher, Sara Weisberg, and Bea Zizlavsky

An Alumni survey of the School of Social Work, Portland State University , Stephen R. Fishack, Robert A. Forlenza, Susan D. Fredd, Gigi Gandy, William P. Goldsmith, Thomas L. Grier, and Sheila K. Lehto

A Description and Evaluation of the Self-Help Information Service , Cathy Tuma and John Wadsworth

The Portland, Oregon ASAP : an evaluation of treatment effectiveness , Joan M. Wildebush Berry, Stefani K. Cuda, Judi L. Edwards, Mary E. Ericson, Emilie Ford Frisbee, Steve Ernest Hand, Mary Anne Hannibal, Laurel M. Myers, Sharon Lee Perry, Loree Richards, Barbara Burns Schmidtke, Stephen Walker Voris, and Barbara M. Westby

Theses/Dissertations from 1980 1980

Multiple impact therapy : evaluation and design for future study , Jacqueline H. Abikoff, Dennis C. Anderson, Patricia C. Bowman, Carolyn Crawford Caylor, Nancy W. Freeland, Jan A. Godfrey, Marlene Graham, Kelly Ann Mason Hall, Mary J. Hatzenbeler, Susan C. Hedlund, Carol Lewis Kast, Gayle Matson Lansky, Janet M. Lewis, Kathleen Patricia Muldoon, Victoria A. G. Stoudt, and Anita Waage

Salem Teen Mother Program : a follow-up study , Frances L. Barton, Florence C. Berman, Sharon M. Bertoli-Nordlof, Marilyn L. Cooper, Claire K. Murray, Rosanne Peratrovich, Arlene M. Showell, and Julio C. Velazquez

Evaluative Styles of Clinicians in Private Practice , Daniel R. Brophy, Elliot M. Geller, Stephan L. Grove, Nancy E. Hedrick, A. Jill Nelson, and Babette A. Vanelli

Adaptation to dominant society : a self study of a woman of mixed race, black/Indian , Helen Marie Camel

A study of the crisis nature of the preparenthood period and implications for preventative social work practice , Julie Jean Colton

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Digital Commons @ USF > College of Behavioral and Community Sciences > Social Work > Theses and Dissertations

Social Work Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2024 2024.

Osteoarthritis, social role participation, and satisfaction with life: A quantitative study informed by the Social Identity Model of Identity Change (SIMIC) , Stephanie E. Rosado

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Transition of Persons with Developmental Disabilities from Parental to Sibling Co-Residential Care: Effects on Sibling Caregiver Well-Being and Family Functioning , Richard Steven Glaesser

An Exploratory Study of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Communication among Haitian Mother–Daughter Dyads in West Central Florida , Stacy Eileen Kratz

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

An Exploration of the Relationship between Child Welfare Workers’ Ambivalent Sexism and Beliefs about Father Involvement , Katrina Lee Brewsaugh

Physical, Verbal, Relational and Cyber-Bullying and Victimization: Examining the Social and Emotional Adjustment of Participants , Melanie Mcvean

Understanding the Experience of Early-Onset Bipolar Disorder: A Phenomenological Study of Emerging Adults , Kristin M. Smyth

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

A Mixed Methods Inquiry of Caregivers of Veterans with Sustained Serious "Invisible" Injuries in Iraq and/or Afghanistan , Bina Ranjit Patel

Exploring the Relationship of Healthy Lifestyle Characteristics with Food Behaviors of Low-Income, Food Insecure Women in the United States (US) , Kimberly Ann Wollard

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Development of the Professional School Social Work Survey: A Valid and Reliable Tool for Assessment and Planning , Catherine E. Randall

Clinical and Criminal Justice Outcomes in the Jail Diversion and Trauma Recovery (JDTR) Program , Daniel Harold Ringhoff

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Evidence-Based Practice Attitudes, Knowledge and Perceptions of Barriers Among Juvenile Justice Professionals , Esther Chao Mckee

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

The Efficacy of Aggression Replacement Training with Female Juvenile Offenders in a Residential Commitment Program , Jody Anne Erickson

Rural Communities: How Do Individuals Perceive Change When Industry Enters the Area? , Katherine Danielle Ferrari

The Baby Blues: Mothers' Experiences After Adoption , Brigette Barno Schupay

Use of Services by Female Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence: In Their Own Words , Michele M. Scordato

Efforts to Engage Parents and Case Outcomes in the Child Welfare System , Patty Sharrock

Continuing Attachment Bonds to the Deceased: A Study of Bereaved Youth and Their Caregivers , Erica Hill Sirrine

Spiritual Life Review With Older Adults: Finding Meaning in Late Life Development , Alicia Margaret Stinson

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

Children Who Die of Abuse: An Examination of the Effects of Perpetrator Characteristics on Fatal Versus Non-Fatal Child Abuse , Donald L. Dixon

The Mediating Role of Social Support and Fulfillment of Spiritual Needs in End of Life Care , Kimberley A. Gryglewicz

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

Examination of the Effect of Child Abuse Case Characteristics on the Time a Caseworker Devotes to a Case , Christopher J. Card

Evaluating Social Work Students’ Attitudes Toward Physical Disability , Rachael A. Haskell

Theses/Dissertations from 2009 2009

Prevalence of Client Violence against Social Work Students and Its Effects on Fear of Future Violence, Occupational Commitment, and Career Withdrawal Intentions , Pamela Myatt Criss

An evaluation of the influence of case-method instruction on the reflective thinking of MSW students , Marleen Milner

Theses/Dissertations from 2008 2008

Developing a School Social Work Model for Predicting Academic Risk: School Factors and Academic Achievement , Robert Lucio

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Four people sit around a table in a classroom engaged in discussion. There are laptops, cell phones and water bottles on the table.

The dissertation is the hallmark of all doctoral-level study and represents the achievement of a high level of professional performance as a practitioner/researcher. You will be required to complete an independent scholarly research project and examine a topic relevant to clinical social work. By completing the dissertation, you will demonstrate your capacity to contribute to the development and dissemination of knowledge for the profession.

Required Research Courses

To prepare for your dissertation you will take a series of required research courses that provide the foundation of knowledge required both to assess prior research and to design and implement one’s own research. Our faculty teach core research methods, including advanced statistics, in depth.

Dissertation Seminar

During your final summer you will complete a dissertation seminar to support you in developing your dissertation proposal. If you are well along in preparation of your proposal you may opt to take the dissertation seminar during your second summer. We will assign you a research supervisor to assist in identifying and refining an area of study for your dissertation.

Dissertation Committee

You are responsible for identifying and recruiting a dissertation committee to assist in the development of your dissertation proposal and in the completion, reporting and defense of the project. The program’s director will assist you in the process. They will also approve the committee, which must include a chair and at least two more members.

Institutional Review Board

The Smith College Institutional Review Board is responsible for oversight of projects involving human participants.

Past Dissertation Titles

Smith College School for Social Work dissertations 2009 - present are available to the Smith community (including off-campus access with a current Smith login), anyone on campus and anyone via interlibrary loan through Smith ScholarWorks .

Put a stop to deadline pressure, and have your homework done by an expert.

185 Social Work Dissertation Topics: Creative List

If you are a student of social work, then there are so many subjects that you can write about in your dissertation topic. Social work, in simple terms, is a set of functions that allow you to improve the lives of others. Social workers help adults and children cope with everyday issues, relationship troubles, personal issues and family issues. Given the scope of work of a social worker, finding the right social work dissertation topics can be challenging as there are so many pressing issues to cover.

In order to write a good paper and choose a topic that interests you, here are a few things that you should consider:

Choose a topic that is close to your heart : If you have chosen social work as your field of study, then there must be some area of work that intrigues you. This could be related to child care, women’s rights or health. To write a good paper, choose a subject that is of interest to you and will help you in your line of work going forward. Make sure your topic is supported by data : Choose topics that have enough data to present strong arguments and discussions. The paper should be thought provoking : Once you have got an approval on your proposed social work dissertation topics, use as much information that is relatable. The readers should take back some ideas from your paper and also have questions about how the system can be improved to fulfill the purpose of social work. This means that you need to find loopholes in the system and address them in your paper effectively.

Now that you know what a good social work dissertation paper entails, here is a list of topics to help you start your journey. However if you have more interesting things to do, remember you have an opportunity to buy dissertation and get the best result.

Social Work Dissertation Ideas

These are good dissertation topics for social work students at all academic levels:

Write an in-depth paper on the perception and attitude of oppression between the community and healthcare professionals.
Write about the inherent perceptions related to social work among different cultures.
A comprehensive review of different approaches to strengthen users of social services.
The role of social workers in end-of-life decisions.
Is evidence based learning an excellent way of learning for social workers?
What are your views on the law of reflection and its role in social work?
What are the challenges faced by social workers with respect to inter-professional practices?
Is tutoring an integral part of social work training? Write your views.
Social work and government policies: Write a detailed review.
How social work interventions can protect vulnerable adults.
The common security issues faced by personal social workers.
Transitioning from employment to social work: Challenges and advantages.
Substance abuse among young adults. The role of social workers in prevention and management.
A review on why women choose to remain in abusive relationships.
The contribution of social services in helping families cope with a member with dementia.
The relationship between social work and communities of faith.
The role of social workers in promoting ethnic minorities.
The best ways in which social workers can improve the life of the elderly.
Does social work impact the quality of life of senior citizens?
Disparities in the society that can be resolved to improve the lives of ethnic minorities.
The importance of being gender sensitive in addressing the issues faced by the LGBTQ community.
Is rehabilitation of young offenders the new way of ensuring restorative justice?
Laws that allow the representation of marginalized societies in the government.
Can prohibition of alcohol preserve law and order in a community?
The role of drug addiction in increasing relationship problems within families.
The primary factors contributing to juvenile delinquency.
Does imposing a curfew on minors lead to increased chances of premarital sex?
The role of the media in determining the electoral process of any country.
Provide great examples of good governance with respect to the recovery of a city or locality after being affected by a natural calamity.
Provide a social work perspective on the growing popularity of political figures and icons.
How does education contribute to the ability of leaders to shape the social and political structure of a country?
Can reactivating the death penalty change the rate of crime in our society?
Do individuals who are in illicit relationships perceive the norms of a marriage differently?
Experiences with healthcare of people who have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
Culture-based activism and its impact on the lives of Native Americans.

Easy Social Work Research Topics

These social work research topics cover a range of relatable and controversial subjects for you to write about.

How can survivors of domestic violence get better employment opportunities?
A study of women with sexual addiction.
Reintegration of individuals who have survived abuse into the society.
The primary causes and the best ways to prevent juveni;e recidivism.
Examples of great women leaders in our community.
Should immigrants be given health services?
What are the best housing options to support young people?
Medical care for the elderly: The challenges.
A detailed study of the relationships of HIV positive individuals.
Is customer satisfaction the most important goal for a business?
The barriers in social work with respect to climate change.
The experience of a home care worker in a caring relationship.
Are voluntary tourism communities in Chile an example of social development?
Why do we still hesitate to talk about sex?
How does organizational culture contribute to marginalism?
The role of leadership practices in eliminating new forms of marginalism.
Graduate students and the attitude towards couples therapy.
Review the employment services for domestic violence survivors in your region/ country.
Evaluate eviction risks based on social and cultural perceptions.
Write about the experiences of women who are in a relationship with an individual who is sexually addicted.
Provide a qualitative study of resilience and risk associated with young people.
How does health affect the employment of refugee and immigrant women?
Does encouraging traveling among women promote community leadership?
Humanities and the relationship with citizenship.
The perspectives of youth and service providers on the impact of housing options for young adults.
The role of arts in boosting healing processes.
How has dance impacted society?
How to improve medical facilities in rural areas?
The experiences of rural individuals with social workers.
How do the concepts of our society affect the lives of individuals with HIV and AIDs?
Improving care for individuals with HIV and AIDS.
Explore the nature of collaboration between individuals who suffer from poverty and various organizations in regions that are at a high economic and social risk.
The importance of sexual health education for immigrant women.
The social risks of gender identity.
How can the theory of dynamic systems be applied to countries that are in a war situation?

Child Protection Dissertation Ideas

Here are some good dissertation topics for social work students who are interested in childcare services:

The impact of agencies in protecting children: Provide a review of literature based on real practices.
Will children who experience or witness abuse and violence within the family perpetuate the same type of behavior?
Impact of family support and protection in child protection intervention by social workers.
The health problems of adults who have survived child sexual abuse.
The contribution of social workers in carrying out effective interventions for survivors of child sexual abuse.
Factors that contribute to adopted children seeking out their biological parents.
The impact of domestic violence on children and the resulting consequences for a social worker.
Review the educational achievements with respect to childcare in your region.
Review of literature of education and childcare in California and what the world can learn from it.
The effect of gambling on the lives of children.
The common factors that affect the socio-economic requirements of children.
How can social workers aid the emotional growth of children?
The impact of pornography in increasing the rate of crime and violence against chidlren.
The views of sexual abuse victims on pedophilia.
How do the physical changes during puberty affect the psyche of a child?
The risks associated with child welfare decisions.
How can education prevent violence against children?
An analysis of the maternal experiences of victims of child sexual abuse.
The experience of new social workers in child welfare.
Secondary traumatic stress between young counselors and children.
The best ways to protect a child in custody.
Support strategies to prevent child poverty in your country.
A study of resilience in individuals when building a strong future after emerging from a difficult childhood. Provide examples.
Immigrant families and adolescent development.
Is gender neutral upbringing overrated or is it the need of the hour?
How does the environment in the school impact the self esteem of children?
A case study to review the challenges of children with learning disabilities.
The benefits of studying child development in improving the contributions of social services.
The reason for the ignorance of child development for several years in history.
Write a detailed paper on the formation of ego with respect to different stages of development.
The effect of an absent parent on the developing years of a child.
How does domestic violence affect the concept of self in a child?
Child education and the impact of single parenting.
Factors that contribute to the retention of employees in childcare.
The causes and best strategies for the protection of runaway children.
The role of gender differences in shaping the outlook of children.
Why is play an important educational tool?
The best policies to promote the rights of children.
Factors that influence the quality of food in child care centers.
The risk factors and effects of bullying.
The best ways to reduce behavioral issues in children in foster care.
The relationship between disability and the chances of a child ending up in foster care.
The lack of child support and the effects on child care.
How does group therapy help children in foster care?
The impact of constant changes of family in orphaned toddlers.
How does homelessness impact the psyche of a child?
Recurring displacement and the effects on homeless children.
Factors that contribute to an antisocial lifestyle in children in foster care.
The effects of substance abuse on the lives of children.
The trauma of child-parent separation on the lifestyle and health of children.

Social Work Dissertation Topics Mental Health

Mental health contributes to some of the most important dissertation topics for social work students.

