Is a Ph.D. in Social Work Worth it – (Pros VS. Cons)


Written By: Sarah CruzanSarah Cruzan RN, BSN

Sarah Cruzan is a registered nurse with 6 years of hospital, sales, and education experience. She is passionate about engaging clients and providing exceptional care. Sarah was a competitive swimmer for 15 years. She received a scholarship to The Ohio State University and swam varsity for 4 years. Read Full Bio »»
RN, BSN


Are you a social worker who loves your job? Do you have a master's degree but feel ready to rise to the top of the social work field? If so, earning a Ph.D. in social work may be the right choice for you. You may be asking yourself, is a Ph.D. in social work worth it? It is understandable to wonder about the pros and cons of returning to school before making a career-altering decision. Considering essential factors will help you decide if this is the right career path. In this article, I will share some valuable information about Ph.D. in social work programs and 25 reasons why a Ph.D. in social work is worth it and also 7 reasons why it may not be the right degree for you to help you make an informed career decision.



What is a Ph.D. in Social Work Degree?


A Ph.D. in social work is a Doctor of Philosophy degree that will help you advance your career with higher education. A Ph.D. is one of the highest degrees you can earn in social work. While pursuing your degree, you will learn how to improve the lives of individuals and communities through counseling, policy reform, and evidence-based practices. Typically, in the field of social work, a master's degree is considered the concluding degree. However, if you genuinely want to stand out from the crowd and advance your knowledge and skill set, you can do so with a Ph.D. in social work.

RECOMMENDED ONLINE PHD IN SOCIAL WORK PROGRAMS

How Long Does a Ph.D. in Social Work Degree Take?


A Ph.D. in social work can take four to six years to complete. Ultimately, the length of time depends on your education level when you begin the program, whether you attend part-time or full-time, and how long it takes to complete your dissertation research. The time for the programs usually consists of two years of coursework and two years or more of dissertation work.

For example, the Ph.D. in Social Work program at Washington University in St. Louis is designed to be completed in four years. Because you may transfer up to 21 credits from your master's program, you may complete the program in less than four years.

At the University of Pittsburgh, the Ph.D. in Social Work is also a four-year option. The first two years are dedicated to course requirements. When course requirements are complete, you will take a comprehensive examination and, if successful, transition to dissertation work.



How Much Does a Ph.D. in Social Work Degree Cost?


The cost to get your Ph.D. in social work varies depending on how long you are enrolled, whether you pay in-state or out-of-state tuition, or if you have grants or scholarships. The average costs range between $50,000 to more than $150,000.

For example, the University of Washington charges $18,252 per year for residents and $31,622 for out-of-state students. The program takes four to five years to complete, which means the total cost of the program ranges from $73,008 to $91,260 for in-state students and $126,488 to $158,110 for non-residents.

Some schools, such as Boston University, offer full funding for Ph.D. students for up to five years. At Boston-U, Ph.D. students receive funding through tuition scholarships and teaching or research assistantships. Many students are paid stipends through the School of Social Work, as well. This school is one example of why applying for any available scholarships, grants, or assistantship programs is important, even if you think you may not qualify.



What are the Admission Requirements for a Ph.D. in Social Work Degree?


Although you may see some variation in admission criteria among Ph.D. in Social Work programs, many of the average requirements remain the same from one school to another. The following are the average admission requirements for Ph.D. in social work programs:

• A master’s degree in social work (In some cases, you can have a master’s degree in another field or at least three years of social work profession work)
• Personal statement/letter of intent
• Detailed resume
• 3+ letters of recommendation (These should come from employers, supervisors, or former professors.)
• Undergraduate and graduate transcripts
• Application fee (Some schools will waive this fee)
• English proficiency scores (if English is not your first language)
• GPA review (Most schools require a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative)
• Statistics prep course
• Passing examination score on the GRE (majority of schools have waived this requirement)


Please keep in mind that this list of requirements is not inclusive for every school. Every Ph.D. in Social Work program varies. Therefore, you should verify the criteria for each school where you plan to apply.




Why is a Ph.D. in Social Work Worth It? – the Pros

(The following are the 25 reasons why a Ph.D. in Social Work is worth it in 2023.)


REASON #1: A Ph.D. in social work allows you to have a broader scope of practice and will make you stand out.


