Unofficial transcripts from all postsecondary institutions should be uploaded with your electronic application and will be used for departmental admission review purposes. Official transcripts will be required if you are admitted. 

Applicants who have earned degrees in institutions outside of the U.S. must provide an official course-by-course external credential evaluation before the application deadline for your application to be reviewed. This report should be sent sealed and unopened directly to the VCU Office of International Admissions.

For foreign nationals whose native language is not English or who have not already earned a master’s degree in an English-dominant country, scores are required for either the Test of English of Foreign Language (TOEFL) (required minimum 100, internet-based) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (required minimum 6.5).

Three letters of reference, including at least two academic references that reflect familiarity with the applicant’s career goals and their fit with the purpose and demands of Ph.D. education. All letters should be submitted via the online application system.

The personal statement describes your career goals and plans and their fit with the doctoral program’s research-focused mission to develop social work scholars and leaders. Please be as specific as possible, and limit statement to five double-spaced pages.

• Discuss your career goals and how a Ph.D. in Social Work would further your ability to achieve those goals.
• Describe how your personal life experiences, academic preparation and practice experience inform your interests and readiness to pursue a Ph.D. in Social Work.
• Assess your motivation and capability to successfully complete the doctoral program.
• In what area(s) of research would you like to engage as a Ph.D. student? What practice or policy implications might you aspire to in your work?
• What aspects of the VCU Ph.D. Program interest you? Why is the program a good fit for your interests?
• Please identify faculty members at the School of Social Work, or at VCU more broadly, especially if your interests are interdisciplinary, who could support your scholarly development.
• Are there any other factors that should be considered in the evaluation of your application?

Please organize your personal statement as a cohesive essay rather than a list of discrete answers to the questions posed.

The writing sample should demonstrate capacity to use scientific literature, including the ability to identify, synthesize and critique salient arguments with proper citation and to present a clear, logical and compelling argument. Applicants must be the sole author of the paper.

Applicants are encouraged to submit a paper they submitted for a master’s degree program if written within the past three to five years. If you do not have such a paper, you may prepare one on a subject that is relevant to social work (five to eight pages, typed, double-spaced).

Please submit an up-to-date resume/curriculum vitae.