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Social Work Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2024 2024.

Osteoarthritis, social role participation, and satisfaction with life: A quantitative study informed by the Social Identity Model of Identity Change (SIMIC) , Stephanie E. Rosado

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Transition of Persons with Developmental Disabilities from Parental to Sibling Co-Residential Care: Effects on Sibling Caregiver Well-Being and Family Functioning , Richard Steven Glaesser

An Exploratory Study of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Communication among Haitian Mother–Daughter Dyads in West Central Florida , Stacy Eileen Kratz

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

An Exploration of the Relationship between Child Welfare Workers’ Ambivalent Sexism and Beliefs about Father Involvement , Katrina Lee Brewsaugh

Physical, Verbal, Relational and Cyber-Bullying and Victimization: Examining the Social and Emotional Adjustment of Participants , Melanie Mcvean

Understanding the Experience of Early-Onset Bipolar Disorder: A Phenomenological Study of Emerging Adults , Kristin M. Smyth

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

A Mixed Methods Inquiry of Caregivers of Veterans with Sustained Serious "Invisible" Injuries in Iraq and/or Afghanistan , Bina Ranjit Patel

Exploring the Relationship of Healthy Lifestyle Characteristics with Food Behaviors of Low-Income, Food Insecure Women in the United States (US) , Kimberly Ann Wollard

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Development of the Professional School Social Work Survey: A Valid and Reliable Tool for Assessment and Planning , Catherine E. Randall

Clinical and Criminal Justice Outcomes in the Jail Diversion and Trauma Recovery (JDTR) Program , Daniel Harold Ringhoff

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Evidence-Based Practice Attitudes, Knowledge and Perceptions of Barriers Among Juvenile Justice Professionals , Esther Chao Mckee

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

The Efficacy of Aggression Replacement Training with Female Juvenile Offenders in a Residential Commitment Program , Jody Anne Erickson

Rural Communities: How Do Individuals Perceive Change When Industry Enters the Area? , Katherine Danielle Ferrari

The Baby Blues: Mothers' Experiences After Adoption , Brigette Barno Schupay

Use of Services by Female Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence: In Their Own Words , Michele M. Scordato

Efforts to Engage Parents and Case Outcomes in the Child Welfare System , Patty Sharrock

Continuing Attachment Bonds to the Deceased: A Study of Bereaved Youth and Their Caregivers , Erica Hill Sirrine

Spiritual Life Review With Older Adults: Finding Meaning in Late Life Development , Alicia Margaret Stinson

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

Children Who Die of Abuse: An Examination of the Effects of Perpetrator Characteristics on Fatal Versus Non-Fatal Child Abuse , Donald L. Dixon

The Mediating Role of Social Support and Fulfillment of Spiritual Needs in End of Life Care , Kimberley A. Gryglewicz

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

Examination of the Effect of Child Abuse Case Characteristics on the Time a Caseworker Devotes to a Case , Christopher J. Card

Evaluating Social Work Students’ Attitudes Toward Physical Disability , Rachael A. Haskell

Theses/Dissertations from 2009 2009

Prevalence of Client Violence against Social Work Students and Its Effects on Fear of Future Violence, Occupational Commitment, and Career Withdrawal Intentions , Pamela Myatt Criss

An evaluation of the influence of case-method instruction on the reflective thinking of MSW students , Marleen Milner

Theses/Dissertations from 2008 2008

Developing a School Social Work Model for Predicting Academic Risk: School Factors and Academic Achievement , Robert Lucio

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Home > School, College, or Department > SSW > Dissertations and Theses

School of Social Work Dissertations and Theses

Theses/dissertations from 2024 2024.

Social Justice in Social Work: A Critical Discourse Analysis , Erica Fonseca

Understanding the Other: Mentor Ethnocultural Empathy and Relationship Quality and Duration in Youth Mentoring , Miriam Miranda-Diaz

The Mirror Project: Reflections on the Experiences of African-American Female Adolescents Experiencing Foster Care , Bahia Anise-Cross DeGruy Overton

Living on the Outskirts of Things: Women and Nonbinary People of Color with Cognitive Disabilities Describe Their Employment Experiences , Laura Spura Rodriguez

Towards a New Discourse on Success in Alternative Education , Samuel Thomas Settelmeyer

Feeling Otherwise: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study of Queer and Trans Youth of Color Who Create and Embody Fursonas , Hazel Ali Zaman

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

Does Structural Racism Influence How Black/African Americans Define Memory Loss and Cognitive Impairment? An Africana Phenomenological Study , Andre Pruitt

Prosecutors or Helpers: An Institutional Ethnography of Child Protective Services Casework , Anna Maria Rockhill

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

A Critical Discourse Analysis of How Youth in Care Describe Social Support , Jared Israel Best

Examining Demographic and Environmental Factors in Predicting the Perceived Impact of Cancer on Childhood and Adolescent Cancer Survivors , Nazan Cetin

Health Literacy and People Diagnosed with Mental Illness , Beckie Child

High School Persisters and Alternative Schools , Hyuny Clark-Shim

Examining the Role of Social Support and Neighborhood Deprivation in the Relationship Between Multiple ACEs and Health Risk Behaviors , Marin L. Henderson-Posther