Why do individuals with obsessive compulsive disorders struggle to cope with society?
The effects of living with bipolar parents on the health and lifestyle of a child.
Why should we socially interrogate the stigma associated with mental health?
The role of social workers in improving support for individuals with mental health issues.
The occurrence of suicidal tendencies in military units and the best ways to address them.
The impact of death on the collective well-being of any family unit.
The positive impact of sponsors on the lives of recovering addicts.
Provide a clinical study on the current anti-depressants and their effectiveness.
How to stop social elimination of children suffering from Down Syndrome.
The role of a family in exacerbating depression.
The impact of alcoholism on personal lifestyle, family and society.
Provide a detailed analysis of the similarities and differences between ADHD and Dyslexia.
The best ways to improve awareness on degenerative mental health issues like Dementia.
The need for more awareness among educators about learning disabilities.
The most effective learning tools for children who suffer from ADHD, dyslexia and other learning disorders.
A detailed evaluation of socio-sexual education programs for individuals with developmental disorders.
Evaluation on the impact of developmental disabilities in the life events of an individual.
Life with a spouse who has memory loss.
Provide an exploratory study of different aids available to the primary caregivers of children with autism.
The meaning of well-being based on the cultural and ethic backgrounds of individuals.
Building resilience towards traumatic incidents using the mind-body connection of yoga.
Is the stigma against mental health disorders greater for women? Conduct a comparative study.
The perspectives of a woman living with mental illness and receiving assistance from community services.
Investigate how smoking gives individuals with depression a sense of belonging or acceptance.
Are mental health services equally accessible to minorities and other oppressed groups?
Do mental health service providers avoid detention of young males in their psychiatric units?
The relationship between government policies and effective mental health assistance.
Common behavioral issues of children in dysfunctional families.
The impact of foster care on the mental health of teenagers.
The effect of poverty and scarcity on the psyche of young children.

Social Work Masters Dissertation Topics

If you are writing a dissertation paper for your master’s degree, here are some interesting topics for you to choose from:

How is the lifestyle of a metropolitan city failed by the criminal justice system?
What are some sure shot signs of trauma in the workplace?
The effects of racial disparity on our society.
The best ways to control substance abuse and addiction.
How can the facilities at nursing homes for the elderly be improved?
The negative impact of food banks.
Government policies that have improved welfare conditions.
The impact of homophobia on our community.
Primary factors contributing to violence in a family.
The effects of unemployment on society.
Stigma and social issues faced by welfare mothers.
Experiences of women who live in shelter homes.
The inherent challenges of transracial adoption.
How to make wellness therapy more sustainable?
The impact of first-time menstrual experience on teenage girls living in foster homes.

Common Dissertation Topics For Social Work Students

If you wish to get top grades, here are some topics that give you a lot of literature and data to review.

Birth control laws and their negative impact.
The challenges of increasing housing costs on the youth.
Workplace abuse and the relationship with paid labor.
The impact of cultural belief on relationships.
The negative impact of teenage pregnancy.
Low income neighborhoods and the increasing cases of substance abuse.
The hazards of confinement and why they need our attention.
The need for therapy of poorly represented groups.
Misdiagnosis of mental health issues and its impact.
How can empathy improve social services?
The need for qualitative examination of foster homes.
The contributing factors for violence in correctional systems.
Do therapists need therapy?
How trafficking impacts societal well-being.
The reasons for unreported abuse cases.
The hidden trauma of survivors of natural calamities.
Traumatic experiences of children in foster homes. A clinical study with measures to prevent them.
Growing in a war zone and the psychological impact.
Common myths about child services and foster care.
Is there a disability disparity among social workers?

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Social Work Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Theses/projects/dissertations from 2023 2023.

The Investigation of Knowledge and Practice of Child Welfare Workers Providing Case Management to Children with Disabilities , Giselle Cruz

Examining The Relationship Between Technological Skills and Success In Higher Education Among Formerly Incarcerated Individuals , Ebony Cubias

SUPPORT FOR SOCIAL WORKERS TREATING ADOLESCENT SUBSTANCE ABUSERS , Monica DeLucia and Kethura Solano

MINORITIZED GROUPS AND SOCIAL INTEGRATION AND RECOVERY CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT IN MUTUAL AID FELLOWSHIPS , Kaelyn Doyle and Benjamin Wahl

EXAMINING EDUCATORS’ PERCEPTIONS AND PREPAREDNESS ON THE NEEDS OF UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS , Imelda Duran Herrera

RESILENCY AND FATHERLESS HOUSEHOLDS , Joshua Ellis-Kennedy and Crystal Angelica Orellana

THE INCREASE OF SUICIDE RISKS AMONGST INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC , Joanna Flores

Staff Turnover in Child Welfare , Maleena Flores

SOCIAL WORK STUDENT'S PERCEPTION, KNOWLEDGE, AND PREPAREDNESS IN SERVING UNACCOMPANIED MIGRANT CHILDREN , Miriam Flores Portillo and Estela Flores-Portillo

PERCEPTIONS OF THE IMPACT OF PARENTAL MENTAL HEALTH ON ADULT CHILDREN , Samantha Ann Gallo-Vargas and Queray McMihelk Jr.

HOW ARE MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKERS EQUIPPED WITH ADEQUATE TRAINING TO DETECT AND REPORT ELDER ABUSE IN HOSPICE , Crystal Garcia and Katherine Barba

How Stigma Impacts the Utilization of Mental Health Services Among Young Adults' Within Three Different Ethnic Minority Communities , Ivette Garcia and Melissa E. Gomez

THE EFFECTS OF COVID-19 ON CHILD ABUSE INVESTIGATION OUTCOMES , Kelly Gasso

INTERVENTIONS AVAILABLE TO CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH OPPOSITIONAL DIFIANT DISORDER: A SCOPING REVIEW , Megan George and Jacqueline Laitano

HOW DOES HAVING A PET DURING THE CORONAVIRUS-19 PANDEMIC AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS AFFECT ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION , Sugey Gonzalez-Escobedo and Jessica Morales Sanchez

SCHOOL FACULTY’S KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS OF SCHOOL-BASED MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS , Bianca Gonzalez Vargas and Cristal Cortes-Vazquez

HOW LATINO PARENTS COPED WITH FINANCIAL CHALLENGES DURING COVID-19 , Melissa Gradilla and Valerie Malagon

ASSESSING RURAL NORTHERN CALIFORNIA FOSTER PARENT RECRUITMENT STRATEGIES , Ava M. Hagwood

SOCIAL WORK’S ROLE IN ADDRESSING POLICE OPPRESSION: SOCIAL WORKERS’ PERSPECTIVES , Jess Husband

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MENTAL HEALTH AND THE AFRICAN AMERICAN ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE , Adelola Ige

EXAMINING THE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS TO AGING OUT OF FOSTER CARE , Aida Justiz Skipper and Ericka Ross

PROMOTING RESILIENCE FOR CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE , Brenda Lara

SOCIAL DETERMINANTS AND THE SEXUAL HEALTH OF LGBTQ+ PEOPLE OF COLOR IN THE INLAND EMPIRE , Irad Leon

HOW HAS THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IMPACTED CLIENTS OF THE EARLY DEVELOPMENT CENTER , Daniella Loera

FACTORS THAT INCREASE SOCIAL WORKER LONGEVITY IN CHILD WELFARE SERVICES , Heather Lovejoy

SAFETY ORGANIZED PRACTICE TRAINING AND IMPLEMENTATION IN CENTRAL CALIFORNIA , Alison Lucado

Indigenous Women and Traditional Paths to Healing , Lisa Mariano-Grise

SERVICES FOR AMERICAN INDIAN/ALASKA NATIVES FOSTER YOUTH VICTIMS OF SEXUAL EXPLOITATION: THE SOCIAL WORKER’S PERSPECTIVE , Maria Marquez

RESIDENTIAL CARE STAFF VIEWS ON THE TRAINING THAT THEY RECEIVE AND THEIR PERCEPTIONS ON PREPAREDNESS IN REGARD TO WORKING WITH RESIDENTS , Deziray Sorieya Marroquin

EFFECTS OF CORPORAL PUNISHMENT ON PARENTS , David Martinez and Linda Saleh Borghol

THE CHALLENGES HOMELESS MEN WITH HIV/AIDS FACE WHEN SEEKING HOUSING , Rosey Yvette Martinez

EXAMINING THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN FAMILY COHESION AND THE RISK OF SUBSTANCE USE IN OFFSPRING , Angelica Mendoza

MENTAL HEALTH LITERACY AND ATTITUDES TOWARD MENTAL HEALTH HELP-SEEKING AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS OF NON-MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONS , Hannah Metz

EFFECTIVE RESOURCES FOR ONLINE LEARNING A STUDY ON ELEMENTARY AGED CHILDREN , Marlene Mora-Lopez

FOSTER PARENT TRAINING, RETENTION, AND SATISFACTION: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY , Dennisse Moreno Romo and Dulcinea Catota

AGED OUT YOUTH'S PERCEPTION ON THE NEEDS OF EMANCIPATED FOSTER YOUTH , Linda Murillo

Attitudes of Social Work Students on the Use of Psychedelics as a Mental Health Treatment in Clinical Settings , Amanda Nickles

CHRONIC SORROW AND THE IMPACT ON PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES , Rhianna Mayra Nordlund

BARRIERS AND CHALLENGES THAT LGBTQ+ INDIVIDUALS FACE WHEN ACQUIRING MENTAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES. , Stephanie Nunez-Rivera

Examining the Obstacles in Rehoming the Homeless with Substance Use Addiction , Denise Ortuno

Access to Gender-Affirming Care and Mental Health of Transgender Individuals , Paola Osuna Berumen

EXAMINING SUPPORT SEEKING BEHAVIORS AND SOCIAL SUPPORT AMONG CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS , Ashley Padilla

THE BARRIERS DIRECT SOCIAL SERVICE WORKERS FACE WHEN WORKING WITH INCARCERATED YOUTH , Elizabeth Padilla and Valerie Mercado

UNDERSTANDING VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING: IDENTIFYING MACRO AND MICRO-LEVEL MENTAL HEALTH IMPLICATIONS , Abbigail Pereyra

COVID-INDUCED STRESS AND SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION IN UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS , Quenea Popoca and Christina Ngo

STUDENTS' EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES FOR HYBRID MSW PROGRAM , Carolina Profeta

Preserving Placement for Children with Behavioral Issues: A Qualitative Study of Child Welfare Social Workers in the United States , Jessica Katelyn Quin and Tara Belle Beam

Does the use of Social Media Have an Impact on Young Adults Body Identification? , Glycell Robledo Felix and Ashley Olmedo

ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, AND STRESS DURING COVID-19: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF LATINO DREAMERS IN COLLEGE , Vanessa Robles and Janelly Molina

WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL WORK INVOLVEMENT IN HOSPICE CARE TRANSITIONS FOR ILL CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES , Natalie Rodas and Guillermina Morales

SOCIAL WORKERS’ PERCEPTIONS OF DISPROPORTIONALITY AND DISPARITY IN THE CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM , Nelyda Rodriguez

EXAMINING HOMELESSNESS AND ITS EFFECTS ON FUNCTIONING AMONG FOSTER CARE ALUMNI , Silvia Romero

THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA USE ON SOCIAL ISOLATION AND MENTAL HEALTH AMONG YOUNG ADULTS , MARIANA ROMO

Incarceration Effects on Children and Families , Sharon Rose

IMPACTS OF POVERTY ON LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT HOW LOW SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS STUDENTS ARE AT AN ACADEMIC DISADVANTAGE , Farbod Samari

EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF THE PLACEMENT DISCONTINUITY IN FOSTER CARE , Michelle Sepulveda and Angela Williams

HOW LANGUAGE, HEALTHCARE INSURANCE STATUS, STIGMA, AGE, AND EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT INFLUENCED THE UTILIZATION OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AMONG THE LATINO MALE POPULATION , Esmeralda Solis and Annika Coe

THE BENEFITS OF SUPPORT GROUPS FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO EXPERIENCE AUDITORY AND VISUAL HALLUCINATIONS , Joseph Stewart

Social Justice Theatre and the Impact on Theatre Artists , Stevie Taken

School-based Suicide Prevention Program for LGBTQ Students , Ching Lok Tse

Exploring Permanency Rates Within the Southern California Counties of Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego , Karrene Turner

Placement instability and its effects on the mental health of foster youth , Tyra Turner and Shalynn Burton

THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES AND GANG MEMBERSHIP , Johanna Ulloa

SOCIAL WORKERS PERSPECTIVE ON BARRIERS TO FAMILY REUNIFICATION , Laura Velasquez and Annamarie C. Merrill

FIRST-GENERATION SOCIAL WORK LATINAS BALANCING LIFE AND CAREER , Angelica Venegas

FORMER FOSTER YOUTH AND THE UTILIZATION OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION , Jacqueline Viadas and Liliana Lua

The Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Resilience in Social Work , Margeaux Wilkins and Jazmine Salazar

PARENT-CHILD ATTACHMENT WHEN PARENTING A CHILD WITH A DISABILITY , Giulianna Zocchetti

Theses/Projects/Dissertations from 2022 2022

SOCIAL WORKER STUDENT’S ANXIETY, AND ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC , David Adler

Measuring Competency in Social Work: LGBTQIA Populations , Desirae Nicole Aguirre and Samantha Raquel Stephens

PERCEIVED BARRIERS TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE USE AMONG LATINX WOMEN WITH POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS , Mayra Alvarado

A NEED FOR SUPPORT SERVICES AMONG HISPANIC FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS , Evelyn Arellano and Jessica Cazares Armenta

PARENTIFICATION: THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS ON THE PARENTIFIED ADULT , Andrea Monique Armas

UTILIZATION OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AND CULTURE: A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF MONOLINGUAL SPANISH SPEAKING PARENTS IN THE INLAND EMPIRE , Valeria Armentilla Cecena

IMMIGRATION AND SOCIAL WORK: A CONTENT ANALYSIS OF SCHOOLS IN LIBERAL STATES , Yenicka Avila and Stephanie Ibarra

The Effects of Burn Out in Public Child Welfare Workers , Leandra Barcenas

BARRIERS AMONG MEN SEEKING MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES , Karen Barone

COLLEGE-AGED STUDENT’S PERSPECTIVE OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE VIA SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE , Emily Bautista and Marijane Garcia

SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS COMPETENCY ADDRESSING SEXUAL HEALTH NEEDS OF CLIENTS , Laken Beltran

UNDERUTILIZAITON OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES BY MARGINALIZED POPULATIONS , Jermaine Bennett and Anna Blum

UTILIZATION OF TELEMENTAL HEALTH BY MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS DURING COVID-19 , Zayne BoudreauxRamirez

SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS’ COPING STRATEGIES DURING THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC , Margarita Bracamontes and Benjamin J. Johnson

THE EFFECTS OF COVID-19 ON SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS , Rosanne Cabonce

BARRIERS TO MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTS AND RESOURCES EXPERIENCED BY ONLINE GRADUATE SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS , Joseph B. Camacho

SELF CARE AND BURNOUT AMONG CHILD WELFARE WORKERS DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC , Stephanie Carranza and Claudia Castillo

CAN SOCIAL WORKERS PROVIDE ACCESS TO HEALTHIER FOOD CHOICES TO LOW-INCOME FAMILIES WITH URBAN FARMING , Nayely Chairez

THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND MATERIAL HARDSHIPS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS IN THE UNITED STATES , Erika Chavez-Marroquin

THE UNDERDIAGNOSIS OF ADHD IN BLACK FEMALES , Kiana Clerkley

SOCIAL WORKERS’ COMPETENCY WHEN WORKING WITH LATINO IMMIGRANT FAMILIES , Suleima Corea and Cynthia Gutierrez

DISENFRANCHISED GRIEF IN QUEER COMPANIONSHIP AND CHOSEN FAMILY , Derek Lowell Corns

COMBATING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: UNDERSTANDING MILITARY IPV AND THE AVAILABLE MILITARY AND CIVILIAN IPV INTERVENTIONS , Taylor Coutts

