PhD in Social Welfare at University of Pennsylvania (Fall 2026) University of Pennsylvania in United States

The University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice is accepting applications for its PhD in Social Welfare program for Fall 2026. This full-time, on-campus doctoral program is designed for students passionate about advancing research and practice in social welfare, social policy, youth development, and education equity. Applicants must hold a master's degree in social work or a closely related field and demonstrate strong comprehension and communication skills. International applicants must provide proof of English proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores.

The program offers comprehensive funding for four years, including a generous ten-month stipend, full tuition coverage, individual health insurance, and access to university facilities. Additional funding opportunities are available for summer months and extended study through research assistantships, fellowships, and teaching assistantships. Students are encouraged to seek external scholarships and grants, with administrative support provided by the school.

Application requirements include an online application, transcripts from all undergraduate and postgraduate studies, a CV or resume, a writing sample (15-25 pages), and three letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources. International transcripts must be evaluated by a third-party service if applicable. The GRE is not required. Applicants must also respond to three questions about their academic and career goals, with each response limited to 500 words.

The final application deadline is December 15, 2026. Only complete applications submitted by this date will be reviewed. The program emphasizes a flexible curriculum, outstanding faculty, and a commitment to student learning and research excellence. For more information and to apply, visit the School of Social Policy & Practice website.