A Typology of Foster Home Quality Elements in Relation to Foster Youth Mental Health , Paul Sorenson

"I'm Very Enlightened:" Assisting Black Males Involved in the Criminal Justice System to Deal With and Heal From Racism , Darnell Jackie Strong

The Mechanisms Connecting State Marijuana Policies to Parent, Peer, and Youth Drug Perception Leading to Youth Marijuana Use , Eunbyeor Sophie Yang

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

E(Raced): Race and Use of Self Amongst BIPOC Social Workers , Anita Reinette Gooding

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

A Colorless Nature: Exploring the Mental Health (Help-Seeking) Experiences of Pre-Adolescent Black American Children , Christopher Ashley Burkett

The Economically Disadvantaged Speak: Exploring the Intersection of Poverty, Race, Child Neglect and Racial Disproportionality in the Child Welfare System , Angela Gail Cause

Examining the Narratives of Military Sexual Trauma Survivors , Maria Carolina González-Prats

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Our Vision of Health for Future Generations: an Exploration of Proximal and Intermediary Motivations with Women of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma , Danica Love Brown

Interrogating the Construction and Representations of Criminalized Women in the Academic Social Work Literature: a Critical Discourse Analysis , Sandra Marie Leotti

Learning From Culturally Specific Programs and Their Impact on Latino Parent Engagement , Analucia Lopezrevoredo

Physical and Emotional Sibling Violence and Child Welfare: a Critical Realist Exploratory Study , Katherine Elizabeth Winters

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Is Therapy Going to the Dogs? Evaluating Animal Assisted Therapy for Early Identified At-Risk Children , Leah Faith Brookner

Investigating Time During Residential Program Until Transition for Adjudicated Youth: a Mixed Methods Study Using Event History Analysis with Follow-Up Interviews , Emily Carol Lott

Role of Spouse/Partner in Fertility Preservation Decision Making by Young Women with Cancer , Aakrati Mathur

Exploring the Association of Victimization and Alcohol and Marijuana Use among American Indian Youth Living On or Near Reservations: a Mixed Methods Study , Lindsay Nicole Merritt

The Intersections of Good Intentions, Criminality, and Anti-Carceral Feminist Logic: a Qualitative Study that Explores Sex Trades Content in Social Work Education , Meg Rose Panichelli

Latinas and Sexual Health: Correlates of Sexual Satisfaction , Christine Marie Velez

A Foucaultian Discourse Analysis of Person-Centered Practice Using a Genealogical Framework of Intellectual Disability , Nick Winges-Yanez

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Foundational Knowledge and Other Predictors of Commitment to Trauma-Informed Care , Stephanie Anne Sundborg

An Analysis of Oregon Youth Authority Populations: Who Receives Treatment and What Factors Influence Allocation of Treatment Resources? , Rebecca Arredondo Yazzie

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

The Importance of Online Peer Relationships During the Transition to Motherhood: Do They Decrease Stress, Alleviate Depression and Increase Parenting Competence? , Bobbie Sue Arias

Bridging the Worlds of Home and School: a Study of the Relational Worlds of First-Generation Students in a School of Social Work , Miranda Cunningham

An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis of Long-Term Mentoring Relationships from the Youth Perspective , Kevin Richard Jones

The Development and Validation of the Social Recovery Measure , Casadi "Khaki" Marino

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

A Queer Liberation Movement? A Qualitative Content Analysis of Queer Liberation Organizations, Investigating Whether They are Building a Separate Social Movement , Joseph Nicholas DeFilippis

Got Hair that Flows in the Wind: The Complexity of Hair and Identity among African American Female Adolescents in Foster Care , Lakindra Michelle Mitchell Dove

Assessing the Impact of Restrictiveness and Placement Type on Transition-Related Outcomes for Youth With and Without Disabilities Aging Out of Foster Care , Jessica Danielle Schmidt

Fathers Caring for Children with Special Health Care Needs: Experiences of Work-Life Fit , Claudia Sellmaier

Investigating the Impact of Sibling Foster Care on Placement Stability , Jeffrey David Waid

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Understanding Sexual Assault Survivors' Willingness to Participate in the Judicial System , Mildred Ann Davis

The Relationship between Mindfulness and Burnout among Master of Social Work Students , Jolanta Maria Piatkowska

Out of the Way and Out of Place: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the Experiences of Social Interactions of Bisexually Attracted Young People , A. Del Quest

Strengths in Action: Implementing a Learning Organization Model in a Human Service Setting , Barbara Ann Whitbeck

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

"Who Would Have Thought, With a Diagnosis Like This, I Would be Happy?": Portraits of Perceived Strengths and Resources in Early-Stage Dementia , Jutta Elisabeth Ataie

Lost in the Margins? Intersections Between Disability and Other Non-Dominant Statuses with Regard to Peer Victimization and Psychosocial Distress Among Oregon Teens , Marjorie Grace McGee

Teachers' Negative Comments Toward Youth in Foster Care with Disabilities: How Do They Relate to Youths' Problem Behaviors, School Attitudes, and School Performance? , Sunghwan Noh