Accessibility of Mental Health Resources in Schools , Zitlaly Lizeth Cruz-Roman and Vianney Consepcion Sandoval

THE EFFECT OF THE PERCEPTION OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ON ASIAN AMERICANS , Angela Dao

HOW KNOWLEDGEABLE ARE SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS ON THE CONCEPT OF COMPASSION FATIGUE AND DO THEY ENGAGE IN MEASURES TO PREVENT IT? , Jessica Duran

AVERTING EDUCATIONAL DISRUPTIONS FOR MIGRANT CHILDREN , Natalie Elisarraraz

CAREGIVER AND SOCIAL WORKER PERCEPTIONS OF THE IMPACTS OF COVID-19 ON CHILD WELFARE VISITATION , Christopher Enhelder and Christina Ortiz

ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES AND LIFE OUTCOMES AMONG SOCIAL WORKERS , Kazandra Dominique Farrell

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS OF CHILDHOOD PARENTIFICATION: AN EXAMINATION OF FAMILIAL CHARACTERISTICS , Tameka M. Ferguson

Career Outcomes for Formerly Incarcerated College Graduates , Roberta Fox and Jesse Rodriguez

THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON SOCIAL WORKERS’ ABILITY TO PROVIDE SERVICES , Victoria Fuller

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Social Work thesis and dissertation collection

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Recent Submissions

'she's the reason i do it': the impact of and responses to post-2010 austerity on lone parent families in north edinburgh (scotland) , “it’s not just a job, it’s my life”: long term foster carers’ experiences of placement endings in scotland , troubling the ‘troubled teen industry’: institutional violence, epistemic injustice, and psychiatrised youth , care-experienced mothers and the legacy of social work , critiquing the presence and absence of children and young people's participation in policies for looked after children in scotland , interrogating the ethics of telecare services: a conceptual framework for dementia home care professionals , forever home the complexity of adoption breakdown in scotland , exploring experiences of children who migrate to delhi: understanding gender and space , looking after grandchildren: the motivation, pattern, and the impact of intergenerational engagements on grandparents in rural china , topping up the tank: enhancing the emotional resilience of social workers in local authority adult services , intergenerational transmission of the effects of maternal childhood adversities via poor infant outcomes , contributing to the development of social pedagogy in the uk: a case study at 'santiago 1' residential care home in spain , helping the 'problem child' become loveable again a discourse analysis on childhood adhd in switzerland and implications for social work , health needs and services for refugee women and children in uganda’s settlements: articulating a role for social work , unpicking social work practice skills: an interactional analysis of engagement and identity in a groupwork programme addressing sexual offending , turkish fathering today: an enquiry and discussion arising from the views of turkish fathers and turkish young people , twenty first century contact: young people in care and their use of mobile communication devices and the internet for contact , quickening steps: an ethnography of pre-birth child protection , low income employment in dhaka: women’s lives, agency and identity , partnership, power and policy: a case study of the scottish partnership on domestic abuse .

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Dissertation.

See the Academic Calendar for policies regarding:

Regulations and procedures governing the doctoral dissertation.
Doctoral dissertation guidelines.
Thesis style and format guidelines.
Submission of approved master's thesis or doctoral dissertation for binding.

Approval of the Dissertation Advisory Committee

Preliminary Consultation

The comprehensive requirement must be successfully completed before a dissertation topic is approved. However, it is advisable to begin discussing the research topic, even before completing the comprehensive requirement, with anyone whose consultation and advice is thought to be helpful, and to be refining the focus of the dissertation.

Dissertation Advisory Committee

Each Dissertation Advisory Committee (DAC) must consist of 2 members from the student’s home program, and a maximum of 4 members in total, with no more than 1 member acting as a co-advisor. The committee membership is comprised as follows:

A Dissertation Advisor (DA), who is a Regular Member of the Graduate Faculty of the university and is a full-time faculty member in the academic unit/program of the candidate. The Advisor is principally responsible for mentoring the student’s progress to completion (research, course selection, professional development). (Advisor – see Table below)
One who is a Regular Member of the Graduate Faculty of the university and a full-time faculty member in the WLU academic unit/program of the candidate (DAC Member 2 – see Table below), and
One who is either a Regular Member of the Graduate Faculty of the university from any program, or a faculty member elsewhere who meets the same requirements (DAC Member 3 – see Table below). Both DAC Member 2 and Member 3 provide feedback, and participate actively in the dissertation progression of the student
A fourth member is optional, and may be an academic or professional outside the university with appropriate expertise (DAC Member 4 – see Table below). This 4th DAC member must hold Associated or Special Membership on the Graduate Faculty at WLU.

For candidates in a joint program, committee members who are full-time faculty members in the joint program at the partner institution and who are Associated Members of the Graduate Faculty at Wilfrid Laurier University may serve as DAC Member 3 and as co-advisor.

The DAC may participate in the comprehensive/qualifying exam (or equivalent), based on program norms.

After the candidate has completed the requirements for the comprehensive paper, the student establishes their Dissertation Advisory Committee ( see Graduate Calendar ). If the Comprehensive Examination Committee transitions to the DAC, the student completes the PhD Dissertation Advisory Committee Formation form .

If there are changes in the advisor and/or members when created the DAC, the student is to submit the following to the Associate Dean, PhD Program:

The names of the proposed committee members, indicating who is the new member.
A brief rationale identifying the expertise that new person(s) brings to the committee, and the relevance of the composition of the committee as a whole to the student’s topic.
If a proposed member is not a member of the graduate faculty, an electronic file of that member’s CV should be included.

If needed, the Associate Dean takes this information to the PhD Admissions, Curriculum and Student Affairs Committee for approval. Once the DAC has been approved, the student should complete the PhD Dissertation Advisory Committee Formation form , and submit it to the associate dean who sends it to the dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies for approval.

FSW Dissertation Proposal Guidelines

Be sure to consult the Graduate Calendar’s requirements for doctoral dissertations. https://academic-calendar.wlu.ca/section.php?cal=3&s=1018&ss=4201&y=84

Students are engaged in advanced research that reflects social work values, addresses important issues, promotes new understandings and knowledge, and informs social work theory, practice, education and policy.

From the Graduate Calendar

As seen in the quotation above, a primary goal of the dissertation research is to develop new understandings and knowledge of a topic. This goal is achieved in the context of what is known in the literature and existing issues or gaps or new ways of approaching the topic. The comprehensive papers provide an opportunity for students to familiarize themselves with the literature and theoretical approaches relevant to their substantive area of study; the dissertation builds on those papers. As also reflected in the quotation, social work research aligns with social work values and aims to inform theory, practice, education, and policy. In achieving their goals, students are expected to propose studies that are grounded in and guided by relevant theories and utilize robust methods.

Funding: Faculty of Social Work doctoral students can apply for funding from the program for their dissertation research. https://students.wlu.ca/programs/social-work/phd/funding.html

Type of Dissertation: Traditional or Multiple Manuscript

Doctoral students have the option of preparing a traditional dissertation or a multiple manuscript dissertation. The Graduate Calendar provides the following descriptions of each option.

Traditional dissertation

[the] work is understood to be a structurally unified body of work, with each part contributing to the development of a coherent whole, with an overarching research question/concern that is developed through a succession of chapters or sections (though this does not necessarily mean parts might not be excerpted for publication). The guiding principle here is that the manuscript most closely resembles a book.

Multiple manuscript

the dissertation is a coherent body of work; however, the apparatus of the dissertation will normally include, among its other elements, three articles suitable for publication in peerreviewed journals, and these articles derive from the findings, methods and/or literature review sections of the dissertation. … The two or three articles are meant to be component parts of a much larger work that fulfills the conditions of a traditional dissertation, including an overarching research question, thesis, methodology, literature review, and appropriate theoretical contexts and approaches.

As per the Graduate Calendar, this option also involves

an introductory chapter to the entire thesis and a final chapter (general discussion [of the contributions the overall work makes] and conclusions) to relate the separate studies to each other and to a relevant discipline or field of study.

Students completing the multiple manuscript option should work closely with their advisor to identify the aims and questions that will be addressed in each manuscript. It is not necessary for each manuscript to report findings from the collected data, because a manuscript may also be solely theoretical or methodological in nature, depending on the research study. Regardless of nature of each manuscript, each manuscript should address specific aims, be structured in the format of published scholarly journal article, and offer new insights and understandings to the scholarly literature in which it is embedded. Students pursuing the multiple manuscript option are not expected to submit their manuscripts to journals for review/publication as they write their dissertation articles/chapters. Those who wish to do so should consult their advisor. It is possible that the page/word limits of an intended journal might be limiting and prevent the student from conveying sufficient information and analysis that one would expect to see in a dissertation article/chapter.

Please see the Graduate Calendar for additional information about each option, including their components. https://academic-calendar.wlu.ca/section.php?cal=3&s=1018&ss=4201&y=84

The dissertation proposal is to specify which option the student intends to undertake. If planning a multiple manuscription dissertation, the focus/research questions addressed in each manuscript are to be specified in the proposal. If using multiple data sources, it might be necessary to specify the data source for each manuscript.

The Proposal

Students can construct their dissertation research to involve non-Western epistemologies, arts-based, or other creative approaches, among others. What is outlined below are the various components that typically are included in a dissertation proposal. Though these general components should be included, the presentation and approach to the dissertation might look different depending on how the student and the DAC wish to approach the research. Feel free to modify language to suit your approach. For instance, concepts such as ‘protocol’ and ‘methods’ might be replaced by ‘story gathering’ or other language consistent with the selected research framework.

Components and Formatting of the Proposal

Each of the following parts are suggested components of both the traditional and multiple manuscript dissertation proposal. They are numbered for convenience. Suggested page lengths are included for each section, and these can be adjusted in consultation with your supervisor and DAC. The dissertation should follow APA standards in terms of citation practices, writing, and formatting, including for headings and references. The proposal should be double-spaced and in a 12-point font and be approximately between 17 and 20 pages in length, excluding the title page, references, appendices, and any tables or figures.

The proposal title should give a clear indication of the topic being studied.

2. Introduction (1.5 pages)

Provide a brief introduction to the problem/issue leading to the study. This should include connecting the problem/issue to the larger literature, identifying issues or gaps, as well as noting the significance of the problem/issue to social work. The introduction should provide a roadmap to the proposal and state the overall research aim, primary research questions, and mention the proposed methodological design.

3. Researcher Positionality (1.0-2.0 pages)

Describe your connection to the topic and your positionality/worldview in relation to the proposed study. Describe your epistemology or research paradigm guiding the study. Identify any specific implications your positionality and epistemological approach has for the study design. These implications could involve broader ethical considerations beyond procedural ethics related to REB requirements for the ethical conduct of research. Depending on the paradigm adopted, considerations might include principles and measures which support relational accountability, and responsible and respectful engagement with participants and the broader community, including knowledge holders. Examples of this can include community consultations and advisory meetings, engagement with elder knowledge keepers, partnering with community, and working with participants as co-researchers.

4. Literature Review (3.0-3.5 pages)

This section should provide a brief review of the literature on the topic, establish the need for the study, and help to frame the approach to the questions that will be examined in the study.

In some instances, this section might include relevant information about the context (e.g., prevalence of events, common explanations of events, historical evolution, policies, service delivery networks, organizations, program models, theoretical and/or epistemological approaches) of the topic. Such points should be very brief as the primary focus of this section is to review the literature and establish the need for the study as a project that advances understanding and knowledge.

The literature review should be a brief summary (potentially drawn from the literature review comprehensive paper) of existing research/knowledge in the field along with areas or approaches that are unexplored and that your own study will address. This section should be written to frame the proposed research aim and questions, and effectively demonstrate the need for the proposed study. You can briefly articulate its potential benefits for social work practice, policy, and/or other applications.

5. Theoretical Framework (3.0-3.5 pages)

This section presents the study’s guiding theoretical framework, which is based on an analysis and integration of the appropriate literature, research, and theories. It might also highlight the praxis in which your theoretical framework enables you to engage in research which aligns with social work values and aims. In many instances, a student’s theoretical framework is based on what they developed in their comprehensive examination theory paper, and they present a paired down description of it in the dissertation proposal. However, for their dissertation research, some students create a theoretical framework that is different from that developed in the comprehensive examination paper. In all cases, students need to clearly present their framework and discuss how it informs the study generally (e.g., questions posed, lens to understand the phenomenon), and possibly the methodology (e.g., centering of narratives) and the implementation of the study. In some quantitative studies, students might aim to test a theory or aspects of it. Some students might include a figure representing their theoretical framework.

6. Research Aims and Questions (1.0 page)

This section presents the study’s broad research aim(s) followed by specific research questions and, for some quantitative studies, hypotheses to be tested. Aim statements reflect the project’s ultimate purpose, whereas research questions are answered through the study. Ensure the research questions/hypotheses are aligned with the type of inquiry (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods) to be conducted. A statement providing the rationale for undertaking this research is to be provided in terms of the study’s likely contributions to knowledge as well as its potential benefits for social work practice, policy, and/or other applications.

7. Methods (8.0-10.0 pages)

This section describes the study’s overall methodology (connected to epistemology, reflexive stance, and theory) and outlines the proposed research design and activities. It is important to justify core methodological decisions, which would be based on the state of current knowledge (e.g., little is known about the topic, thus an exploratory study will be conducted), aspects of one’s overall methodology, the research aim(s), and the research population.

If using an overall framework, such as decolonizing, participatory action research, feminist, or critical race, state this and provide a brief description. Note: ensure the methods reflect such frameworks. For example, if your framework emphasizes relational accountability with participants and the community, specify how you will establish such accountability.

For all studies, describe the research approach (i.e., qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods) and the specific design (e.g., ethnography, case study, phenomenology, institutional ethnography; crosssectional survey; explanatory sequential design) being adopted and give a brief justification. This should include a discussion about why this approach/design is appropriate to answer the research questions. Outline the sequence of the phases used in a mixed method inquiry and how they relate to one another.

The methods section should also include:

• Research population, sampling, and recruitment strategy: If engaging various information sources (e.g., online surveys, interviews, government documents), information about sampling will need to be provided for each source. What is the research population? What are the inclusion criteria? What type of sampling (e.g., random, convenience, purposive, maximum variation) will be used and what is the desired sample size? How will participants be recruited (e.g., posters, emails, social media)?

• Key concepts/measures: For qualitative studies, the core concepts to be explored need to be described, which might help to frame interview questions (if any). These concepts will be linked to the theoretical framework you are using. For qualitative studies involving interviews/focus groups, describe the key areas of exploration of the interviews in order to address the larger research questions. If applicable, outline steps to pilot test your interview guide(s). For quantitative studies, outline the key concepts and their conceptual and operational definitions in terms of how they will be measured (i.e., using existing scales or adaptations of them, or researcher created scales). For existing scales, briefly discuss the appropriateness of their use with the intended population, as well as, if applicable their reliability and validity. For adapted scales or ones to be developed as a part of the project, outline strategies (e.g., cognitive interviewing, pilot testing) to ensure reliability and validity. For all types of studies, this section should include demographic information that will be collected from participants to describe the sample and contextualize responses.