One of the top reasons why a Ph.D. in social work is worth it is because it is one of the highest degrees you can earn in the field of social work and opens the door for almost any social work job you want. Your broad skill set and in-depth knowledge of social work means you can impact individuals, families, populations, and society at a level other social workers cannot. Whether you want to work at a hospital, college, or even on a think tank, you will have the prestige to do so. Having a Ph.D. on your resume will make you stand out among other applicants!


REASON #2: A Ph.D. in social work will allow you to teach at prestigious colleges and influence aspiring students.


If you like the idea of having a social work job in academia, a Ph.D. in social work is a fantastic way to make that happen. Once you have graduated with your Ph.D. in social work, you could work as a social work professor. Your contributions to social work education can influence aspiring students as they learn the best practices of social work. The students you teach will then change the lives of those they interact with throughout their career.


REASON #3: With a Ph.D. in social work, you can positively impact others’ lives.


Are you looking to help people and have an impact on people's lives? Whether you are a counselor or policy maker, the overall knowledge and ability a Ph.D. in social work gives you will help you advocate for individuals and positively impact their lives.


REASON #4: A Ph.D. in social work gives you the credentials to open your own business.


One of the biggest reasons why a Ph.D. in social work is worth it is that you could open your own business. A few of the practice types that you can open are individual counseling, family crisis, or a specialized practice in your area of expertise. By owning a private practice, you have the best of both worlds: You are your own boss and work with the people you care about doing what you love.


REASON #5: With a Ph.D. in social work, you can offer solutions for unemployment, positively impacting the lives of others.


According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 6.1 million people are unemployed in the United States. Joblessness occurs for many reasons. For example, during COVID-19, many people suffered job instability and job loss. With a Ph.D. in social work, you can offer employment counseling and help people who are unemployed or displaced from their job due to unforeseen circumstances. Your ability to communicate with others and the skills you gain in your Ph.D. in social work program will be valuable as you assist others.


REASON #6: A Ph.D. in social work can position you for jobs in leadership.


Do you love social work and like leading teams of people? With a Ph.D. in social work, you can make that happen. You can leverage your degree to secure jobs in leadership or management in various social work settings. For example, you may work in a public welfare agency, private treatment centers, or children and family services.


REASON #7: With a Ph.D. in social work, you can advocate for social justice in the workplace.


Social workers are known for tackling tough topics like racism, diversity, and inclusion. With a Ph.D. in social work, you can leverage your degree to secure roles in organizations where you become the voice of advocacy to promote positive change in the workplace. You may help create programs for companies to help improve relationships between employers and staff or promote acceptance.


REASON #8: A Ph.D. in social work will allow you to be a part of policymaking and advocacy.


One of the top reasons why a Ph.D. in social work is worth it is it gives you a chance to be a part of policy-making and advisory boards. With a Ph.D. in social work, you can advocate for underrepresented individuals or groups. You can stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves and ensure policies going into place will help the community and the underserved.


REASON #9: With a Ph.D. in social work, you can help individuals deal with addiction or substance abuse.


The American Association of Colleges of Medicine reports that 21 million Americans suffer from addiction. By extension of family relationships or close friendships, it is estimated that more than 45 million people are directly impacted by addiction. When you earn a Ph.D. in social work, you gain the knowledge and skill set needed to work with individuals battling addiction and substance abuse disorders and help their families learn ways of coping without enabling their loved ones.


REASON #10: A Ph.D. in social work allows you to impact society and initiate measures that contribute to positive change.


Social workers have unique opportunities to address real-world issues and work for solutions to benefit groups, populations, and societies. One reason a Ph.D. in social work is worth it is because it opens the doors of opportunity for you to address critical issues that people from all cultures and backgrounds face. You can gather, analyze, and use data to solve problems affecting society and promote the well-being of the world where we live.


REASON #11: With a Ph.D. in social work, you will have the potential to be a part of life-changing research


Another one of the biggest reasons why a Ph.D. in social work is worth it is the chance to be a part of life-changing research or studies. During your Ph.D. degree program, you will learn about various research methods and how social work can be linked with social sciences. The research you do can be impactful when analyzing inequalities nationally and internationally and may be used to create and implement measures to address those issues.


REASON #12: You could use your knowledge and experience to become a published author.


Does the idea of being a published author excite you? Ph.D. candidates and graduates often have opportunities to present their research on a broad level. Many Ph.D. in social work graduates have published works. If you are passionate about a social cause, earning your Ph.D. in social work could be worth it, as the credential is a great way to gain attention and could lead to recognition of your work. Imagine how great it would feel to present your findings to the world of social workers and help advance the profession!


