PhD in Social Work

Tuition fees are 13,284 CAD per year. Applications for the Jan 2028 intake are due by Aug 31, 2027.

The PhD in Social Work at the University of Windsor is for students who want to lead in academia, research, and practice. This English-language PhD program takes several years to complete and is based in Windsor, Canada. Its main advantages include a supportive faculty and unique research opportunities.

The curriculum covers critically important social areas like health, community capacity building, and mental health. Students develop research skills through original, cutting-edge projects and learn from faculty who are leaders in their fields. The program also focuses on gerontology, poverty reduction, and child welfare.

Graduates can pursue careers as Social Work Professors, Research Directors, Policy Analysts, Program Administrators, or Community Organization Leaders. They can work in universities, research centers, government agencies, or non-profit organizations, applying their knowledge to make a positive impact in their communities.

Located in Windsor, Ontario, the University of Windsor is a comprehensive public institution with a long history and a community-focused approach to higher education. Founded in 1857, Windsor serves approximately 16,000 students, including about 1,500 international students, and offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs across arts, sciences, engineering, business, law, education and social work. The university is known for personalized attention and accessible faculty.

Windsor emphasizes experiential learning and strong ties to industry, giving students hands-on opportunities through co-op placements, internships and community-engaged projects. With 112 distinct programs, students can tailor studies to career goals and gain practical skills valued by employers. Small class sizes and applied learning environments support close mentorship and collaborative projects with local partners, including cross-border initiatives given Windsor’s proximity to the United States.

Campus life combines the advantages of a compact city with affordable living and rich cultural variety. International students benefit from targeted services for orientation, academic advising and career development, plus active student clubs and volunteer opportunities. Prospective applicants should research program-specific requirements early, consider co-op or internship pathways, and make use of the university’s support for housing and settlement to ease transition to life and study in Canada.