• Data collection methods and instruments: Describe the methods for gathering the information and your specific instruments/tools (e.g., interview guide, focus group facilitation guide, survey). Outline the steps used to collect data, including any pilot testing. Provide a brief explanation for how the methods are appropriate for the study and how they connect to the theoretical and epistemological framework of the study.

• Data analysis plan: Discuss your plan for handling and analyzing your data, including analytic approaches for qualitative data (e.g., thematic analysis, narrative analysis, discourse analysis) and statistical functions and tests to be performed for quantitative data. For mixed methods inquiries, there should be a description of how the data from each phase will be considered in relation to one another.

• Strategies for rigor: For qualitative studies, describe any strategies for enhancing the rigor and trustworthiness of the data (e.g., prolonged engagement, triangulation, member checking, negative case analysis, audit trail).

• Researcher reflexivity: For all studies, describe the reflexive strategies (e.g., journaling, peer debriefing and support) that will be used.

• Procedural research ethics : Identify and justify any exceptional procedural ethical concerns (e.g., use of deception, abnormal risks to participants, obtaining parental consent when research is with children) emanating from the proposed research and outline plans for addressing them. It is unnecessary to outline steps associated with following REB standards and guidelines, such as obtaining informed consent from adults and securely storing data (those will be addressed in your submission to the REB). For some parts of the methods section (e.g., measures), some students might be able to effectively convey required information in table format.

8. References

Only items cited in the text should be included. Follow APA (7th ed.) referencing formatting.

9. Appendices

Workplan: Provide a detailed work plan and timeline for the research beginning with applying for REB approval to presenting drafts of the report to your advisor and DAC.

Other Appendices: Students should consult with their advisor to determine if they should include research tools as appendices. These documents might include recruitment materials (e.g., flyers, text for social media/email recruitment), informed consent forms, and/or data collection tools (e.g., interview guides, demographic questionnaires, surveys) that will be required for the REB application for research involving human subjects.

Useful Resources

Absolon, K. (2022). Kaandossiwin, this is how we come to know: Indigenous worldviews and methodologies in search for knowledge (2 nd ed.). Fernwood Publishing.

Antonenko, P.D. (2015). The instrumental value of conceptual frameworks in educational technology research. Educational Technology Research and Development, 63 (1), 53–71. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-014-9363-4

Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (5th ed.). Sage.

Locke, L. F., Spirduso, W. W., & Silverman, S. J. (2013). Proposals that work: A guide for planning dissertations and grant proposals (6th ed.). Sage.

Punch, K. F. (2016). Developing effective research proposals (3rd ed.) Sage.

Smith, L. T. Tuhiwai (2021). Decolonizing methodologies: Research and Indigenous peoples . Zed Books

Tuck, E., & Yang, K. W. (2014). R-words: Refusing research. In, Humanizing research: Decolonizing qualitative inquiry with youth and communities (pp. 223-248). Sage. https://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781544329611.n12

Walter, M., & Andersen, C. (2013). Conceptualizing quantitative methodologies. In, Indigenous statistics: A quantitative research methodology. Routledge. [This source is useful for understanding the connection between the research standpoint involving the researcher’s epistemology, social position, axiology, and ontology, theoretical frame, and research methods]

Van de Sande, A. & Schwartz K. (2017). Research for social justice . Fernwood.

Ethics Review

Approval of the dissertation proposal.

All members of the DAC must review and approve the dissertation proposal. All members of the DAC must sign the PhD dissertation proposal approval form . One copy of the approved proposal should also be attached to the form and given to the associate dean who will forward it and the original signed form to the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

Doctoral Dissertation Format

The dissertation is the culmination of a candidate's program. All PhD candidates are required to complete an original dissertation that makes a significant contribution to the existing knowledge in their field. If dissertation research involves humans, approval must be obtained from the Laurier Research Ethics Board ; if it involves animals, approval must be obtained from the Laurier Animal Care Committee .

In order that the dissertation may be subject to the scholarly criticism of all members of the university community, it is placed on display in the Graduate Studies office two weeks prior to the oral defence. Also, the oral defence is open to any member of the university community.

Traditional Dissertation Format

This work is understood to be a structurally unified body of work, with each part contributing to the development of a coherent whole, with an overarching research question/concern that is developed through a succession of chapters or sections (though this does not necessarily mean parts might not be excerpted for publication). The guiding principle here is that the manuscript most closely resembles a book.

The traditional dissertation can include the following components:

copyright page
declaration of co-authorship/previous publication
dedication (if applicable)
acknowledgements (if applicable)
table of contents
list of tables (if applicable)
list of figures (if applicable)
list of appendices (if applicable)
list of abbreviations, symbols
nomenclature (if applicable)
body of thesis (divided into various chapters)
bibliography/references (can either precede or follow the appendices)
appendices (include copyright releases here where applicable)

Guidelines for the Multiple Manuscript Dissertation Option

The Faculty of Social Work acknowledges the individual preferences and strengths of its doctoral students. To recognize such strengths, we offer the Multiple Manuscript Dissertation (MMD) option for SK899: Dissertation. Under this option, the dissertation is a coherent body of work; however, the student writes a minimum of three articles suitable for publication in peer-reviewed journals, and these articles become components of the findings, methods and/or literature review sections of the dissertation.

Please note that when a student, prior to the dissertation defence, submits a manuscript for publication that will be included in the dissertation, he/she should be advised that acceptance of a manuscript from a journal is separate from and does not constitute acceptance or approval by the advisory committee. It is the responsibility of the examining committee to determine if the dissertation fully meets degree requirements.

MMD Approval

Students wishing to pursue this option should discuss the feasibility and appropriateness of this option with their advisor. All students who wish to select the MMD option require prior approval of their advisor and DAC. Faculty members who prefer not to work with students choosing this option should communicate this to students who inquire about it.

Organization of the MMD

Issue/problem to be investigated is clearly articulated, identifies central concerns.
Context of the issue/problem is presented.
Theoretical or conceptual framework guiding the dissertation is identified as appropriate.
A rationale for the dissertation as a whole is provided.
An overview of the dissertation as a whole is presented.
Objectives for the dissertation as a whole are identified.
Presented in a logical sequence.
Provides a summary of the current state of knowledge on the problem.
Identifies consistencies and contradictions in the literature.
Notes gaps or areas with little research.
Lays a foundation for the dissertation study.
A manuscript that reviews all or parts of relevant literature and is a self-contained article prepared for, submitted to, or already published in a peer-reviewed journal may form a part of this section.
Research questions and/or hypotheses are clearly stated.
Research design, sampling, data collection and analysis.
Rationale for these choices is provided.
A manuscript that describes all or part of the methodology employed and is a self-contained article prepared for, submitted to, or already published in a peer-reviewed journal may form a part of this section.
Findings are presented in the form of one or more manuscripts that are self-contained articles prepared for, submitted to, or already published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Findings from the research that are not reported in the manuscripts should be reported in a separate chapter in this section.
Provides a synthesis of the main findings of the full dissertation including the findings reported in the manuscripts.
Strengths and limitations of the dissertation are provided.
General conclusions and implications for practice and future research are provided.
References.

Style Requirements

Articles are submitted to journals following the style requirements of those particular journals. The dissertation will be formatted and bound consistent with Laurier guidelines.

Dissertation Proposal and Defence Procedures

Dissertations prepared under the MMD option are subject to dissertation defence procedures as specified by the policies and procedures set out by the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.

Authorship of a Manuscripts Included in the MMD

Normally all manuscripts that are included in the MMD Dissertation are authored by the doctoral student only. Any exceptions to this practice must be approved by the PhD Admissions, Curriculum and Student Affairs Committee.

Related Forms

PhD Dissertation Advisory Committee Membership Formation Form
PhD Dissertation Advisory Committee Membership Change Form
PhD Dissertation Proposal Approval Form
PhD Dissertation Defence - Request to Schedule Oral Examination Form

E: [email protected] T: 519.884.0710 x5201

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Phd program, dissertation prospectus.

The dissertation is an original piece of scholarly research on a topic that has been jointly agreed upon by the student and Supervisory Committee members. It is a major undertaking that should reflect the highest standards of scholarship and make a significant contribution to knowledge and practice in the field of social welfare and the profession of social work. After completing the General Examination, the student begins work on the Dissertation Prospectus and identifies at least three Supervisory Committee members (excluding the GSR) who will comprise the Dissertation Reading Committee. This is the group that provides primary mentorship during the dissertation research and writing and that approves the final Dissertation

The dissertation prospectus is a brief document (10-15 pages) prepared by PhD students who have advanced to candidacy and are prepared to undertake their dissertation research. This prospectus, which is developed and written in consultation with the Supervisory Committee, is regarded as a proposal for dissertation research that provides the Social Welfare Faculty with enough information about the candidate’s plan of dissertation research to assess its appropriateness, originality, rigor, and feasibility. Preparation and approval of the dissertation prospectus is a required preliminary step before the implementation of dissertation research. The dissertation prospectus serves as a critical benchmark for evaluating the adequacy of the candidate’s dissertation. The Prospectus should be approved by the supervisory committee and submitted to the PhD Program Office within two quarters after the General Examination. 1

Structure of the Dissertation Prospectus

Although each prospectus will have unique content, all must follow specific structural guidelines and elements of content to ensure that the prospectus addresses all PhD Program and Graduate School criteria for dissertation research.

Cover Page Form

Download the form using the link above. This form contains the proposed title of the dissertation, the candidate's full name, the names of all committee members, and the name and signature of the candidate's Supervisory Committee Chair. The Committee members who compose the Reading Committee are designated on this form. This subcommittee consists of at least three members of the Supervisory Committee (two of whom must be Social Welfare Faculty). The GSR does not serve on the Reading Committee. Note that this form is separate from the title page in the Dissertation Prospectus itself.

Statement of the Research Problem and Major Questions This part of the prospectus describes a research problem that is clearly relevant to the field of Social Welfare with a logical progression to the candidate's research aims. The research problem must be described in sufficient detail to ensure that any Social Welfare Faculty member reading the prospectus can become acquainted with the problem and its relevance to the field. After the introduction of the problem, a brief review of the state of theory and knowledge about the problem in the field of Social Welfare is provided, along with citations from the most pertinent literature. This section concludes with a small set of research questions and research aims that are clearly linked to the problem and to the field's state of theory and knowledge about the problem.

The dissertation prospectus should clearly articulate how the dissertation is relevant to social work's mission to enhance social justice. For example, a student may illustrate in the prospectus, as well as in the dissertation or the oral defense, some or all of the following: a) working knowledge of social justice theories relevant to the paper topic and substantive area, b) reflective practices to understand self as scholar in the context of power dynamics, c) articulation of just methodology, d) understanding of social justice implications at each stage of the research process, and e) conceptualization and completion of research that has the potential to contribute to social work practice that advances social justice values. 3

Methodology This section explains how the candidate plans to produce original knowledge that is clearly responsive to the research questions posed. Although a variety of qualitative and quantitative methods may be appropriate, this section must provide a detailed and unambiguous description of the research methods to be used. The exact methods chosen must be consistent with a clearly established epistemological perspective and must be of sufficient scope and rigor to clearly show strong potential for a significant advancement in the state of knowledge relevant to the research questions. Whatever the methods used, key concepts are to be clearly articulated and defined in operational terms. Sampling methods, measures, data collection, and data analysis techniques must be described in sufficient detail to allow some assessment of their appropriateness, both to the questions and the overall epistemological approach. Where human subjects are involved in the production of data, the student needs to identify the sources of risk to the subjects and the methods that will be used to ensure the participants are protected from harm and abrogation of basic rights. The SSW Human Subjects Office must be contacted early in the planning stages to help the student with submission for any necessary IRB approvals. (See website Human Subjects section.) The section should demonstrate a critical evaluation of the social justice implications of the proposed research methods.

Plan for Dissemination and Community Engagement 4 In keeping with social work’s mission, students are expected to consider how the proposed dissertation contributes to social justice. In this section, the student should provide a plan for how she/he will engage with relevant communities before, during, or after completing the dissertation. Examples may include the use of participatory research methods, creating a plan for dissemination of research findings to communities, or engaging in public scholarship. The plan should list concrete methods or opportunities that the student will pursue, explain how the activities connect to the program’s social justice training goals (see Social Justice Learning Objectives ), and should identify support and resources the student needs to engage in the proposed activities.

Timeline and Resource Considerations This section provides a timeline for the completion of all phases of the dissertation and the resource requirements of each phase, thereby providing a series of benchmarks for both the candidate and committee to assess the progress of the dissertation research. The timeline and resources required will vary by the type of dissertation research, and the candidate is encouraged to be both thorough and realistic. In particular, some margin should be built in for the unanticipated difficulties that are common to this level of research. The resource requirements that should be identified at each stage of the dissertation include such items as the cooperation of outside agencies, research assistants, software and computer access beyond that routinely provided, consultation, and internal/external funding sought or received.

Evaluating the Dissertation Prospectus

In assessing a student's prospectus, the Supervisory Committee will bear in mind the following criteria:

relevance of the research for the field of social welfare, including relevance to social work’s mission to pursue social justice
the rigor of the proposed study
the originality of the research
the feasibility of the overall proposal.

The dissertation prospectus must be independently reviewed by all Supervisory Committee members who are to be on the Dissertation Reading Committee. 5 When the committee members are satisfied that the proposed research is of sufficiently high quality to meet the standards of the Social Welfare Faculty, the Supervisory Committee members will approve the prospectus and complete the evaluation form . The chair and student together will review the evaluations and use the appropriate section on the chair's evaluation form to outline a plan for how any concerns raised in the evaluations will be addressed and how changes will be monitored. The prospectus cover page will be signed by the student and the Chair of the Supervisory Committee. Before actual work on the dissertation begins the candidate submits the cover page and two print copies of the approved prospectus along with copies of the Reading Committee evaluations to the PhD Program Assistant Director.

The PhD Assistant Director places one copy of the Dissertation Prospectus and evaluations in the student's official file and one copy of the Prospectus in the PhD Program Office Public Dissertation Prospectus Binders.

Following Supervisory Committee approval of the prospectus, the Social Work PhD Assistant Director officially establishes the Reading Committee with the Graduate School through MyGrad.

Approved by the PhD Steering Committee, 11/6/2012
Structure approved by Steering Committee, 5/26/1998
Approved by the PhD Steering Committee, 5/3/2011
Guidelines for Dissertation Prospectus Review. Approved by Steering Committee, 5/26/98; revised 10/21/1999, 8/11/2011.
Approved by the PhD Steering Committee, Spring 1995. In these cases, it is expected that findings and implications will be reported.

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300 Social Work Research Topics & Questions for Papers

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Social work research focuses primarily on studying problems experienced in social work field. The research, in this case, talks about challenges that caseworkers go through in their practice. Social work research topics cover various things, including problems in welfare work, and indicate how research can be used to gain a deep understanding of the issues. Have you been wondering how to develop an intriguing social work topic and possible areas to discuss in your research? Don't worry because this article by our online paper writing service covers all your concerns. The blog post will provide some social work research topic ideas that you can consider for your social work research.

What Are Social Work Research Topics?

Social work research topics are areas of study that involve applying research methodology to comprehend sectors that are challenging for social workers. These topic ideas concentrate on addressing some problems that caseworkers go through both in their lives and their field. Research topics for social work may vary. However, like any other research paper, writing social work research topics deals with application of related theories and concepts, as well as understanding the entire casework aspects. The research involves applying cause and effect, analytic, survey, and experimental procedures to find ways to address welfare challenges. The purpose of welfare work study is to understand the efficiency of various interventions used to address challenges people develop due to welfare deprivation.

