A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is preferred and a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in major course work is required. Each graduate department may have additional "special admission requirements" which are noted on this page.

• Completed on-line application and signature page or
• Download the paper application (HTML) | (Acrobat)
• The non-refundable $45 application fee (Waivers accepted for FAMU Feeder Program and McNair Scholars)
• Official transcripts must be submitted directly from the Registrar’s Office from ALL colleges and universities attended
• GRE Scores (Only official score reports are accepted within 5 years of the test date) www.gre.org
• Statement of Academic and Research Interest
• Autobiographical Sketch (Personal biography)
• Resume
• Three letters of recommendation Word

For International Applicants

In addition to the requirements listed above you must meet the following:

• Official transcripts, certificates and/or mark/grade sheets must be sent directly from the college or university to the Office of Graduate Recruitment and Admissions, and must show proof of degree(s) earned, courses taken and marks/grades received. Also, ALL transcripts must be evaluated by World Education Services (www.wes.org) or AACRAO (www.aacrao.org) and be forwarded to Graduate Recruitment and Admissions.
• TOEFL Scores (Minimum computer-based score of 213 is required and only official score reports are accepted within 2 years of the test date) www.toelf.org

The minimum number of semester hours required for the Ph.D. degree is 54. Twenty-seven (27) are in the core curriculum, twelve (12) in special interest area and six (6)  in electives, including an optional research internship. The 27 credit hours of core curriculum include four professional seminars on Individuals, Small Groups, Communities and Organizations, and Social Work Education; one course on History and Philosophy of Social Welfare, and four  courses in research. The student also is required to successfully complete a qualifying examination, a comprehensive examination, and register for a minimum of nine (9) hours of dissertation credits. Upon completion of the dissertation, each student must successfully complete the Final Oral Examination in defense of his/her dissertation.

Students must pass the Proficiency in Expository Writing Examination. Consult the Graduate School for examination dates. International students must report scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Ph.D. candidates will also be required to demonstrate reading proficiency in a foreign language and possess proficiency in a tool of research, such as computer skills.