Social Work (PhD)

Since September 1987, a doctoral program has been offered by the Laurier Faculty of Social Work. The PhD program provides students with opportunities for advanced scholarship and professional growth and prepares graduates for leadership roles in fields such as higher education, research and specialized practice in governmental or private human service organizations.

The PhD program is offered on both a part-time and full-time basis.

Eligible domestic students admitted to study on a full-time basis receive a minimum of $22,000 a year. This support may be made up of teaching assistantships, internal/external scholarships, and/or faculty-funded studentships or research assistantships. A list of all funding opportunities available to Laurier graduate students is available on our graduate funding webpage.

PhD Class Dates

• Fall 2025
  • Monday, Sept. 8 to Friday, Dec. 5
  • Reading Week: Oct. 13-17
    
    
• Winter 2026
  • Monday, Jan. 5 to Friday, Apr. 10* 
  • Reading Week: Feb. 16-20. 
    *April 10, make up day for statutory holiday Friday April 3
    
    
• Spring 2026
  • Monday, May 4 to Friday, July 3 
    
    

Please Note: The dates for the On-Campus Classes may differ from what appears in LORIS. The dates above refer to FSW specific on-campus class dates and are what students should follow.  All other deadlines and dates adhere to the Graduate Calendar.