REASON #13: You can impact the lives of others by participating in crisis intervention measures.


If you work well under pressure and want to help others, you could specialize in crisis intervention. Social workers who work in crisis intervention support people experiencing trauma, substance abuse or addiction issues, often keeping them from harming themselves or others. You may arrange or conduct counseling services for those affected. Working in crisis intervention can be extremely rewarding, as you actively help your clients by intervening in the situation to help them overcome their crisis and become rehabilitated.


REASON #14: You can choose from several specializations when you earn a Ph.D. in social work.


Another of the biggest reasons why a Ph.D. in social work is worth it is you can choose a specialization that interests you most. You may earn a specialization in social work administration, medical social work, or disaster, crisis, and intervention, to name a few.


REASON #15: Your degree could lead you to a position with top think tanks.


Another top reason why a Ph.D. in social work is worth it is the potential to be a part of think tanks such as the Brookings Institute or the Human Rights Watch. These organizations assist in research influencing societal, criminal, and human rights reforms.


REASON #16: You can have more autonomy in your social work roles.


Whether you work in a leadership role or not, having a Ph.D. in social work creates opportunities for you to have more independence in your work. Earning this degree means you have a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of people in upper-level social work roles. With that comes the chance to demonstrate your knowledge with increased autonomy.


REASON #17: If you are interested in counseling others, your Ph.D. in social work can create opportunities to pursue that path.


Are you interested in addressing issues such as mental health or behavioral disorders? Do you want to build relationships with people and help them through challenging times? With a Ph.D. in social work, you can do that by working as a counselor or advisor.


REASON #18: You will gain the respect of your peers.


A Ph.D. in social work is one of the highest social work degrees you can earn. Accomplishing this degree demonstrates your dedication to and knowledge of the field, which is something your peers at all levels of education will respect.


REASON #19: You will have a personal sense of accomplishment


One of the biggest reasons why a Ph.D. in social work is worth it is the feeling of accomplishment and self-respect you’ll have when you graduate. Earning a Ph.D. in social work is no small feat. So, do not let anyone rain on your parade when you feel the pride that comes with earning the degree. You deserve it!


REASON #20: You can take on influential roles in your community.


Would you like to assist in making positive changes in your community? Your Ph.D. in social work can create opportunities for you to act as a community advisor. You could oversee your community organization efforts and bring attention to issues that impact the community, becoming a source of guidance and positive change. For example, you may address issues such as homelessness, domestic violence, or the need for improved nutritional services for the elderly or school-aged children.


REASON #21: With a Ph.D. in social work, you will have good income-earning potential.


One of the top reasons a Ph.D. in social work is worth it is that you can earn a great income. The average income for individuals with a Ph.D. in social work is $76,000. That is more than $26,000 higher than the average salary of people with a master's in social work, which is $50,305. (Source: Payscale.com)


REASON #22: There is a wide variety of work settings to choose from.


When you earn a Ph.D. in social work, you can choose from several settings to practice. Some Ph.D. in social work graduates work in government offices, teach at colleges or universities, or lead teams of other social workers in offices of Children and Family Services. The opportunities are too many to list!


REASON #23: The job outlook for social workers is positive.


According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall employment of social workers is expected to increase by nine percent between 2021 and 2031. This increase could result in about 75,000 new jobs each year over the next decade.


REASON #24: A Ph.D. in social work will help you develop a higher level of cultural competence.


Being culturally competent requires you to have an elevated level of cultural humility and self-awareness as well as a desire to understand and embrace the differences of others. A Ph.D. in social work program will teach you how to become self-aware and methods of learning about others with respect. When you develop genuine cultural competence, you can influence how others view and treat one another, making a difference one person at a time.


REASON #25: With a Ph.D. in social work, you will become part of a large network of professionals with a common goal.


If you like the idea of developing strong professional relationships and working with people who want to help others, earning a Ph.D. in social work is a great option. The relationships you develop with your coworkers can last a lifetime, even if you change roles or job settings.



Why a Ph.D. in Social Work May Not Be Worth It for You? – the Cons

(Now that we have discussed the 25 reasons why a Ph.D. in Social Work is worth it, I want to share a few reasons why you could feel a Ph.D. in Social Work is not worth it.)


REASON #1: A Ph.D. in social work takes a considerable time commitment.