Characteristics of Good Social Work Topics

As an individual seeking to conduct research in welfare work areas, you need to know some of the features that make social work topics to be of great value. Below are characteristics that will make topics for social work research incredible.

A good topic covers modern trends and incorporates the ideas in the social field.
The topic should break specific stereotypes using reasonable evidence.
It must also be supported by various studies that are peer-reviewed.
Topic chosen must be related to practices in the welfare field.

How to Choose a Social Work Topic?

A plan to decide on excellent social work topics to research starts with a general orientation into social work field. Here are some steps involved when choosing a social work research topic.

Pick a sector with research potential or simply the one you like.
Start with “why” and “what” questions and expand on them.
Read data on faculty’s research interests.
Read a proper research paper that find interesting and focus on literature review and background sections to gain insight into various issues.
Identify and browse journals that relate to your likes.
Lastly, you can look online for research topics that are ready and skim through them to gain new knowledge.

Once you pick a topic, don’t hesitate to contact our proficient research paper writers . Our experts are adept in many fields and can complete a research paper on any topic.

Social Work Research Topics List

Social work research topics cover various concepts and challenges related to caseworkers and their fields of practice. Below are comprehensive research topics in social work that are compelling to explore.

Parenting and how it is affected by drug abuse.
Hardship and benefits of teenage adoption.
Dealing with suicidal thoughts.
Societal view on mental sickness stigma.
Adverse impact of displacement on street kids.
Homelessness and associated psychological effects.
Managing PTSD among veterans.
Adolescents and associated clinical depression.
How group therapy helps to better the lives of foster residents.
Family role in reducing or increasing depression.
Effectiveness of anti-depressants.
Impact of death on wellbeing of a family.
Effects of divorce on lifestyle and health of children.
Ways to address military troops' suicidal tendencies.
Causes of suicidal thoughts in society.
Impact of disability on lives of parents.
Ways to address stigma associated with disability.
Children with autism are socially excluded.
Impacts of bullying on children’s wellbeing.
Complexities around child labor.
Debate for and against abortion.
Maltreatment of children in foster care.
Change in societal reaction to HIV/AIDS in the 1990s and now.
Rape and its psychological impact on the victim.
Ways to reduce human trafficking.

Unique Topics in Social Work

There are scholarly research topics in social work that draw extra attention from readers since they are unique in nature. Such topics often concentrate on issues neglected in society. Below are unique topics for social work research.

Is wellbeing therapy sustainable?
Teenage girls’ menstrual experiences in foster homes for the first time.
Poverty and how it impedes growth in the American Deep South.
Negative impact of conversion therapy on LGBTQ society.
Influence of inclusive healthcare system on ensuring good welfare lives of people.
Interracial marriages and their associated problems.
Effects of diversity on children with disabilities.
Effects of physical abuse on spousal intimacy.
Pornography as a primary contributor of incest in families.
Increase in violence against children and women.
Activism role based on culture in Native Americans ’ lives.
Sexual addiction of women to men.
Disparity in health services for immigrants.
Challenges experienced by people diagnosed with fibromyalgia.
Living with a spouse with memory problem.
Power issue in divorce mediation.
Issues related to having many partners.
Reintegration of those who survive substance abuse into the society.
Employment initiatives for women.
Dynamic systems applied to nations in war situations.
Transracial adoption and identity issue.
The hidden trauma in young counselors.
Ensuring access to medical services in villages.
Lowering the gender pay gap.
Reducing racism and antisemitism.

Controversial Topics in Social Work

Presently, there are several controversial issues in social work that may give rise to social research topics. Listed below are some controversial social work research topics.

Societal reaction to euthanasia.
Myths on adolescents’ substance abuse.
Societal groups that are most vulnerable to substance abuse.
Ways to deal with drug abuse in orphanages.
Ethical issues associated with human trafficking.
Family support role in reducing recidivism.
How imprisonment affects mental health.
Gender difference when dealing with imprisoned individuals.
Juvenile delinquents and reeducation strategies.
Whose role is it to develop resilience in social work?
What are strategies to build resilience among welfare workers?
Benefits associated with social health education among incarcerated women.
How unreported cases of abuse propagate violence.
Does constructivist therapy offer anything new to social work?
Should caseworkers support hypnosis use?
Who is responsible for misdiagnosis?
How does misdiagnosis affect lives of mentally ill individuals?
Health benefits associated with hypnosis on an individual.
Should parents be involved in preventing dyslexia?
Ways to address panic for both adults and adolescents.
Challenges faced by the LGBTQ community.
Do traffickers suffer psychological consequences of human trafficking?
Welfare workers’ roles in civil wars.
Various strategies to help anti-social students.
Was confinement sanctioning by the court a good move?

Interesting Social Work Research Questions

Before you start your research, it is essential to develop a social work research question that guides the type of information you will gather. Some of the social work research questions examples that talk about various interesting social work topics are listed below.

How can the US solve the rise in obesity cases?
How does taking student loans impact them psychologically?
How can America curb increasing addiction cases?
How do we help adults with learning disabilities?
How can we improve lives of pregnant incarcerated mothers?
What is America’s racial disparity prevalence?
How can PTSD patients receive support?
Does poverty have psychological effects on children?
What are workplace violence indicators?
What are strategies to ensure work-family balance?
What does society believe about divorce and its impact on children?
Do you think substance abuse can be regulated?
What are consequences of living with HIV/AIDS?
Do you feel traumatized living with dyslexia?
What are causes of bipolar disorder?
How does society treat those with bipolar disorders?
Who is more vulnerable to divorce?
Does the US criminal justice system play its role in reducing juvenile delinquency?
What are problems minority kids face at their foster homes?
Does substance misuse lead to alcoholism?
Role of police brutality in increasing transformative change?
What is the appropriate strategy to help patients with bipolar?
How can we avoid re-incarceration?
What does religion say about LGBTQ community?
How does ADHD affect children in foster homes?

>> Read more: Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics

Hot Topics in Social Work

There are various topics in social work that a researcher can explore to address current hot issues such as COVID-19 pandemic. These topics are important since they help determine current and future solutions to an issue. Here are some social work issues topics that you can consider.

What are effects of Russian-Ukraine war on society?
Impact of COVID-19 on welfare workers’ psychological health.
Issues that arise in households with adopted children.
Social workers’ attitude towards older people.
Importance of religion in reducing stereotypes.
How building emotional intelligence helps caseworkers.
Demands that residents in a foster facility make.
Challenges single parents experience.
Support strategies for single parents.
Strategies to help sexually exploited children.
Factors leading to homelessness in the US.
Forms of abuse elders experience from young people.
Media role in shaping antisemitism stereotypes.
Approaches to working with elderly people who are cognitively impaired.
Parental role in shaping sexual orientation of their children.
When should a child be removed from a setting?
Child neglect and its effects on victim’s academic performance.
Psychological effects of children watching domestic violence.
Grief and its associated symptoms.
Methods for assisting kids who have seen domestic violence.
Ways to encourage domestic violence reporting.
Technology and addiction treatment.
Suicide prevention protocol in different localities.
Risk factors associated with secondary traumatic stress.
Ways to increase cancer screening rates.

Human Services Research Topics

Human services topics are important since they deal with human existence and ways to make it better. Human service topics focus on how social workers help to satisfy individuals’ and communities’ needs. Generally, social workers’ primary aim is to ensure people live in the most comfortable way possible. Some of the human service research topics are indicated below.

Adverse impact of unemployment.
Ways to deal with anxiety and depression among small children.
Reducing number of incarcerated individuals.
Impact of juvenile delinquency in the US.
Relevant ways to breed love in foster care.
Integration of dyslexic people into society.
Government intervention to enhance welfare conditions.
Importance of food banks for the US citizens.
High school bullying prevalence and impacts.
Factors leading to family violence.
Impact of homophobia on LGBTQ+ community.
Drawbacks of the US correctional system.
Effects of mental illness misdiagnosis.
The move to invalidate bullying in high schools.
Causes of panicking in kids.
Interventions to reduce unemployment rates in the US.
Strategies to show concern for individuals from communities with low income.
Challenges of homophobia in the UAE.
Social workers in reducing child abuse cases.
Strategies to enhance resilience among welfare workers.
The need for psychological therapy among welfare workers.
Important household policies that can reduce domestic violence.
Shortcomings of America’s carceral system.
Interventions for children raised in abusive homes.
Ways to improve learning experience for disabled children.

Best Social Work Research Topics Ideas

Social work plays a huge role in our daily lives. Therefore, exploring research topics ideas for social work will help us to understand welfare workers’ role in making our lives better. This section discusses various social work topics for research papers. It is categorized into subsections, starting with research paper topics, thesis topics, and dissertation topics. Here, you will also find social work capstone ideas, topics for discussion, essay, and presentation topics. Details for each subsection are provided below.

Social Work Research Paper Topics

As an individual in social work field, you will write several research papers and essays. Social work paper topics you can cover depend on your interests, trends, or any other factor. Some interesting topics related to social work you can consider include the following.

Social workers' perspectives on elderly.
Causes of people's unwillingness to take advantage of mental health care services.
Problems that foster children face that prevent them from completing their college degrees.
Welfare workers’ role in drug abuse prevention.
The significance of cultural awareness in casework.
Facilitation of prenatal and postpartum care for surrogate moms.
Assessing how PTSD affects psychological wellbeing.
Adoptive families face unique difficulties and concerns.
Benefits of play therapy interventions for school counseling.
Hemodialysis patients' mental health and the methods used to help them.
Importance of leisure pursuits for Alzheimer's patients.
Damages of psychological violence.
Trauma and adolescent transition among LGBTQ+ kids.
Understanding the neglect-syndrome of foster kids.
Understanding trauma for caseworkers.
Foster parenting's advantages.
Role of foster parents in violence prevention.
Domestic violence and its impacts.
Foster homes’ role in creating a safe space.
How diversity helps in social works sector.

Social Work Thesis Topics

There are several thesis topics in social work to research during your master’s program or PhD, which can vary depending on your interest or occupation. Below are some of the social work literature review topics that you can look into.

Effectiveness of group therapy for alcoholics.
Mental health services’ effectiveness for pedophilia survivors.
Inaccessibility of mental health care for members of underrepresented groups due to language barriers.
Prepartum depression and connection to expecting mothers.
Relationship between codependency and emotional unavailability.
Strategies to handle fatigue among welfare workers.
Burnout causes among social workers.
Challenges associated with child birth and labor.
Depression and the perception of welfare mothers.
Prevalence of mental health in the US.
The use of an integrated system in various foster homes within America.
Nurses’ commitment level and how it is associated with health outcomes.
Impact of legalizing abortion in some states.
Comparison between displacement in foster homes and war sites.
Analyzing displacement and associated challenges.
How immigrant families benefit from parenthood?
Issues that visually disabled students face at school.
Essence of welfare work sector diversity.
Learning about depression from the welfare mom's viewpoint.
Ways to improve healthcare system.

Social Work Dissertation Topics

Dissertation is a crucial part of your education life as a social worker. Therefore, dissertation topics in social work have to be properly framed and specific. Here are some of the dissertation topics for social work to consider.

Coping strategies of men during violence at home.
Rape and how it affects victim’s psychological development.
Acceptance rate of addiction by addicts within the US.
Vulnerable groups and government’s role in improving their lives.
Justification of gender pay gap in America.
Addiction to substance abuse and its role in the contemporary world.
Prevalence of homosexuality in the US.
Naturalizing human needs as a way to break down taboo and barriers.
The association between stigma and drug abuse persistence.
Drug abuse and how music increases its prevalence.
Rate at which American citizens care for their forefathers.
Technological role in shaping our sexual preferences.
Reasons why men and women commit suicide.
Existing protection policies for children in New York State.
Investigating US women who have experienced child sexual abuse.
Assessment of healing strategies for drug abuse survivors.
The role of parents in supporting their children’s ambitions.
Volunteering and its impact on self-satisfaction.
Therapies used to treat effective disorder in an American youth.
The need for sexual education among young girls with mental health issues.

Social Work Capstone Project Ideas

As a social worker, you should consider some social work project topics for your capstone project . Capstone project social work research topics are highlighted below.

Impact of domestic violence on marital satisfaction.
How does government support minority groups?
Media role in ensuring public safety.
Causes of child neglect.
How juvenile crime affects the US.
How government ensures food security.
Enhancing public safety in minority communities.
Problems associated with criminal justice system.
Social integration of individuals with Down Syndrome.
Role of school administration in reducing bullying.
Bullying and victims’ academic performance.
Trauma experienced by social workers.
Parenting and its role in children’s sexual orientation.
What causes panic in schools.
How child support is essential in divorced couples.
Child neglect and its causes.
Damages caused by psychological violence.
Trauma of adolescent transitioning in LGBTQ+ children.
Understanding foster kids’ neglect-syndrome.
Causes of increase in reincarceration among youths in America.

Social Work Topics for Discussion

Highlighted below are some social work discussion topics to consider.

Root causes of domectic violence.
Location-specific suicide prevention and crisis protocols.
How does drug dependence influence parenting?
Public policies for and against LGBT community.
Ways of providing support for bipolar patients.
Prenatal depression in expectant mothers.
How to cope with imprisonment stigma.
Ways to improve living standards in foster homes.
What are the best community service strategies for refugees?
How can backyard farming be used to empower women?
Utilizing gender sensitivity to help the LGBT community.
Cultural importance of generation gap.
Secondary traumatic stress: symptoms, risk factors & ways of managing.
How to motivate women to report family violence.
Various ways in which unemployment influences immigrants.
How peer service providers confront reproductive health issues.
The major problems faced by welfare workers.
Detrimental influence of alcohol and drug on adolescents.
Effectiveness of the prohibition of liquor.
Key reasons for heightened crime rates in modern society.

Social Work Essay Topics

Here are some of social work topics for essays that you should consider in your writing.

Global challenges faced by deported women.
Street hawking opportunities for teenagers.
Main factors that lead to incest.
Positive and negative effects of health care reforms.
How environmental welfare work is undertaken.
Care strategies for immigrants.
Impact of corporate social responsibility on community wellbeing.
Does welfare scheme affect worker’s performance?
The impact of sexual violence on adolescent girls.
How does diversity affect various communities?
Effect of play therapy interventions in school counseling.
Influence of poverty on children’s development and education.
How should welfare workers deal with pedophilia victims?
How should caseworkers prevent burnout?
How to establish a high school service-learning program.
Elder abuse: most prevalent forms.
The central issues associated with special education.
Personal perspective on the obstacles faced by vulnerable populations in search medical help.
What is the greatest risk of fetal alcohol exposure?
Ways to enhance caseworkers’ mental health.

Social Work Topics for Presentation

Presentation social work topics for research discuss different aspects of the field of social work. The research topics have to be practical for them to be presented well. Below are some good research topics for social work presentation.

Strategies to ensure equality during job recruitment.
Autism and its risk factors.
Causes of depression in kids.
What are risk factors of PTSD among victims?
Ways to reduce suicide cases in society.
Advantages and disadvantages of rehabilitation centers.
Community initiatives to cater for the elders.
Effects of misdiagnosis of mental illness.
Ethics of abortion.
Importance of early cancer screening.
Strategies to reduce unemployment rate among minority communities.
How foster parents can help in countering youth violence.
Euthanasia and how various religions view it.
Compare societal preparation to COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS.
Contemporary ways to substance abuse.
Eating disorder and its causes.