Exploring the Effects of Multi-Level Protective and Risk Factors on Child and Parenting Outcomes in Families Participating in Healthy Start/Healthy Families Oregon (HS/HFO) , Peggy Nygren

Public Opinion and the Oregon Death with Dignity Act , Peggy Jo Ann Sandeen

The Role of Psycho-Sociocultural Factors in Suicide Risk Among Mong/Hmong Youth , TangJudy Vang

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

Increasing Social Work Students' Political Interest and Efficacy: The Experience and Impact of a Social Welfare Policy Course from the Students' Perspective , Christie Dianne Bernklau Halvor

Exploring Support Network Structure, Content, and Stability as Youth Transition from Foster Care , Jennifer E. Blakeslee

Understanding the Experience of Air Force Single Parents: A Phenomenological Study , Samantha Everhart Blanchard

Implementer Perspectives: The Implementation of a School-Based Mentoring Program , Amanda Angela Fixsen

Risk Factors for Homelessness Among Community Mental Health Patients with Severe Mental Illness , Rupert Talmage van Wormer

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

Gender, Culture, and Prison Classification: Testing the Reliability and Validity of a Prison Classification System , Aimée Ryan Bellmore

An Investigation of the Relationships between Violence Exposure, Internalizing and Externalizing Problems, and Adolescent Alcohol Use , Gregory Lloyd Forehand

Identifying Modifiable Factors associated with Depression across the Lifespan in Stroke Survivor-Spouse Dyads , Michael Joseph McCarthy

Investigating the Predictors of Postsecondary Education Success and Post-College Life Circumstances of Foster Care Alumni , Amy Michele Salazar

Runaway and Homeless Youth: Changing the Discourse by Legitimizing Youth Voice , Donald Dale Schweitzer

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

Visions and Voices: An Arts-Based Qualitative Study Using Photovoice to Understand the Needs and Aspirations of Diverse Women Working in the Sex Industry , Moshoula Capous Desyllas

Somatization and Engagement in Mental Health Treatment , Teresa Chianello

Parental Differential Treatment (PDT) of Siblings: Examining the Impact and Malleability of Differential Warmth and Hostility on Children's Adjustment , Brianne H. Kothari

Understanding the Development of Self-determination in Youth with Disabilities in Foster Care , Jennifer L. Powers

Child Welfare Workforce Turnover: Frontline Workers' Experiences with Organizational Culture and Climate, and Implications for Organizational Practice , Melanie Dawn Sage

Theses/Dissertations from 2009 2009

Developing One's Self: Adoption and Identity Formation Through the Eyes of Transracially Adopted Native American Adults , Jody Becker-Green

Primary Care, Males, Masculinity, and Suicide : a Grounded Theory Study , John Thomas Casey

Dependent Care and Work-Life Outcomes : Comparing Exceptional Care and Typical Care Responsibilities , Lisa Maureen Stewart

Factors Associated with Inclusion of Spirituality in Secular Social Work Education , Leslie Grace Wuest

Theses/Dissertations from 2008 2008

Up a Creek : the Perilous Journey of Recently Uninsured Low-Income Adults in Oregon , Heidi Allen

Attributes of Effective Head Start Mental Health Consultants : a Mixed Method Study of Rural and Urban Programs , Mary Dallas Allen

Staying Within the Margins: The Educational Stories of First-Generation, Low-Income College Students , Diane Lyn Cole

Children with Incarcerated Parents : a Longitudinal Study of the Effect of Parental Incarceration on Adolescent Externalizing Behaviors , Jean Mollenkamp Kjellstrand

The Child Care Self-Sufficiency Scale: Measuring Child Care Funding and Policy Generosity across States , Karen Tvedt

Theses/Dissertations from 2007 2007

Family-Friendly Workplace Culture, Flexibility, and Workplace Support for Dependent Care : the Perspectives of Human Resource Professionals , Katherine June Huffstutter

Family Participation : Exploring the Role it Plays in Outcomes for Youth with Serious Emotional Disorders , Jodi Lee Kerbs

"Creative Interpretation and Fluidity in a Rights Framework": the Intersection of Domestic Violence and Human Rights in the United States , Karen Lynn Morgaine

Food Security and Hunger among Low income US Households: Relations to Federal Food Assistance Program Participation , Rebecca Elizabeth Sanders

Engaging Our Workforce: How Job Demands and Resources Contribute to Social Worker Burnout, Engagement and Intent to Leave , Sara Laura Schwartz

Theses/Dissertations from 2006 2006

Is It Just Me? Felt HIV -Related Stigma among Adults with HIV , Rebecca Gila Block

Social Workers Addressing Student-Perpetrated Interpersonal Violence in the School Context : Awareness and Use of Evidence-Supported Programs , Natalie Diane Cawood

Sons Providing Care at End-of-Life : Common Threads and nuances , Patricia Ebert

Theses/Dissertations from 2004 2004

Applying the Transtheoretical Model to Cigarette Smoking by Pregnant and Parenting Adolescent Females , Barbara Mary Sussex