Ph.D. in social work degrees can take four years or longer to complete, depending on your previous education level and whether you go to school part-time or full-time. If you are looking for a degree program that you can complete in a brief time, you may feel a Ph.D. in social work is not worth it.


REASON #2: A Ph.D. in social work can be expensive.


Some Ph.D. in social work programs cost up to $150,000 or more. If you do not have the financial means or do not qualify for scholarships or loans, you may feel a Ph.D. in social work is not worth it. If you truly want to earn this degree, do not give up. Apply for every type of financial aid you can find. Even if you do not receive assistance from every source, the more applications you submit, the more likely your chances of receiving aid to help offset some of your school-related expenses.


REASON #3: You may not be able to continue working while in school.


A Ph.D. in social work program involves a rigorous curriculum and research, which is time-consuming. While some students work during the first year of their program, it may become difficult to juggle work and school during the final few years of the program. If taking time from work to complete your degree is not an option, you may feel like pursuing a Ph.D. in social work is not worth it.


REASON #4: A Ph.D. in social work may not be worth it if you do not like research


Your Ph.D. in social work degree program will involve a lot of research. In fact, all Ph.D. programs require you to complete a dissertation, which is the culmination of your doctoral studies. The final two years of your program will be mostly devoted to your dissertation. So, if you do not like research, this is where you may decide a Ph.D. in social work degree is not worth it.


REASON #5: With a Ph.D. in social work, you could be overqualified for jobs


Depending on the type of job you want, a Ph.D. in social work could make you overqualified. Although employers applaud the effort it takes to earn a Ph.D., they must also consider what it costs them to hire someone with those credentials. Some employers may look at your resume and think that you should not be working in that position with your education level and pass you over. Consider what you want from your career in social work. Imagine where you will be in five, ten, or fifteen years. Find out the education requirements for the social work jobs that interest you most before deciding to earn a Ph.D. If you see yourself in a role that only takes a bachelor's or master's in social work, a Ph.D. in social work may not be worth it.


REASON #6: You may prefer to work in more of a clinical setting.


I believe there is no such thing as too much education. However, if you prefer to work in a clinical setting, such as a job in Children and Family Services or working as a school guidance counselor, you may only need a master's degree in social work. If you think of your career and do not imagine yourself in a role that does not involve the clinical side of social work, you may question whether a Ph.D. in social work is worth it.


REASON #7: You are not 100% sure that school is the right choice for you.


While this may seem like an obvious reason that a Ph.D. in social work is not worth it, some people try to convince themselves that earning a higher degree is a must. The truth is, if you are not sold on the idea of pursuing a Ph.D. in social work and do not know without a doubt that you can contribute the time, money, and resources needed to earn the degree, it may not be worth it. That does not mean you cannot pursue the degree later. Take the time to think about this for yourself and begin your degree pursuit when the time is right for you.




What are the 3 Main Reasons Behind the Demand for Ph.D. in Social Work Degree Holders?


Before you decide on a career path, one of the most important things to consider is whether there is a need for the services you want to provide. Social work is no exception. The following are three main reasons behind the demand for Ph.D. in social work graduates.

1. Colleges and universities need qualified instructors to prepare future social workers:

One of the biggest reasons behind the need for social workers with a Ph.D. is that we need educators to prepare social workers for the field. As society continues to learn about one another and searches for ways to relate to each other and address significant issues, we need qualified people to act as mediators and advocates. To make that happen, we need social workers who are well-educated and prepared to tackle these issues, which means we need qualified teachers to prepare them.

2. COVID-19-related issues:

It is safe to say that COVID-19 impacted the world, unlike anything our generation has seen. At the forefront of the pandemic, social workers continued reporting to work, stepping in when families needed intervention, and trying to navigate the uncertainty the pandemic caused. People became sick. Loved ones died or suffered long-term effects of the virus. Social workers have been instrumental in helping individuals, families, and communities find effective ways to cope with the pandemic and its effect on their lives. Ph.D.-level social workers are instrumental in dealing with these issues as they can oversee teams of social workers, providing guidance, participating in research, and lobbying for much-needed resources.

3. Research is always in demand:

To advance the field of social work, research must be conducted so that practices can evolve with the demands of society. This research can lead to new treatment approaches and ways to assist human welfare.



What is the Starting Salary for New Ph.D. in Social Work Degree Holders?


The starting salary of new Ph.D. in social work graduates is $44,360 per year. This translates to an hourly rate of $21.33 per hour, $853 weekly, or $3,700 monthly.