Research Topics for Social Work Students

College students also apply social work research topics in their study of related subject, which covers various aspects in the field of social work. Here are some of social work research topics for college students.

Resident’s experience in long-term care facilities.
Strategies to handle life when both parents suffer from Alzheimer’s.
Pregnancy experience among immigrants and how they approach it.
How does death affect the collective wellbeing of the family?
Enhancing digital literacy among immigrant students.
How socioeconomic disparity affects the old.
Social and mental effects of loans on students.
Social problems that autistic children face.
Conversion therapy’s negative effects on the LGBTQ+ community.
Impact of science on cancer treatment.

You will find a lot of topics in different fields on our platform. If you are looking for topics in laws or mental health research paper topics , just go to our library and find what you need.

Bottom Line on Social Work Research Topic Ideas

Feel free to choose a topic of your choice from the social work research topics examples recommended above. Apply appropriate topic categories during the process of choosing topics depending on your needs, knowledge in the field, and the type of paper you are writing. Practice using the provided examples will make you perfect.

In case you need a personalized research topic, or require a complete social work research paper, you can buy research paper online from StudyCrumb. Particularly, our writers will help you choose social work research paper topics, write papers for you, and proofread the work to ensure there are no grammatical errors.

Joe Eckel is an expert on Dissertations writing. He makes sure that each student gets precious insights on composing A-grade academic writing.

Master’s of Social Work

Choose this program to develop an integrated perspective in which practice and research inform each other, build connections with internationally recognized faculty, and engage in research., one admission – two degrees.

The combined MSW/PhD is a program that allows a single application and admission process. The PhD Program is for people who are interested in making a difference through practice informed research. We are preparing the next generation of social work scholars.

Eligibility

Applicants with a master’s degree in a related field or applicants with a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field are eligible to apply. Successful applicants among those whose highest degree is the bachelor’s must meet the following criteria.:

3.5 undergraduate GPA; and
Have a B- or better in a research and a statistics class.

Estimated timeline to Degree Completion

MSW Degree: 1 to 2 years
PhD Coursework: 2 years
Candidacy: 6 months to 1 year
Dissertation: 1 to 2 years
Total: 4.5-7 years

MSW/PhD students are eligible for a 25% or Graduate Research Associate (GRA) position during the MSW portion of their degree. These positions cover 50% of tuition costs and provide a stipend for 10 hours of work per week for nine months. Once in the PhD portion, students are eligible for a 50% GRA with tuition coverage in exchange for 20 hours of work per week for nine months.

For general questions about the MSW, please contact the MSW Office at [email protected].

For questions about the PhD Curriculum, please contact Dr. Mo Yee Lee, PhD Program Director, [email protected] .

For questions about the MSW+PhD application or general questions about the PhD Program, please contact Jennifer Nakayama, PhD Coordinator, at [email protected] or 614-292-6188 .

Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) Dissertations

This series contains dissertations from Penn's Doctorate in Social Work program. For more information about University of Pennsylvania dissertation requirements and guidelines, please consult the dissertation manual .

Publication Type

Results per page, search results.

Publication Technology as the Third Spouse - The Impact of Smartphones on Newlywed Couples ( 2021-05-15 ) Mandel, Sarah Show more Background Recent research has explored the impact of technology and smartphone use on relationships. This is the first study to address smartphone use in the newlywed stage of marriage. The newlywed time period is the foundational phase of a marital relationship. Technological changes have become part of our culture and smartphone technology has become central to individuals’ lives. The accessibility and size of the smartphone, along with the features it provides, is different from all other devices, thus creating a more intimate and dependent relationship with it. Methods The aim of this study was to expand upon the existing research related to smartphone technology by addressing the gap in the literature on smartphone use during the newlywed time period. This qualitative study explored the experiences of smartphone use in newlywed couples when in each other's presence and how smartphones were part of a newlywed couple’s interaction. Twenty newlywed couples, married between one and four years were interviewed separately, totaling a sample of 40 participants. Data were collected from June 2020 through July 2020 until saturation was met. Results The five themes that were illuminated in this study were, Vehicle, Mindset, Phone Rules, Interface, and Circular Use. The themes were developed based on the appreciation of the common experience of all the participants within their newlywed marriage in relation to their smartphone use (n=40). The results indicated that the smartphone is a neutral reflection of its user and is a vehicle that can be used to either magnify or minimize the value of the couple’s interaction when together. The user’s needs and mindset drive the use of the smartphone. Depending on the spouse’s mindset, the smartphone was used to either enhance bonding or to create a momentary outlet within the relationship. The unexpected finding that a person’s mindset effected their smartphone use informed the reason why individuals used their smartphone object in the moment when with their spouse. Discussion These findings support that when the newlywed couple either employed rules or made quality time a priority by putting the brakes on their smartphone consumption, smartphone use did not have a negative effect on their feelings of attachment to each other. This study suggests the importance of understanding a spouse’s mindset as a motivating factor for smartphone use during shared interactions in order for the couple to better acknowledge each other’s needs and support their developing marital bond. This research has provided information that stresses the importance of helping couples exchange their seeking of connection to their devices in exchange for live and conscious connection to their partner. Show more
Publication The Impact of the Therapeutic Alliance, Therapist Empathy and Perceived Coercion on Engagement in Outpatient Therapy for Individuals with Serious Mental Health Conditions ( 2020-05-18 ) Mallonee, Jason R Show more Purpose: Individuals with serious mental health conditions disengage from treatment at a higher rate than other populations. Factors associated with treatment engagement for this population in other contexts, or in outpatient therapy for other populations, include the therapeutic alliance, therapist empathy, and perceived coercion. This study tested the hypothesis that a stronger therapeutic alliance, a greater degree of therapist empathy, and a lower degree of coercion will be associated with a higher degree of engagement in outpatient therapy for individuals with SMHC when controlling for other factors found to be associated with engagement. Methods: 131 participants completed an anonymous web-based survey measuring the study’s constructs with established scales. The relationship between variables was tested using hierarchical multiple regression analysis. Results: After separating the therapeutic alliance and therapist empathy in the multivariate analysis due to multicollinearity, both the therapeutic alliance and therapist empathy were found to be significant predictors of change in client engagement. Perceived coercion was not found to be a significant predictor of change in client engagement. It was also found that participant treatment utilization at the time of survey completion was significantly less intensive than their historical treatment utilization, and that participants reflect a range of symptoms and levels of impairment. Conclusions and Implications: The therapeutic alliance and the quality of therapist-client interactions are the most important factors in maintaining engagement in outpatient therapy for individuals with SMHC. Individuals with SMHC are managing their conditions with less intensive and less restrictive treatments, despite a varying range of symptom severity and functional impairment. Additional research is needed to better understand engagement in therapy for individuals with SMHC and to develop more sensitive measures for evaluating these constructs. Show more
Publication THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SYSTEMIC, TRAUMA-INFORMED GROUP MODEL TO REDUCE SECONDARY TRAUMATIC STRESS AMONG VIOLENCE INTERVENTION WORKERS ( 2019-05-20 ) Vega, Laura Show more ABSTRACT THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SYSTEMIC, TRAUMA-INFORMED GROUP MODEL TO REDUCE SECONDARY TRAUMATIC STRESS AMONG VIOLENCE INTERVENTION WORKERS Laura Vega, MSW, LCSW Lani Nelson-Zlupko, Ph.D., LCSW Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) among violence intervention workers is pervasive and increases the risk of negative psychosocial and health outcomes. Compelling evidence demonstrates the virulent impact of STS on individual workers, clients, and organizations (Bride, 2007; Figley, 1995; Pearlman & Saakvitne, 1995). STS is an occupational hazard and organizations have an ethical obligation to implement strategies to address it, ultimately protecting workers and clients. However, research is limited on effective interventions to address this issue, with existing interventions focusing narrowly on self-care strategies. Due to the significant and consistent trauma exposure inherent in violence intervention work, it is essential for STS interventions to be proactive, ongoing, and agency-based. This dissertation identifies key risk and protective factors, reviews existing interventions, and describes gaps in those interventions. The development of a group model, Stress-Less Initiative, is presented, an evidence-informed, theoretically grounded intervention that is proactive, ongoing, and embedded within the organization to prevent secondary trauma. The Stress-Less Initiative is a team-based model that provides a safe context to reflect on the impact of trauma work while increasing collegial support, coping strategies, team cohesion and resilience. Recommendations for agency use of this intervention are provided and implications for practice, research and policy are presented. Show more
Publication PARENTAL "SENSE OF AGENCY": A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF PARENTS EXPERIENCES ASSISTING THEIR CHILDREN IN OUTPATIENT COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT. ( 2022-08-05 ) Erickson, Eric G Show more Parental “Sense of Agency”: A Qualitative Study of Parents Experiences Assisting their Children in Outpatient Community Mental Health Treatment. ABSTRACT In the United States, there are approximately 17 million children under the age of 17 that have commonly diagnosed mental health disorders which include ADHD, behavior problems, anxiety, and depression (Bitsko et al., 2019). In efforts to provide access to mental health treatment, there are approximately 11,682 mental health facilities as of 2018, 62% of which are comprised of community mental health centers and outpatient mental health clinics that provide mental health services for children and families (SAMSHA, 2018). The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study is to explore the experiences of parents and/or primary caregivers “sense of agency” in reference to working with mental health professionals in outpatient community mental health settings. For the purposes of this study, “sense of agency” is defined as actions that are experienced as voluntary and in which we may not feel as simply happening to us rather, we experience agency when we are in control of our actions (Synofzik et al., 2008; Moore, 2016). The assumption in the study is that parents “sense of agency” is a critical aspect of parents being able to effectively engage and implement evidenced based interventions utilized for their children in outpatient community mental health settings. Furthermore, parents increased or improved “sense of agency” would have a lasting impact on their ability to assist their children with mental health conditions even after their children are no longer receiving mental health treatment. The theoretical framework that was utilized in the study to explore parents “sense of agency” was Bowen’s Family Systems Theory. The study was comprised of N=10 participants who had one or more children participating in one outpatient clinic in Central Harlem. Parents engaged in a one-hour semi-structured interview which explored their experiences assisting their children in mental health treatment and their interactions with their child, mental health practitioners and other supports. After the study was completed, four major themes emerged. The four themes included: parents locus of control, parental activation, parental attributions, and issues related to the utilization of psychotropic medication by some of the children in the study. These themes impacted parents “sense of agency” in how they were able to engage in their child’s treatment, what they believed were potential causes of their child’s mental health condition, their orientation of control (whether external or internal) in reference to their child’s progress in treatment, as well as, navigating their children’s resistance to psychotropic medication. Social work practice implications would incorporate interventions that can increase parents “sense of agency”, specifically due to its relational nature which may lead to a transmission of agency to future generations considering the ongoing systemic challenges that families may face in their own communities. The implications for future studies may focus not only on parents “sense of agency” during their child’s mental health treatment but parents “sense of agency” before the start of their child’s treatment process in relation to their capacity to implement interventions that are formulated alongside the mental health practitioner. Furthermore, studies may seek to follow up with parents after their child’s completion of treatment in efforts to understand parents’ experiences or changes in their “sense of agency” as it relates to their children’s mental health. These studies would further allow to improve the understanding between parents “sense of agency” and long-term outcomes in mental health treatment for their children. Show more
Publication A Comparative Effectiveness Study of the Trauma Recovery Empowerment Model (TREM) and an Attachment-Informed Variation of TREM ( 2017-05-15 ) Masin-Moyer, Melanie Show more Abstract A Comparative Effectiveness Study of the Trauma Recovery Empowerment Model (TREM) and an Attachment-Informed Variation of TREM (ATREM) Melanie Masin-Moyer, University of Pennsylvania Dr. Phyllis Solomon, Dissertation Chair, University of Pennsylvania Dr. Malitta Engstrom, Dissertation Committee Member, University of Pennsylvania Objective: An evidenced-based women’s trauma group was modified to create a new protocol, Attachment-Informed Trauma Recovery Empowerment Model (ATREM), which included attachment-based concepts and strategies to determine if well-being could be enhanced beyond the Trauma Recovery Empowerment Model (TREM). A quasi-experimental design was used to test the hypothesis that ATREM would be associated with greater improvement in attachment security, perceived social support, emotion regulation, substance use, depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms than TREM. Methods: Sixty-nine women completed the group interventions (n = 37 ATREM; n = 32 TREM), along with pre- and-post-test questionnaires. The questionnaires included sociodemographic questions and the following standardized scales: Relationship Scale Questionnaire, Social Group Attachment Scale, Social Support Scale, Difficulties in Emotional Regulation, Brief Symptom Inventory 18, PTSD Symptom Scale, and modified versions of the Lifetime Stressor Checklist Revised and the Addiction Severity Index. The continuous variables were analyzed using paired t-tests for within-group comparisons and independent t-tests for between-group comparisons, and the categorical variables were analyzed using Chi-Square or Fisher’s Exact Test. Results: Both ATREM and TREM were associated with statistically significant within-group improvement in individual and group attachment styles, perceived social support, emotion regulation capacities, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Only ATREM was associated with statistically significant improvement in individual attachment avoidance. The gains associated with ATREM did not exceed those associated with TREM as hypothesized. Conclusion: This pilot study extends prior findings on TREM by demonstrating that novel infusions of attachment-focused strategies into this evidence-based practice can facilitate comparable growth across a variety of measures of well-being. ATREM was also able to promote significant reductions in individual attachment avoidance, a style of interacting often considered challenging to modify. ATREM’s integrated design with cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic elements holds potential to enhance responsiveness and effectiveness of TREM in meeting the diverse needs of women who have experienced trauma. Further, this study demonstrates the effectiveness of brief trauma-focused group therapy and provides insight into the emerging concept of group attachment style. Show more
Publication It’s the Journey: The Developmental and Attachment Implications of Animal Assisted Play Therapy(TM) for Children in Emergency Housing ( 2018-05-14 ) Wenocur, Katharine P Show more BACKGROUND: Child homelessness is correlated with a wide range of health and psychosocial challenges including poor school performance, juvenile justice involvement, and heightened risk of exposure to early-life violence and trauma. Despite this, participation in therapy tends to be low. Animal Assisted Play TherapyTM (AAPT), a comprehensive model that systematically integrates trained therapy animals into play therapy, serves as a compelling modality for engaging this population into treatment. The tenets of AAPT are aligned with several clinical goal areas that homeless children might address in therapy, including the strengthening of attachment relationships with primary caregivers. METHODS: The study integrated analysis of projective drawings and accompanying narratives with the treatment records of 11 children (ages 6-11) who received canine assisted therapy while residing in an urban, mid-Atlantic family homeless shelter. All children worked with a clinician trained in AAPT and participated in at least three therapy sessions with a qualified therapy dog present. Each child created a drawing in response to the prompt: “Draw a picture of a child and a dog”, and told a story based on the contents of their drawing. Parent/caregivers of each child participated in a qualitative interview that elicited feedback and reflections on the therapy process. Grounded constructivist theory and interpretive description were used to conduct both individual and cross-participant analysis. Analysis was further informed by children’s case history files and parent interviews about children’s developmental history. RESULTS: The projective drawings communicated aspects of homeless children’s relationships with the therapy dog and, in turn, with their primary caregivers. Developmentally, children drew at lower levels than would be expected for their age. Each child personalized their drawing, either by identifying the protagonist as their gender, or including a physical characteristic (e.g. clothing, hairstyle) unique to the child; this suggests that the children tapped into their personal experience. Several themes emerged from analysis of the drawings and narratives including representations of lived and wished-for attachment experiences. Children depicted relationships between the characters in their drawings and narratives that were characterized by emotional closeness as well as frequent separations and reunions. Children also highlighted the importance of learning tasks related to training and caring for the dogs. These themes were reflected in the children's treatment records and the parent/caregiver interviews. Parent/caregivers described their child's experience in therapy positively, and identified the therapy dog as a component of the treatment's success. IMPLICATIONS: Projective drawings enabled homeless children to communicate their attachment experiences in a manner sensitive to their developmental needs. Themes that emerged from this study inform further research on specific benefits of animal assisted therapy. Specifically, the themes of lived and wished-for attachment experiences suggest that further research on this modality might focus on the ways that the modality allows children to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones. The drawings created during this study are a valuable tool in understanding the experiences of homeless children, and lay the groundwork for further study of the use of projective drawings for exploring children's experiences in therapy. Show more
Publication TRAUMA-INFORMED CASE MANAGEMENT PRACTICE FOR YOUTH EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS: CONNECTION, HEALING AND TRANSFORMATION ( 2018-05-14 ) McAlpin, Frank Show more Young people experiencing homelessness in the United States are some of the most resilient individuals in our society. They, like all young people, are filled with extraordinary potential. However, the multiple and chronic trauma that these young people experience, caused by systemic injustices such as poverty, violence and oppression, both before and while experiencing homelessness, deeply violate their dignity and human rights. For youth experiencing homelessness, their very survival physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and economically is threatened daily. Experiences such as: abuse, neglect, poverty, housing instability, loss, family and community violence, victimization, exploitation, hunger, illness, criminalization, social isolation, rejection and marginalization profoundly influence a young person’s sense of safety and ultimately their health and wellbeing. The purpose of this project is to create a response to youth homelessness that restores and enhances dignity and provides opportunities for connection, healing and transformation. This will be accomplished by the creation of a Trauma-Informed Case Management Toolkit for case managers working with youth experiencing homelessness. In short, this response addresses the individual needs of young people experiencing homelessness while also encouraging social change. The trauma-informed case management toolkit, a holistic guide in delivering case management services, connects theory to practice for case managers, infusing principles of trauma-informed care, attachment theory, youth development and social justice into case management practice with youth experiencing homelessness. The intention is that the trauma-informed case management toolkit can be used as part of the larger response in addressing youth homelessness from an individual, community, societal, and policy perspective. Show more
Publication Client-Clinician Texting: An Expansion of the Clinical Holding Environment ( 2015-05-19 ) Innocente, Gina M Show more While there has been a surge in the texting literature related to the innovative uses of mobile technology in clinical social work practice, there is a dearth of knowledge related to the use of texting between clients and clinicians. Regardless of a clinician’s individual preference for using texting, cultural paradigm shifts in communication and interpersonal expectations will require incorporation of texting technology to meet client demands. This two-part dissertation provides a critical review of the literature that chronicles the rapid diffusion of texting into American culture and identifies its current use in psychotherapy. It demonstrates a significant gap related to its impact on the therapeutic relationship, as well as the absence of theoretical evolution to guide practice. An accompanying article expands relational theory as a way to conceptualize texting and texting behaviors in order to make responsible and purposeful decisions when integrating this technology. Composite case vignettes will demonstrate how “theoretical knowing” can be translated into “clinical doing” to address this current gap between theory and practice. Show more
Publication EXPLAINING THE LONG-DISTANCE PARENT CAREGIVING BURDEN OF THE UNITED STATES FOREIGN SERVICE AND MILITARY ( 2022-08-05 ) Holmes, Christine D Show more Purpose: To respond to global trends in aging, healthcare, technology and mobile labor markets, this cross-sectional, correlational study examined the burden of long-distance parent caregivers, or adults coordinating parent care remotely, by using a convenience sample of U.S. active-duty military personnel and Foreign Service Officers. Methods: 79 respondents completed an anonymous online survey containing standardized scales. The relationship between variables was tested using multiple regression analysis and One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results: Preparedness for caregiving was negatively correlated with subjective and objective caregiving burden in multiple regression analysis. One-way ANOVA revealed a statistically significant difference in subjective burden based on caregiving intensity. There was also a significant difference in objective burden based on the reason the recipient needed care, but post-hoc analysis found no inter-group differences that passed the Bonferroni adjusted cutoff for significance. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the gender of the caregiver, availability of a sibling support network and instrumental support were not significantly correlated with burden. Conclusions and Implications: Preparedness for caregiving had the strongest relationship to distance caregiving burden in this study. Findings may inform intervention strategies to limit the strains of caregiving and support other distance caregiver subgroups, such as other U.S. Government employees and other Americans living overseas. Future longitudinal research is needed to understand causality and the relationship between variables in the long-distance caregiving trajectory over time. Show more
Publication THIRD CULTURE KIDS (TCKs) GO TO COLLEGE: A RETROSPECTIVE NARRATIVE INQUIRY OF INTERNATIONAL UPBRINGING AND COLLEGIATE ENGAGEMENT ( 2018-05-14 ) Espada-Campos, Shakira Show more BACKGROUND: Third Culture Kids (TCKs) are those who have been raised in a culture outside of the culture of their parents, usually in a host country that differs from the country of their birth, because of their parents’ work or religious endeavors. Some of the groups that identify themselves as TCKs include children of military service members stationed overseas, children of members of the Foreign Service, and the children of missionaries. These children are growing up in a culture and society that is different from their parents’ passport country and may vastly differ in language spoken, religious beliefs, and cultural norms. Pollock and Van Reken (2001) explain TCKs as being between cultures, stating that the third culture is developed by the child to explain an identity that is different from that of the host country or the parents’ home country. This retrospective narrative inquiry explored the undergraduate college experiences of Adult Third Culture Kids (ATCKs) to understand the risk and protective factors associated with repatriation and collegiate engagement. METHODS: This study employed a qualitative approach combining heuristic analysis and procedures of grounded theory during data collection, analysis, and interpretation of findings. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted face-to-face with individuals who self-identified as ATCKs and had completed a four year undergraduate program earning a degree. RESULTS: Concepts related to understanding the self, and meaningful connections and relationships emerged from the data revealing how repatriation can be simultaneously volatile and emotionally grounding. Themes uncovered during data analysis included perceptions of self-identity, investment, the concept of home, uneven development, and factors contributing to college choice. DISCUSSION: Research findings suggest the need for culturally informed administrative practices to mitigate psychosocial challenges associated with academic engagement. Interventions related to student identification procedures, supportive resources, and campus life programs should be incorporated to support multicultural students starting at the time of application and continuing through to graduation. Show more
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Top 5 PhD in Social Work Online Programs