Theses/Dissertations from 2002 2002

Identifying and Building on Strengths of Children With Serious Emotional Disturbances , Michael Orval Taylor

Theses/Dissertations from 2001 2001

A Dissertation on African American Male Youth Violence: "Trying to Kill the Part of You that Isn’t Loved" , Joy DeGruy Leary

Theses/Dissertations from 1999 1999

Voices of our past: the rank and file movement in social work, 1931-1950 , Richard William Hunter

The Assessment of Children with Attachment Disorder: The Randolph Attachment Disorder Questionnaire, the Behavioral and Emotional Rating Scale, and the Biopsychosocial Attachment Types Framework , Alice Myrth Ogilvie

Theses/Dissertations from 1997 1997

Grandmothers Laughing: Intergenerational Transmission of Cultural Beliefs About Pregnancy and Childbirth Among Native American Women , Claudia Robin Long

Theses/Dissertations from 1983 1983

The needs of older people as seen by themselves and support providers , Sarah Movius Schurr

Theses/Dissertations from 1981 1981

Non-work-Related Services at the Workplace: An Exploratory Study , William Roland Adix

Assessment of Needs of Adolescent Mothers in Washington County , John L. Arnold

The Portland, Oregon ASAP: an Evaluation of Treatment Effectiveness , Joan M. Wildebush Berry

Burnout: Multi-Dimensional Study of Alienation Among Social Service Workers in the Willamette Valley , Sally Carignan

Alternative Agencies: An Exploratory Study , Linda Crane

An Alumni Survey of the School of Social Work, Portland State University , Stephen R. Fishack

A Description and Evaluation of the Self-Help Information Service , Cathy Tuma and John Wadsworth

Theses/Dissertations from 1980 1980

Multiple Impact Therapy: Evaluation and Design for Future Study , Jacqueline H. Abikoff

Salem Teen Mother Program: A Follow-up Study , Frances L. Barton

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UKnowledge > College of Social Work > Theses & Dissertations

Theses and Dissertations--Social Work

Theses/dissertations from 2024 2024.

Fathers’ Perspectives on the Role of Spirituality in Substance Misuse Disorder Treatment and Engaging with Their Children , Kendra Michelle Eubank

CHANGES IN CRIMINAL THINKING AMONG HOMELESS VETERANS RECEIVING HOUSING FIRST SERVICES , deirdra robinson

Exploring the Therapeutic Relationship in Mental Health Therapy with Queer and Disabled Adults , Rachel Womack

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

FOSTER CAREGIVING: HOW INTERACTIONS WITH THE CHILD WELFARE AGENCY IMPACT FOSTER PARENT SATISFACTION, RECRUITMENT, AND RETENTION , Ethan Engelhardt

Factors Associated with Successful Military-to-Civilian Transition Among Special Forces Veterans , Edward Richter

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

THE INFLUENCE OF DISTANCE LEARNING ON UNDERGRADUATE SOCIAL WORK COMPETENCY: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY AT A PRIVATE UNIVERSITY , Christine K. Fulmer

Conceptualizing Attorney Motivation: A Study of the Representatives for Parents and Children in the Child Welfare System , Shannon Moody

AN INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL FACTORS ON LABOR MARKET INTEGRATION IN A GENDER STRATIFIED SAMPLE OF REFUGEES IN GERMANY , Theresia M. Pachner

RURAL SUICIDE: A THREE MANUSCRIPT DISSERTATION UTILIZING THE NATIONAL VIOLENT DEATH REPORTING SYSTEM , James Watts

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

THE ROLE OF ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES (ACEs) IN THE MILITARY AND PREDICTING CURRENT DISTRESS , Douglas A. Foote

Hospital Nurses' Moral Distress and Coping during COVID-19: A Pilot Study , Abigail Latimer

ENHANCING EVIDENCE-BASED TOBACCO TREATMENT SERVICES FOR CLIENTS WITH MENTAL ILLNESSES , Janet Otachi

DOES BULLYING VICTIMIZATION IN MIDDLE CHILDHOOD INFLUENCE ADOLESCENT RISK BEHAVIORS: DIFFERENCES ACROSS RACIAL/ETHNIC GROUPS? , Shawndaya Sabrina Thrasher

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

National Guard Members with Suicide Ideation: The Impact of Stigma, Mental Health, and Trauma History on Treatment-Seeking Outcomes , Amy Brown

KINSHIP CARE PROVIDERS: EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP OF CHILD TEMPERMENT, COMBINED FACTORS OF PROVIDER’S RELATIONSHIP TO PRIMARY PARENT AND REASON FOR PLACEMENT, AND INTENSITY OF PARENTING TASKS TO PARENTING STRESS , Shelagh Larkin

EMBODYING INEQUALITY: THREE PAPERS ON THE ROLE OF GENDER AND DISCRIMINATION IN THE LIVES OF WOMEN , Stefana I. Moldovan

Olmstead Mandated Statewide Implementation of Assertive Community Treatment: Precipitating Factors and Participant Experiences , Elizabeth Nelson-Cooke