Hourly$21.33
Weekly$853
Monthly$3,700
Annual$44,360
(Source: Payscale.com)



What is the Average Salary for Experienced Ph.D. in Social Work Degree Holders?


The average salary for Ph.D. in social work degree holders is $76,000 per year. This is equal to an hourly rate of $36.54 per hour, $1,462 weekly, or $6,330 monthly.

Hourly$36.54
Weekly$1,462
Monthly$6,330
Annual$76,000
(Source: Payscale.com)



Is the Cost of a Ph.D. in Social Work Degree Worth the Return on Investment (ROI)?


When considering whether the cost of a Ph.D. in social work is worth the return on investment, you must compare the cost of the program and your potential earnings in your lifetime. Ph.D. in social work programs can cost from $50,000 to more than $150,000. The average annual income for Ph.D. in social work degree holders is $76,000. If you pay close to the higher end for your degree and earn no more than the average income, it will take you at least two years of work to break even. However, keep in mind that with experience and based on where you work and your job title, you could earn significantly more than the average income. If you stay in the profession, the return on your investment could be well worth the initial cost of earning your degree.



What are the 3 Best Jobs You Can Get With a Ph.D. in Social Work Degree?


1. College Professor:

Becoming a social work professor can be an extremely rewarding job. You will have the opportunity to inspire future social workers and colleagues with your research and teachings. If you stick with a university long enough, you also will have the potential to get tenure, which means you have job security for life. A position of a college professor is a great option, as it offers good pay, benefits, and flexibility.

2. Mental Health Clinician:

With a Ph.D. in social work, you could pursue a career as a mental health clinician. In this role, you will address issues related to mental health and wellness, helping clients develop effective coping mechanisms and learn to create healthy balance in their lives. Working as a mental health clinician, you may work with patients dealing with trauma, substance abuse, or addiction. One benefit of this career path is you have the option to open your own practice or choose to work as part of a team in a group practice.

3. Researcher:

A Ph.D. in social work can position you for exciting opportunities to participate in research. Social work researchers use their understanding of society to investigate and address issues facing individuals, families, and populations. As a researcher in social work, you will use empirical analysis to find solutions to problems that affect society.



Bonus! 3 Tips to Make More Money With a Ph.D. in Social Work Degree?


No matter what job you have, it is always nice to make some extra money, right? With a Ph.D. in social work, you have options to help boost your income. Here are three tips to help you make more money with a Ph.D. in social work.

1. Become a consultant.

When you earn a Ph.D. in social work, your expertise in the field can be valuable to others. As a consultant, you may develop policies to help organizations run smoothly, train employers or staff or offer your advice on research and other important matters.

2. Find your niche and stay focused.

If there is a social work area that interests you more than another, focus on that. Learn everything you can. Ask for opportunities to work on projects in that niche that others may pass over. The more you learn and the more active you become, the more marketable you make yourself, which can help you land a better job or at least give you opportunities for a side hustle to bolster your income.

3. Choose to pursue clinical social work.

Clinical social work roles are some of the highest-paying social work roles. Whether you work in a hospital or private institution, become a therapist or work as a medical social worker, there are many clinical roles to choose from that offer great income opportunities.



So, is a Ph.D. in Social Work Worth Your Time and Money – My Final Thoughts


Throughout this article, we discussed 25 reasons why a Ph.D. in social work is worth it and also 7 reasons why it may not be the right degree for you. You have learned about Ph.D. in social work programs, what it costs to earn the degree, and possible job opportunities. Now, it is up to you to determine if a Ph.D. in social work is worth your time and money. I encourage you to consider both your short-term and long-term goals. Think about where you hope to be in your career in five, ten, or even twenty years. If you want to make an impact in the lives of others while earning a good income, a Ph.D. in social work could be a perfect fit for you.



Frequently Asked Questions Answered


1. What Is The Best Age To Pursue A Ph.D. In Social Work Degree?

The wonderful thing about getting your Ph.D. in social work is that you can do so at any age.


2. How Hard Is It To Get Into A Ph.D. In Social Work Degree Program?

Admission to Ph.D. in social work programs can be competitive. Every school that you apply for your Ph.D. in social work will have different admission criteria. One way to increase your chances of acceptance is to get your undergraduate or master's GPA above a 3.0, have an excellent Statement of Intent and outstanding letters of recommendation. Also, be sure to turn in a thorough, complete application well before the deadline, and follow-up.