Find your perfect school.

Author: Melissa Maypole/ Reviewed by: Julie McCaulley/ Publication Date: June 2024

Social work is a helping profession, and pursuing a terminal degree in this field is a noble pursuit. Noble or not, such an academic program requires a great sacrifice of time and effort. Not everyone can devote these resources to an on-campus PhD. Fortunately, over a dozen colleges and universities in America have stepped up to fill the gap with convenient social work doctorates that can be completed via distance education. In this ranking, we explore the top doctoral degrees in social work for those who want to take on influential leadership roles in this vital field.

Methodology

To develop this ranking, our editors first sought to identify all colleges and universities in the U.S. offering an online doctoral program in social work. This initial search yielded 17 schools. After applying the tuition filter to ensure affordability, we were left with just 5 programs. Finally, we applied our site-wide methodology for graduate programs . What follows is our ranking of the top online doctorates in social work.

Featured Programs

#5—university of st. thomas, st. paul, minnesota, online doctor of social work.

Tuition : $21,611

St. Thomas University offers an online doctorate in social work program through its Morrison Family College of Health. Designed for students who desire to teach social work at the postsecondary level, the 45-credit hour program is comprised of eight-week online classes such as:

History of Social Work and Social Work Education
Pedagogies in Social Work Education: Theories and Practice
Grant Writing
Social Work Theoretical Perspectives

In addition to online courses, students are also required to complete an on-campus orientation as well as annual residencies. St. Thomas University is accredited at the institutional level by The Higher Learning Commission.

Nationally ranked best value school
Cohort-based
Multiple on-campus visits are required
Less affordable

#4—Our Lady of the Lake University

San antonio, texas, phd in social work.

Tuition : $17,658

The online PhD in social work from Our Lady of the Lake University emphasizes social work leadership within minority-serving institutions. Offered through the Worden School of Social Service, the online doctoral program features a blend of synchronous and asynchronous programming. Course titles comprising the curriculum for the program may include:

Social Work Policy
Scholarly Writing and Publication
Decolonized Pedagogy
Epistemology and Theories

Doctoral students will have the opportunity to participate in a paid teaching assistantship program. A one-week summer residency is also required in addition to online coursework. OLLU is accredited to award this doctorate in social work online by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The school is also a member of the Group for Advancement of Doctoral Education in Social Work (GADE).

GADE member
Paid teaching assistantship
Top-rated graduate programs in social work
Residency required
Some synchronous elements

#3—Spalding University

Louisville, kentucky, doctor of social work.

Tuition : $12,960

The comprehensive online doctor of social work degree from Spalding University requires 50 credit hours of online coursework. Sample course titles include:

Innovative Practices for Justice and Social Change
Teaching in Social Work
Grants and Financial Management
Research for Advanced Social Work Practice

The program is accelerated, enabling students to earn their social work doctorate in just two years of distance learning. Its format includes both synchronous and asynchronous elements. Spalding University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

No residency requirements
Graduate assistantships available
Small cohorts
Accelerated format
Low graduation rate
Less diverse

#2—Norfolk State University

Norfolk, virginia.

Tuition : $9,084

Norfolk State University offers a flexible online PhD in social work that can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. The curriculum for this 54-credit hour program consists of course titles such as:

Program Evaluation in Social Services
Theory for Family-Centered Social Work Practice
Research Methods for Social Work
Social Welfare History and Philosophy

A comprehensive exam and doctoral dissertation are also required as culminating elements of the program. Norfolk State holds its institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Part-time option
Top regional university
Dissertation required

#1—University of Utah

Salt lake city, utah.

Points : 11

Tuition : $7,353

A new program offered by the University of Utah, the online PhD in social work, will soon be accepting applications for its first cohort. This distance-delivered offering is fully synchronous, and students will attend classes remotely at the same time as on-campus students. Courses required for the degree include:

Teaching and Pedagogy
Systematic Reviews
Advanced Research and Grantwriting
Secondary Data Analysis

During the first two years of the program, week-long on-campus visits are required each semester. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities has accredited the University of Utah to award this online doctorate in social work.

Affordability
More interactive
Top-rated public school
Multiple visits to campus required
Less flexible

About PhD in Social Work Online Programs

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that jobs for social workers will grow by 7% between 2022 and 2032. That’s faster than average compared to other occupations in the United States. A PhD in social work can prepare social workers to take on top leadership roles in this field, including those in clinical practice, research, and teaching.

While somewhat rare, online doctoral programs in social work do exist. These convenient degree programs enable students to earn their credentials from anywhere in the world and complete their coursework on their own schedule. It’s important to point out, though, that most (not all) of these programs require on-campus residencies. Be sure to read the fine print.

Types of Online Doctorates in Social Work

If you’re considering an online doctoral degree in social work, you need to know that not all of these programs are the same. Although they share a lot in common, certain details will vary from one school to the next, and these specifics could make or break your learning experience. Here are some of the different types of social work programs at the doctoral level.

PhD Versus DSW Programs

If you’re pursuing an online social work doctorate, it’s likely a PhD or DSW program. These programs are similar but have a different focus. PhD programs prepare graduates to work as researchers or professors in the field of social work. DSW programs provide the foundation for advanced social work practice in clinical settings.

Fully Online Versus Hybrid Degrees

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a doctoral degree program in social work that can be completed entirely online, though it is possible. Most programs that are advertised as online doctorates actually require some campus visits. If your schedule requires a full courseload of online classes only, be sure to confirm this with an admissions counselor prior to enrollment.

Part-Time Versus Full-Time Programs

You may find that the social work doctorate you’re considering is offered on a full-time or part-time basis. This is an important consideration as it will dictate how much time you need to spend on your coursework each week. It will also determine how long it takes you to complete your program. For instance, full-time programs require a bigger time commitment in the short term but allow you to earn your degree faster.

Admissions Requirements for Online PhD Social Work Programs

Another significant consideration when deciding which online PhD in social work to pursue is admissions requirements. It’s easy to make the mistake of thinking that all admissions requirements are the same for these types of programs, but that isn’t the case. You’ll need to visit the school’s website for specific admissions details. Still, there are some common requirements you can expect to see. These may include:

Master’s in social work from a CSWE-accredited program
Minimum GPA (usually 3.0 or higher)
Writing sample
Professional resume
Personal statement or essay
Letters of recommendation

It’s okay to apply to more than one program but keep in mind that you will need to pay application fees to each school you apply to.

Online Doctorate in Social Work: Curriculum

When considering a degree program of any kind, it’s normal to ask the question: “What will I study?” Still, it can be a challenging question to answer without knowing the exact program or school you’ll be attending. After all, curriculum details for doctoral programs in social work can vary considerably depending on the program you choose. Still, some overlap can be expected. Below, we’ll list some common course titles and topics that comprise these types of doctoral programs.

Sample Doctoral Courses in Social Work

Social and Behavioral Intervention Research
Philosophy of Science and Knowledge Development
Statistical Methods in Education, Psychology, and Social Work
Seminar in Professional Social Work Issues
Public Service and Social Change
Conceptualizing Social Problems to Inform Intervention
Explanatory Theories for Larger Social Systems
Policy Analysis and Advocacy in Comparative Social Policy Context
Intellectual Foundations of Social Welfare and Social Work

Online PhD in Social Work: Concentrations

One way you can customize your curriculum for a doctorate in social work is to elect a concentration. Not all programs offer this option, but some do. Here are some of the available concentrations for social work doctoral studies.

Advanced Practice
Social Policy and Policy Analysis
Social Policy and Administration
Social Work Practice Scholarship
Social Planning, Policy, and Administration
Public Health
Social Work Education
Family Violence

Note that this is not an exhaustive list, and not all of these concentrations will be available online.

Even if the school you choose doesn’t offer formal concentrations, keep in mind that some will allow you to design your own course of study alongside a faculty advisor.

Frequently-Asked Questions Regarding Online Social Work PhDs

If you’re thinking about pursuing a terminal degree in social work, it’s likely you have questions. Below, our editors will try to answer some of the common questions students tend to have about these types of programs. It’s best to speak to an enrollment counselor or other school officials for specific information about a particular school or program.

Q: How long does it take to earn a doctorate in social work online?

A: Time to completion will vary by program and course load. Some accelerated PhDs in social work are also available. Most programs will require between three and four years of study.

Q: How much does it cost to get a social work PhD?

A: Tuition for schools offering a doctoral degree in social work can vary widely. During the research phase for this ranking, our editors discovered programs for less than $7,500 per year as well as those exceeding $66,000 per year.