FIX SOCIETY, PLEASE: THREE PAPERS ON THE MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT, SOCIAL SUPPORT RESOURCES, AND SUICIDOLOGY OF TRANSGENDER AND GENDER DIVERSE ADULTS , Annie Snow

INVESTIGATING WHETHER ECOLOGICAL MODELS OF COMMUNITY-ORIENTED VARIABLES IMPROVE PREDICTION OF CHILDHOOD RESILIENCE OVER A SET OF PERSONAL CHARACTERISTIC VARIABLES SUCH AS IMPULSE CONTROL, EMOTIONAL REGULATION, RELATIONAL MOTIVATION, AND SELF-RELIANCE , Vinod Kumar Srivastava

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Veterans' Treatment Courts in Kentucky: Examining How Personal Characteristics and During-Program Occurrences Influence Program Completion and Criminal Recidivism , Monica Lynn Himes

SUICIDE ATTITUDES AND TERROR MANAGEMENT THEORY , Athena Kheibari

DOES CHILDHOOD PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE STRENGTHEN OR WEAKEN MSW SOCIAL WORKERS AND ALLIED PROFESSIONALS’ COMPASSION FATIGUE AND COMPASSION SATISFACTION? , Andy S. C. Reynolds

SOCIAL WORKERS’ AND TEACHERS’ FEELINGS OF SELF-EFFICACY IN DEALING WITH SCHOOL BULLYING , Sharon Lynn Simmons

THE DRUGS/VIOLENCE NEXUS: THEORY TESTING AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH FACTORS AMONG JUSTICE-INVOLVED APPALACHIAN WOMEN , Grant Victor

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

A MIXED METHODS ANALYSIS OF GENDER DIFFERENCES IN SYMPTOM PROGRESSION AND TRAUMA NARRATIVES DURING TRAUMA-FOCUSED COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY , Sarah A. Ascienzo

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Recent Submissions

Young men’s experiences of residential childcare transition from mixed sex residential accommodation to single sex provision in egypt , 'she's the reason i do it': the impact of and responses to post-2010 austerity on lone parent families in north edinburgh (scotland) , “it’s not just a job, it’s my life”: long term foster carers’ experiences of placement endings in scotland , troubling the ‘troubled teen industry’: institutional violence, epistemic injustice, and psychiatrised youth , care-experienced mothers and the legacy of social work , critiquing the presence and absence of children and young people's participation in policies for looked after children in scotland , interrogating the ethics of telecare services: a conceptual framework for dementia home care professionals , forever home the complexity of adoption breakdown in scotland , exploring experiences of children who migrate to delhi: understanding gender and space , looking after grandchildren: the motivation, pattern, and the impact of intergenerational engagements on grandparents in rural china , topping up the tank: enhancing the emotional resilience of social workers in local authority adult services , intergenerational transmission of the effects of maternal childhood adversities via poor infant outcomes , contributing to the development of social pedagogy in the uk: a case study at 'santiago 1' residential care home in spain , helping the 'problem child' become loveable again a discourse analysis on childhood adhd in switzerland and implications for social work , health needs and services for refugee women and children in uganda’s settlements: articulating a role for social work , unpicking social work practice skills: an interactional analysis of engagement and identity in a groupwork programme addressing sexual offending , turkish fathering today: an enquiry and discussion arising from the views of turkish fathers and turkish young people , twenty first century contact: young people in care and their use of mobile communication devices and the internet for contact , quickening steps: an ethnography of pre-birth child protection , low income employment in dhaka: women’s lives, agency and identity .

Thesis and Capstone Requirements for Social Work Programs

Most social work programs culminate in a final capstone or thesis. Usually, students complete a capstone or thesis in their final quarter, semester, or year of study, but some may begin preparing for the project weeks or even months in advance. Schools assign capstones and theses to assess a prospective social worker’s ability to apply classroom concepts in a professional social work setting.

In general, both kinds of projects require students to undergo internships or complete field work in a social work role. Oftentimes, students must critically analyze a social justice or human rights issue relevant to their field experience. Alternatively, students may offer potential solutions to problems their employers face. In combining research with field work, social work programs also prepare graduates to transition from the classroom to the workplace.

Students can complete their capstones or theses in a diverse range of settings. Common placements for both projects include clinical or hospital environments, public policy organizations, and nonprofits. Within these core settings, students work with underserved populations and address issues such as systemic racism, economic inequality, access to healthcare and education, and substance abuse.

This guide outlines the similarities and differences between the social work capstone and thesis, and provides general guidelines for both projects.

What’s the Difference Between a Capstone and a Thesis in Social Work Programs?

Both a capstone and thesis are supervised research projects that include a practicum or internship in a professional social work setting. These projects also include a written essay synthesizing the student’s internship experience and applying relevant lessons from the social work curriculum. At the end of the process, students give a final presentation.

However, significant differences exist between the two options. Social work bachelor’s students usually complete a capstone, while social work master’s students usually complete a thesis. In general, a capstone demonstrates a student’s ability to apply classroom principles in a professional setting. By contrast, a thesis combines internship work with original, publishable research. Thus, while students prove their mastery of social work theory in completing a capstone, students contribute new ideas to the field in writing a thesis.