3. Do I Need Work Experience To Get Into A Ph.D. In Social Work Degree Program?

Most Ph.D. in social work programs require applicants to have at least two years of social work experience. Verify the requirements with any school that interests you, as admission criteria vary from school to school.


4. What Is The Minimum GPA To Get Into A Ph.D. In Social Work Degree Program?

The minimum GPA for Ph.D. schools in social work is typically a 3.0 cumulative. However, do not settle for the minimum GPA. Work hard and get your GPA as high as possible, making your application more attractive to admissions faculty.


5. Are Online Ph.D. In Social Work Degree Programs Worth It?

Yes, there are several online options for getting your Ph.D. in social work. Make sure to do your research ahead of time with these programs to ensure that they are respected and accredited.


6. Are Scholarships And Grants Available For Ph.D. In Social Work Degree Programs?

Yes, there are absolutely scholarships and grants available for Ph.D. candidates specializing in social work. If you are looking for a program that specifically offers these resources, do your research ahead of time and find out the kind for which you are eligible.


7. Is It Hard To Complete A Ph.D. In Social Work Degree?

Typically, any graduate degree you pursue will be challenging, so you should expect a Ph.D. in social work to be no different. You must make a strong commitment to research and studies to complete this challenging degree. Remember, though, anything worth having is worth working hard to achieve!


8. Can Ph.D. In Social Work Students Have A Life?

Of course Ph.D social work students can have a life. As with any degree, it is important that you manage your time well to have a good study-life balance.


9. Can I Work Part-Time And Successfully Complete The Ph.D. In Social Work Degree Program?

Yes, many programs will allow you to work part-time while you complete your Ph.D. in social work. However, if your grades begin to drop, then you may want to think about being a student full-time.


10. Can I Work Full-Time And Successfully Complete The Ph.D. In Social Work Degree Program?

While it is not impossible to work full-time and complete your Ph.D. in social work, it is not recommended. This program can be quite rigorous, demanding a lot of time to research and study, which can make working while in the program difficult.


11. Do Students Fail In Ph.D. In Social Work Degree Programs?

As with any degree you attempt to pursue, there is a possibility that you could fail your Ph.D. in social work. However, if you study hard and develop a good relationship with your advisors and teachers your chances of passing will improve.


12. Will I Ever Regret Getting A Ph.D. In Social Work Degree?

It is hard to say if you might end up regretting getting your Ph.D. in social work. Your satisfaction with earning the degree will likely be influenced by the role you take on after graduation and how fulfilled the job makes you feel. If you view the degree as a way to advance your knowledge and skill set in social work, it would be hard to regret the choice.


13. How Much Does A Ph.D. In Social Work Graduate Make Per Hour?

A typical Ph.D. in social work graduate makes $36.54 per hour.

$36.54


14. How Much Does A Ph.D. In Social Work Graduate Make Per Year?

Ph.D. in social work graduates earn an average salary of $76,000 per year.

$76,000


15. Will Ph.D. In Social Work Graduates Be Paid Less In The Future?

According to sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Ph.D. social workers will see an increase in job opportunities. When there is a demand for a particular role or job, it is more likely that income will increase rather than decrease.


16. Are All Ph.D. In Social Work Graduates Successful In Their Careers?

Like any career, it is as equally possible to be successful in your career with a Ph.D. in social work as it is to be unsuccessful.


17. Are Ph.D. In Social Work Graduates Happy With Their Jobs?

Happiness is subjective. However, most sources report that Ph.D. in social work graduates are happy with their career choices.


18. Can Ph.D. In Social Work Degree Holders Become Rich?

The average salary of Ph.D. in social work holders is $70,000 per year. However, it is possible to earn significantly higher. Whether you become rich with a Ph.D. in social work will depend on several factors. Careful financial planning can help increase your chances of achieving your long-term financial goals.


19. What Are Some Of The Best Ph.D. In Social Work Degree Alternatives?

There are several alternatives to Ph.D. in social work degrees. A few popular alternatives include Human Resource Management, Community Service Manager, College Admissions Counselor, and Diversity and Inclusion Specialist.


Sarah Cruzan, RN, BSN
Sarah Cruzan is a registered nurse with 6 years of hospital, sales, and education experience. She is passionate about engaging clients and providing exceptional care. Sarah was a competitive swimmer for 15 years. She received a scholarship to The Ohio State University and swam varsity for 4 years.