Q: Do doctoral programs in social work require dissertations?

A: Some do. It depends on the program you choose. PhD programs in social work are more likely to require a dissertation compared to a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) program.

Career Questions for Online Doctorates in Social Work

Q: how much will i make with a doctorate in social work.

A: Your exact pay will depend on your employer and where you work. Still, PayScale.com reports the average wage for individuals with a PhD in social work to be $95,000 per year.

Q: Are social work jobs in demand?

A: Yes! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in this field are currently growing faster than average.

Q: What professional organizations should I join in social work?

A: There are numerous professional associations in social work to consider. Some of the most established groups include:

National Association of Social Workers
Clinical Social Work Association
Society for Social Work and Research
Council on Social Work Education
National Center for Education Statistics: College Navigator
PayScale.com: College ROI
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook
Highest Paying Social Work Jobs
Top 10 Affordable Online Master’s in Social Work
10 Accelerated Online MSW Programs

Career Advice
Advancing in the Faculty

Supporting Dissertation Writers Through the Silent Struggle

While we want Ph.D. students to be independent, our practices can signal that we’re not available to support them when they need it, writes Ramon B. Goings.

By Ramon B. Goings

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Consider the following discussion. A student tells me, “I have so much going on right now. I’m trying to write this dissertation, take care of my mom and raise my kids. I’m giving to everyone else and have nothing left to write.”

“Thanks for sharing,” I respond. “Have you reached out to your adviser to discuss what is happening and see what resources you might be able to access?”

“My adviser said they will meet with me when I have a document ready for them to review. They are too busy,” the student says. “I’ve just been struggling in silence and don’t know what to do.”

This conversation highlights the reality for many doctoral students—they may experience hardships in silence. The doctoral journey is an interesting experience during which students are provided structure through coursework and then, once they enter the dissertation phase, that structure is removed. They usually are in a position where they have to manage everything themselves.

As faculty members, we try to provide the space of intellectual curiosity for our students and allow them to explore their dissertation topics. However, while we want students to be independent, our practices can signal that we are not available to support them when they need it. What are some strategies that we should consider implementing to support our students who too often struggle in silence? Below are three that I have implemented in my chairing process.

Create an environment where students can share. Students want to meet our expectations and standards. Yet in efforts to not burden us, some students may choose not to reach out to us when they are experiencing challenges. In some instances, they also do not come to us due to the fear—and, at times, the reality—that they will face adverse consequence for doing so. While that can occur during the coursework phase, it is even more common when students are writing their dissertations, because they believe they must be independent scholars and figure everything out on their own.

To combat those situations, we as dissertation chairs must first create an environment where students can feel comfortable to share what they are going through. One simple way to foster that type of relationship is to first ensure that you make time to meet regularly with your advisees. While that may seem to be an obvious practice, I often hear from doctoral students, like the one in the opening vignette of this article, that they find it challenging just to get on their chair’s calendar. That can unintentionally signal to them that we as faculty members are not available. As a faculty member, I know we have many demands on our time. To support my students, I have dedicated times each week when students can meet with me as needed. Making the time consistent on my calendar allows me to ensure other activities do not get in the way of meeting with students. To be more efficient, I created a special Calendly meeting link that has time slots open for students to schedule.

Programs should also have regular faculty meetings to discuss student academic progress, along with any well-being challenges such as mental health and/or life challenges. Sometimes a student is more comfortable talking with a faculty member who is not on their dissertation committee, and having such conversations can provide a space for all faculty members to learn what is going on and potentially troubleshoot before a student’s difficulties gets worse.

Choose your words with care. As dissertation chairs, our words hold significant power with our advisees. Those words become even more important when our students are experiencing personal and/or professional challenges. To illustrate this point, I offer you one word that, when used, can be a trigger for students: concern.

Students have told me that if we use the word “concern” when talking with them, it signals something is drastically wrong with what they are doing. So if I am relaying information—especially feedback—to students, I ask myself the following before I speak:

Is what I need to share truly a concern? For example, some students receive a concern comment when minor or moderate editorial changes—grammar, syntax, formatting and the like—are needed. While those must be fixed, they don’t usually rise to the level of concern that impacts the integrity of the study, a misalignment between the research questions and methodology.
Can I express my thoughts in a more detailed way rather than just expressing concern? In the example above, if I thought the student’s editorial work needed updates, I would explain that to them and provide examples on how the student can make the changes that I am requesting.

I am certainly aware that interpretation is important, but while students can take feedback from us on their work, I have learned to be reflective about what I say. It can influence their self-confidence, a key component for completing the dissertation process.

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Understand your role is not a problem solver but solution facilitator. When I talk with other faculty members, some are quick to declare they are scientists, not therapists, so supporting their students’ distinct life challenges isn’t in their job description. I also agree that it’s not our role as faculty members to solve students’ problems for them. But we can provide a listening ear and, most of all, connect students to the various resources that can support them in their decision making.

For instance, a chair I know was advising a doctoral student who was communicative when writing their proposal and moved through the process fairly quickly. Then, after the student collected their data, the chair noticed that the student slowed down their progress and that when they met the student exhibited some uncharacteristic behaviors. Fortunately, the two had established a positive rapport, so the faculty member was able to learn that the student was unexpectedly taking on caregiving responsibilities for a sibling while experiencing some housing instability. In that case, the faculty member was able to connect the student with a campus resource for caregivers and, through it, the student was able to find housing support.

I know many faculty members are already engaging in the practices that I’ve suggested, but I continue to encounter doctoral students at the dissertation phase who are suffering in silence.

I invite you to share with me in conversations on X any other successful strategies you’ve implemented to support your doctoral students. My mission is to bring to light some of these ideas so we can make our graduate programs spaces where our students can flourish.

Ramon B. Goings ( @ramongoings ) is an associate professor in the language, literacy and culture doctoral program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and founder of Done Dissertation .

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Latest Research Topics in Social Sciences

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100 Social Work Research Topics and Tips on Choosing One
50 Controversial Research Topics. Group therapy vs individual therapy for increasing autistic children adaptability. Impact on parents having children with autism spectrum disorder. Role play vs group discussion efficiency in increasing knowledge regarding drug abuse among high-school students. Addressing the stigma associated with depression.
Social Work Theses, Projects, and Dissertations
commercially sexually exploited children targeted within social services, britny ragland. pdf. art therapy for bereaved siblings after pediatric cancer death, daniela ramirez-ibarra. pdf. how did the covid-19 pandemic impact extended foster care social workers while providing social services, omar ramirez and victoria lopez. pdf
Best Social Work Research Topics
Addressing cultural perspectives- Transiting to social work. The social worker's role in deciding to end life. Lifelong learning model- Exploring evidence-based practices. The reflection law- a learning model or self-indulgence in social work. These are general ideas worth exploring in your social work dissertation.
199+ Social Work Research Topics [Updated 2024]
199+ Social Work Research Topics [Updated 2024] General / By Stat Analytica / 28th November 2023. In the vast and dynamic field of social work, research plays a pivotal role in shaping interventions, policies, and practices. Social work research is not just an academic pursuit but a powerful tool for effecting positive change in communities.
Dissertations
2023. Li, Ke (2023) Social Isolation and Psychological Well-being of U.S. Older Adults: Exploring the Moderating and Mediating Effects of Psychosocial Factors. VanHook, Cortney (2023) A Person-Centered Approach to Increase the Uptake of Mental Health Services among Young Black Men. Ballard, Adrian (2023) Development, Validation, and Exploratory ...
81 Social Work Research Topics to Consider for PhD Research
The Best Autism Care Practices. The Generation Gap and Effect on Culture. The Practice of Resilience Amongst Social Workers. How Family Cruelty Impacts Lives. Factors Contributing to Family Violence. To find more paper topic ideas, check out the social work research topics pdf and pick something to inspire yourself.
Social Work Dissertation Topics (25 Examples) For Research
List of Social work dissertation topics. The role of social workers in the evolution of children raised in violent families. Studying the impact of social work on the mental health of visually impaired people. The importance of social work for domestic violence in slum areas. The role of social workers in rescuing procedures of earthquake ...
Dissertations
PhD in Social Work. Dissertations. PhD in Social Work Apply today Director's message ... Graduates' Doctoral Dissertations # 2023 Samantha Wolfe-Taylor The e-OSCE and Social Work Education: Creating Authentic, High-impact Practice Learning Opportunities for Students ... Popular Topics Faculty Directory Staff Directory Contact Admissions ...
School of Social Work Dissertations and Theses
Theses/Dissertations from 2022. PDF. A Critical Discourse Analysis of How Youth in Care Describe Social Support, Jared Israel Best. PDF. Examining Demographic and Environmental Factors in Predicting the Perceived Impact of Cancer on Childhood and Adolescent Cancer Survivors, Nazan Cetin. PDF.
Social Work Theses and Dissertations
Theses/Dissertations from 2017. An Exploration of the Relationship between Child Welfare Workers' Ambivalent Sexism and Beliefs about Father Involvement, Katrina Lee Brewsaugh. Physical, Verbal, Relational and Cyber-Bullying and Victimization: Examining the Social and Emotional Adjustment of Participants, Melanie Mcvean.
Dissertation
Smith College School for Social Work dissertations 2009 - present are available to the Smith community (including off-campus access with a current Smith login), anyone on campus and anyone via interlibrary loan through Smith ScholarWorks. The dissertation is the hallmark of all doctoral-level study and represents the achievement of a high level ...
PDF Writing a Doctoral Thesis or Dissertation in the Social Sciences
Writing a Doctoral Thesis or Dissertation in the Social Sciences Anne Jordan, Ph.D. Ontario Institute for Studies in Education University of Toronto ©2020 A guide for doctoral students at various stages of their doctoral theses and dissertations: Designing their thesis proposals, developing their research
185 Social Work Dissertation Topics
Common Dissertation Topics For Social Work Students. If you wish to get top grades, here are some topics that give you a lot of literature and data to review. Birth control laws and their negative impact. The challenges of increasing housing costs on the youth. Workplace abuse and the relationship with paid labor.
Social Work Theses, Projects, and Dissertations
SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS' COPING STRATEGIES DURING THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC, Margarita Bracamontes and Benjamin J. Johnson. PDF. THE EFFECTS OF COVID-19 ON SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS, Rosanne Cabonce. PDF. BARRIERS TO MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTS AND RESOURCES EXPERIENCED BY ONLINE GRADUATE SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS, Joseph B. Camacho. PDF
Dissertation Instructions
At some point during the dissertation process each candidate is required to make a 30-minute presentation of her/his research at a Dissertation Colloquium. 2 The colloquium is an open assembly of Social Welfare Faculty, PhD students, and others (e.g., faculty from the School of Social Work and other departments, MSW and BASW students, and ...
Dissertation Abstracts
This dissertation addresses these gaps. In response to Kemp's (2011) and Jack's (2010, 2015) impassioned calls for the social work profession to advance place research among vulnerable populations, this qualitative study examined Filipino youths' (15-23) experiences of place (s) and geographic environment (s) in Hawai′i.
Social Work thesis and dissertation collection
Topping up the tank: enhancing the emotional resilience of social workers in local authority adult services . Rose, Sarah (The University of Edinburgh, 2022-11-17) The emotional resilience of social workers has increasingly been a focus of research, particularly in response to high levels of stress in the profession.
Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work (Ph.D.)
Call us at 848-932-5333 if you have questions. Academics. Our Ph.D. program prepares you for a career as a faculty member, research scientist, or policy analyst and offers you: Access to exceptional faculty. A dynamic, diverse, and accomplished student body from across the United States and the world.
How to Choose a Dissertation Topic For Your Doctoral Degree
Find a niche: Look for a specific area where you can add value or a new perspective. The ideal topic will build on existing work while offering something original. Evaluate the Feasibility of Your Topic: Resources: Determine what resources, including equipment, funding, and time, you will need to complete the research.
PhD in Social Work Dissertation
Doctoral dissertation guidelines. Thesis style and format guidelines. Submission of approved master's thesis or doctoral dissertation for binding. Official Student site of Wilfrid Laurier University, located in Waterloo and Brantford, Ontario, specializing in business, music, science, arts, social work and education.
Dissertation Prospectus
The dissertation prospectus is a brief document (10-15 pages) prepared by PhD students who have advanced to candidacy and are prepared to undertake their dissertation research. This prospectus, which is developed and written in consultation with the Supervisory Committee, is regarded as a proposal for dissertation research that provides the ...
300 Social Work Research Topics & Ideas 2023
Social Work Thesis Topics. There are several thesis topics in social work to research during your master's program or PhD, which can vary depending on your interest or occupation. Below are some of the social work literature review topics that you can look into. Effectiveness of group therapy for alcoholics.
MSW+PhD
PhD Coursework: 2 years; Candidacy: 6 months to 1 year; Dissertation: 1 to 2 years; Total: 4.5-7 years; Funding. MSW/PhD students are eligible for a 25% or Graduate Research Associate (GRA) position during the MSW portion of their degree. These positions cover 50% of tuition costs and provide a stipend for 10 hours of work per week for nine months.
DSpace
Social work practice implications would incorporate interventions that can increase parents "sense of agency", specifically due to its relational nature which may lead to a transmission of agency to future generations considering the ongoing systemic challenges that families may face in their own communities. ... This two-part dissertation ...
Top 5 PhD in Social Work Online Programs
PhD in Social Work. Website. Points: 8. Tuition: $9,084. Norfolk State University offers a flexible online PhD in social work that can be completed on a part-time or full-time basis. The curriculum for this 54-credit hour program consists of course titles such as: Program Evaluation in Social Services; Theory for Family-Centered Social Work ...
Supporting Dissertation Writers Through the Silent Struggle
While we want Ph.D. students to be independent, our practices can signal that we're not available to support them when they need it, writes Ramon B. Goings. Consider the following discussion. A student tells me, "I have so much going on right now. I'm trying to write this dissertation, take care of my mom and raise my kids. I'm giving to everyone else and have nothing left to write ...

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199+ Social Work Research Topics [Updated 2024]

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199+ Social Work Research Topics: Category-Wise

Diversity and Inclusion in Social Work

Social Work and Community Development

Social Work and Child Welfare

Global Perspectives in Social Work Research

Technology and Social Work

Policy and Advocacy in Social Work

Substance Abuse and Addiction in Social Work

Gerontology and Aging in Social Work

Education and Social Work

Human Trafficking and Exploitation

Family Dynamics and Social Work

Health and Healthcare Disparities

Human Rights and Social Work

Disability and Inclusion

Veterans and Military Social Work

Community Mental Health Programs

Immigration and Social Work

Social Work in Rural Communities

Trauma-Informed Social Work Practice

Social Work in Schools

Criminal Justice and Social Work

Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR)

Social Work and Environmental Justice

Human Services Administration

Social Work and Artificial Intelligence

Crisis Intervention and Social Work

Social Work in the LGBTQ+ Community

Social Work and Aging

Faith-Based Social Work

Social Work in Substance Use Prevention

Global Mental Health and Social Work

Social Work and Human-Animal Interaction

Refugee Mental Health and Social Work

Community Resilience and Social Work

Technology and Social Work Ethics

Social Work in Sports

Social Work in the Arts

Social Work and Foster Care Adoption

Social Work in the Gig Economy

Emerging Trends in Social Work Research

Tips for Conducting Social Work Research

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