What Is a Capstone Like in Social Work Programs?

Social work capstone format.

Typically, a social work capstone is a final project embedded within a required research or practicum course. Field work for the capstone project requires a time commitment of one quarter to one academic year, with many students beginning their practicum or internship experience the summer before their senior year. Capstone projects include extended written components, usually an essay of 30 to 40 pages. In the written portion, students identify an issue or need at their field experience site. They then research the topic and suggest potential solutions. Students often present their papers to an audience of their professors and peers. Most capstones are individual projects, but some programs ask students to collaborate.

Choosing Your Social Work Capstone Topic

Since the capstone incorporates an internship in a social work setting, it also provides an opportunity to network with industry professionals and launch a post-graduation career. As such, students’ professional goals within social work should determine their capstone focus. After choosing a topic, students hone their research goals with the help of faculty advisers, professors who typically have work experience relevant to each student’s interests. Capstone topics vary depending on the program, but students often analyze current human rights or social justice issues such as multicultural family systems, health and wellness, public policy, and sustainable development.

Completing Your Social Work Capstone

While each social work program maintains unique capstone requirements, the project’s timeline typically follows a similar sequence. Prior to securing a field work site, students attend informational forums in which instructors explain field work expectations and available partnership locations. Students apply for field work locations that most closely align with their academic interests and professional goals, and professors assign sites accordingly. Field work usually takes place in social service institutions such as hospitals, children’s welfare agencies, or housing transition programs. Occasionally, students can complete capstone research in their current workplace if they already hold employment in an eligible social work setting.

Once students start field work, they meet regularly with advisers, either one-on-one or alongside a group of peers. During these meetings, students analyze their field work experiences, identify problems or needs in a given area, and design a research topic that offers potential solutions. Usually, social work interns also work with a field site supervisor. This supervisor acts as a mentor and ensures that students meet expectations and log the required number of hours.

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Presenting your social work capstone.

Most social work students present their capstone projects in front of a panel of professors and peers. Capstone panels range in size from a few faculty members to audiences of 30 to 40 people. Occasionally, presentations open to the public. Since capstone presentations cover research data, panels generally encourage visual aids, such as PowerPoint or Prezi, to illustrate measurable statistics. During the presentation, students describe their internship role, analyze the communities this internship served, and reflect on the potential solutions to problems they encountered.

How Is a Social Work Capstone Graded?

Students receive a grading rubric at the beginning of their capstone course outlining the program’s unique assessment requirements. While each program determines the success of a capstone differently, professors usually assess how well a student develops a professional identity, engages in critical thinking, conducts research, and cultivates an ethical practice serving human rights or social justice. Assessors grade a capstone on an “A-F,” or 4.0, scale. Students who fail can occasionally appeal their grades, retake the capstone seminar, or edit their research essay.

What Is a Thesis Like in Social Work Programs?

Social work thesis format.

Most master’s programs include a social work thesis. For the thesis, students complete in-depth research or data collection, write an extended essay of about 50 pages, and present an oral defense of results. Typically, master’s students conduct research on a topic of interest while participating in a field work placement or internship. Candidates then outline their research in a written thesis. This process requires at least a year of work, and students usually complete thesis projects individually. Occasionally, however, graduate students’ theses are collective projects that contribute to larger, faculty-led research studies. In such cases, a group of several students and faculty members conduct research together.

Choosing Your Social Work Thesis Topic

Like the capstone, a thesis offers the chance to conduct academic research while earning relevant work experience and networking with social work professionals. Students should communicate with a faculty member or professor who shares their professional or academic experiences and interests. With the help of their adviser, students can determine their research interests and find field work placement sites.

Though thesis topics vary widely, students often address human rights and social justice concerns they encounter during clinical, public policy, or nonprofit work. Rather than relying on established claims, theses propose new ways of understanding and combating social inequality. Social work thesis topics grapple with issues such as the efficacy of community centers in impoverished neighborhoods, strategies for palliative care social work, and success rates for bully prevention programs.

Completing Your Master of Social Work Thesis

Before designing a thesis, students often spend at least one semester, or two quarters, working in their chosen field placement site. During this process, master’s students work alongside a field supervisor, who regularly conducts one-on-one evaluation meetings to measure the student’s progress. The advisers also record student hours. Depending on a program’s requirements, master’s students spend 15 to 30 hours a week at their placement sites. This experience is crucial to identifying eligible social work thesis ideas.

After this initial work, students partner with a faculty adviser to identify a narrow research topic addressing a question or problem in their field. Students form this question by synthesizing their field work with an in-depth review of relevant literature and case studies from peer-reviewed sources. Finally, master’s students present their topic of inquiry to either their adviser or an advisory committee, usually in the form of a short, ten-page summary of their research interests. If the adviser approves the topic, students then begin formally collecting data and writing the thesis.

