×ÔοÊÓƵSSW doctoral student honored with national award
Patrick Mulkern, PhD’27, has received the 2026 Student Award for Leadership & Service in Social Work from the Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education in Social Work.
PhD Student Experience
Where Future Faculty Begin
PhD Student Experience
From professional development lunches to social outings and dinners, you are part of a supportive community in the PhD social work program.
In this section:Ìý PhD AcademicsÌý |Ìý How to Apply: PhDÌý|Ìý Graduate Research Symposium
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×ÔοÊÓƵSSW doctoral students at a recent diploma ceremony.
10
Professional workshops per year
20
PhD students at ×ÔοÊÓƵSSW—a close cohort with individual faculty mentorship
10
Countries of citizenship throughout Greater Boston, the United States, and countries across the globe
2.5+
Mean publications per doctoral student, per year
Community Connections
What Sets Our PhD Program Apart
Research ConnectionsÌý
As an R1-designated research University, Boston College has abundant connections and affiliations that catalyze research partnerships with human service providers (such as health care institutions, community organizations, nonprofits, schools, and government offices) throughout Greater Boston and in countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.Ìý
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Faculty & Research
Our PhD students collaborate with ×ÔοÊÓƵSSW faculty and their peers on a wide range of shared research interests and projects.
Our faculty >
Residency
The PhD program’s three-year residency requirement fosters a robust student community, animated by clubs and talks, professional-development doctoral lunches, and specialized training with faculty.ÌýIn addition, the Doctoral Outreach and Community (DOC) group coordinates social outings for students, community dinners, and more.Ìý
PhD Students, Candidates, and Recent Alumni
Student Updates
Our PhD Students
A Culture of Collaboration
"Doors are always open, faculty are always willing to engage with us."Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý -Kerri Evans, PhD alumna
Committed to the Common Good
Recent PhD News
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Where Social Work Research Creates Real-World Change
Fully funded. Fully supported.Ìý
Every admitted PhD student receives a doctoral fellowship valued at more than $250,000 over four years. Applications close December 1.Ìý