Admission Steps
Social Work - PHD
Admission Requirements
For the 2025-2026 academic year
Fall 2025 quarter (beginning in September)
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Priority deadline: November 1, 2024
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Final submission deadline: January 15, 2025
Priority deadline: Applications will be considered after the Priority deadline provided space is available.
Final submission deadline: Applicants cannot submit applications after the final submission deadline.
Additional Standards for Non-Native English Speakers
Official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), C1 Advanced or Duolingo English Test are required of all graduate applicants, regardless of citizenship status, whose native language is not English or who have been educated in countries where English is not the native language. Your TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced/Duolingo English Test scores are valid for two years from the test date.
The minimum TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced/Duolingo English Test score requirements for this degree program are:
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Minimum TOEFL Score (Internet-based test): 95
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Minimum IELTS Score: 8
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Minimum C1 Advanced Score: 200
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Minimum Duolingo English Test Score: 125
Additional Information:
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Read the English Language Proficiency policy for more details.
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Read the Required Tests for GTA Eligibility policy for more details.
Additional Standards for International Applicants
Per Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) regulation, international applicants must meet all standards for admission before an I-20 or DS-2019 is issued, [per U.S. Federal Register: 8 CFR § 214.3(k)] or is academically eligible for admission and is admitted [per 22 C.F.R. §62]. Read the Additional Standards For International Applicants policy for more details.
Application Materials
Transcripts
We require a scanned copy of your transcripts from every college or university you have attended. Scanned copies must be clearly legible and sized to print on standard 8½-by-11-inch paper. Transcripts that do not show degrees awarded must also be accompanied by a scanned copy of the diploma or degree certificate. If your academic transcripts were issued in a language other than English, both the original documents and certified English translations are required.
Transcripts and proof of degree documents for postsecondary degrees earned from institutions outside of the United States will be released to a third-party international credential evaluator to assess U.S. education system equivalencies. Beginning July 2023, a non-refundable fee for this service will be required before the application is processed.
Upon admission to the University of Denver, official transcripts will be required from each institution attended.
Letters of Recommendation
Three (3) letters of recommendation are required. Letters should be submitted by recommenders through the online application.
Essays and Statements
Personal Statement Instructions
The PhD Admission Committee considers your Statement of Professional and Educational Intent to be a significant part of your application. Respond openly and honestly to each section. The average statement length is approximately seven pages. Please double-space your statement. The Statement of Professional and Educational Intent must be written solely by you, the applicant, without the use of an editor. (Computer grammar/spelling checks and self-editing are permitted.)
Résumé Instructions
The résumé (or C.V.) should include all educational achievements, relevant work experience, research and/or volunteer work.
Other Required Materials
Additional requirements for this program:
Applicants may be contacted to schedule an admissions interview.
Start the Application
Start Your Application
Your submitted materials will be reviewed once all materials and application fees have been received.
Our program can only consider your application for admission if our Office of Graduate Education has received all your online materials and supplemental materials by our application deadline.
Application Fee: $65.00 Application Fee
International Degree Evaluation Fee: $50.00 Evaluation Fee for degrees (bachelor's or higher) earned from institutions outside the United States.