Presenting Your Social Work Thesis

The master of social work thesis presentation generally takes the form of a formal thesis defense. During the defense, master’s students present their research and conclusions to a faculty panel consisting of at least three professors, including the student’s faculty adviser. Similar to the capstone presentation, thesis defenses often include visual aids such as PowerPoint or Prezi presentations. The visual aid is especially important if the presentation involves graphs, pie charts, or other mediums of data analysis. Only the faculty panel typically attends a formal thesis defense, but master’s students often present their findings again in informal sessions open to the university community.

How Is a Social Work Thesis Graded?

The thesis should display a student’s ability to conduct independent research and meet the demands of a professional social work position. Professors grade a student’s formation of research questions, analysis of secondary literature, collection of data, and organization of research in a coherent report. Advisers always state their expectations in advance of the deadline. Students who don’t meet these goals can occasionally rewrite the thesis, but failure seriously endangers and delays degree conferral. Professors award grades based on a “A-F,” or 4.0, scale. Passing projects generally receive an “A,” while underdeveloped projects receive failing grades.

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Master of Social Work Program

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The dissertation is the hallmark of all doctoral-level study and represents the achievement of a high level of professional performance as a practitioner/researcher. You will be required to complete an independent scholarly research project and examine a topic relevant to clinical social work. By completing the dissertation, you will demonstrate your capacity to contribute to the development and dissemination of knowledge for the profession. 

Required Research Courses 

To prepare for your dissertation you will take a series of required research courses that provide the foundation of knowledge required both to assess prior research and to design and implement one’s own research. Our faculty teach core research methods, including advanced statistics, in depth. 

Dissertation Seminar 

During your final summer you will complete a dissertation seminar to support you in developing your dissertation proposal. If you are well along in preparation of your proposal you may opt to take the dissertation seminar during your second summer. We will assign you a research supervisor to assist in identifying and refining an area of study for your dissertation. 

Dissertation Committee 

You are responsible for identifying and recruiting a dissertation committee to assist in the development of your dissertation proposal and in the completion, reporting and defense of the project. The program’s director will assist you in the process. They will also approve the committee, which must include a chair and at least two more members. 

Institutional Review Board 

The Smith College Institutional Review Board is responsible for oversight of projects involving human participants. 

Past Dissertation Titles 

Smith College School for Social Work dissertations 2009 - present are available to the Smith community (including off-campus access with a current Smith login), anyone on campus and anyone via interlibrary loan through Smith ScholarWorks .

Thesis and Capstone Requirements for Social Work Programs

Frequently part of accredited social work programs, capstone and thesis programs must meet guidelines to earn accreditation. General requirements for capstone or thesis courses are set by an accrediting council, but specific coursework requirements are set by program leads. A social work capstone is typically completed as an internship. Thesis programs, on the other hand, are in-depth professional and clinical field experiences documented in a final essay. Students should be aware of capstone or thesis requirements when choosing a program and whether their program requires one or both as options for graduation.

General requirements for capstone or thesis courses are set by an accrediting council, but specific coursework requirements are set by program leads.

Students typically complete the capstone or thesis in their final semesters. Both the capstone and thesis review learning objectives and apply the student’s learning to practical scenarios and research. Capstone or thesis projects offer students the opportunity to explore work and research opportunities in social work while receiving college credit and constructive feedback on their work. The capstone or thesis can be completed in a local social services agency, hospital, or nonprofit, wherein students observe client and social worker interactions and apply their research. This guide discusses the differences between a capstone and thesis and some of the ways social work students can choose, complete, and present a project.

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What’s the difference between a capstone and a thesis in social work programs.

Sometimes used interchangeably, capstone and thesis projects actually differ in important ways. Capstone projects are usually part of undergraduate program, whereas a thesis is typically required for master’s programs.

Both undergraduate and graduate programs require a practicum for the capstone or thesis project. Many undergraduate program capstones emphasize the practicum component and require a report or presentation of students’ experiences, focusing on the student’s learning about entry-level social work experience. Master’s program thesis projects underscore professional experience and research and may require a research paper. The thesis also develops clinical skills and research explored in the classroom.

What Is a Capstone Like in Social Work Programs?

Social work capstone format.

Many social work programs require two capstone courses and a seminar, a one- or two-credit course that introduces students to the practicum experience and runs concurrent to a capstone course. In the seminar, students describe their goals for the project and may participate in group workshops and discussions. The first practicum takes place in the second or third semester and is usually completed in 200 hours, and students conclude with the 400-hour second practicum in their final semester. Students may complete an individual project as a part of the practicum. A final presentation to the student’s cohort or a report to the faculty adviser may be required to complete the capstone.

Choosing Your Social Work Capstone Topic

Carefully consideration of your capstone topic can enhance your education and career opportunities. A capstone topic should be a relevant, current issue in the social work field that also correlates to your specific interests. Students work closely with a faculty adviser to select their topic. The capstone adviser is a professional in the field who helps students make professional connections, as students develop their practicum placement through networking. This combination of professional guidance, exposure to the field, and exploration of current issues benefits professional development.

Completing Your Social Work Capstone

A customizable experience at its core, students design the goals for their social work capstone, develop learning objectives, and determine the topic they will address. Student and faculty work together to choose an appropriate setting for the capstone research, which may be a hospital, care facility, or a mental health clinic. You may be given permission to complete the capstone at your current place of employment, but all capstone work must be accomplished outside of your normal work duties.

A customizable experience at its core, students design the goals for their social work capstone, develop learning objectives, and determine the topic they will address.

Once you have chosen your topic, designed your capstone, and selected a setting, you will submit a proposal to your faculty adviser. When the adviser approves your topic, design, and setting, the practicum begins in earnest. Social work students keep close records of their practicum experience. Depending on the format, you may file case notes or reports. Students also maintain a log of hours worked that is signed by the site supervisor and the faculty adviser.

Presenting Your Social Work Capstone

Students often present on their capstone at the conclusion of the experience. The presentation typically takes place during the seminar course; students present their work to faculty and their cohorts. Some programs may invite the public to attend, so your family and friends can view your hard work. Hallmarks of capstone presentations include PowerPoints, handouts, and oral reporting and explanation of data collected. The seminar class tends to work together in small groups to develop the final presentations. Not every program requires a presentation, however; a final paper reviewed by an adviser can replace the capstone presentation requirement.

How Is a Social Work Capstone Graded?

Social work capstones are graded on a pass/fail basis. Students receive a rubric of objectives and expectations, which includes the number of hours required for a successful capstone. The goals and objectives designed by the student, as well as feedback from the site supervisor also determine the final grade earned. If a student fails the capstone, schools have a grade appeals process. Most programs allow students to retake a capstone course once to earn a passing grade.

What Is a Thesis Like in Social Work Programs?

Social work thesis format.

Master’s in social work programs require advanced field experiences as a thesis. MSW students complete a minimum of 900 hours of field experience, earned through two to four practicum courses, one course per semester. Programs generally offer a seminar course that is completed prior to or concurrently with the final practicum course. Completed individually in a communal setting, practicum students are free to collaborate with other professionals in the field. MSW students may also conduct new research projects or case studies. A paper is often required at the conclusion of the practicum, which may be presented to faculty and students.

Choosing Your Social Work Thesis Topic

MSW students receive hands-on training while developing their social work theses. The social work thesis topics students choose may focus on private practice, clinical work, or organizational development, and often reflect a student’s ultimate career goals. In a thesis program, students must utilize networking skills, professional experience, and receive faculty advisement. Students may rely on previously developed professional connections and networking to develop their field experiences. Graduate programs employ faculty with extensive professional experience. Research and select a program with faculty advisers that benefit your professional development goals.

Completing Your Master of Social Work Thesis

Field experiences introduce students to clinical and professional practice, develops their skills, and practices interventions. MSW students design their two field experiences to achieve two overarching goals: generalist experience and professional development.

MSW students design their two field experiences to achieve two overarching goals: generalist experience and professional development.

A generalist experience runs between 200-300 hours, with any remaining hours completed in a specialized field. Students conduct observations and case reviews during the generalist experience, then design the specialized practicum to develop their professional skills and respond to a thesis topic. The design of your field experience is highly customizable, but should include concrete objectives with opportunities for hands-on experience. Students submit their plan to the the faculty adviser, who then approves their planned social work thesis topic and field experiences. MSW students record their work through completing observation reports, case notes, and approved logs of hours.

Presenting Your Social Work Thesis

MSW students who complete practicum experiences typically do not defend their thesis in front of a panel. You may be required to give a presentation to the faculty and other students in your program, which can include a PowerPoint, other visual aids, and handouts. Graduates may have the opportunity to present their work to the public through the university or a conference.

Programs that focus on research and policy may require the a thesis presentation, but this is uncommon for a master’s program. A panel of qualified faculty and professionals hear the thesis. Following their presentation, thesis candidates must answer questions and explain the applicability of their work to the field. Students should determine if the program they are applying to requires a thesis presentation or field experience report.

How Is a Social Work Thesis Graded?

Social work thesis projects are typically graded as pass/fail. The number of practicum hours are set according to accreditation and licensure requirements; students must complete all hours to pass the course. Requirements are given to students before they begin coursework, with additional grade requirements outlined in the thesis design syllabus. Feedback from field supervisors is also considered. Students who fail their field experience may appeal through the school’s appeal process or repeat the course.

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• Programs and courses
• Master of Social Work (5621)
• Overview and fees

Master of Social Work

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Program code

Available at.

Mount Gravatt

2 to 2.5 years FT accelerated 3.5 years part-time *Please refer to attendance information

Credit points

Indicative fee.

$10,000.00* per year ( more ) * 2024 indicative annual CSP fee

Admission requirements

Commencing in.

Trimester 2 and Trimester 3

Next start date

Trimester 3, 2024 ( more )

Applications close

Monday, 21 October 2024

• How to apply
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Important Notes

From 2025, commencing students are referred to the Master of Social Work (5758) .

About this program

This professional qualifying postgraduate program provides you with a social work qualification that allows entry into the profession. It is specifically designed for graduates holding degrees with some social and behavioural science components. The program equips you with the knowledge, skills, values and ethical foundations for social work practice in contemporary social policy and human service contexts.

This is an AASW -accredited qualification. It is an entry qualification into the social work profession and has been determined to meet the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS).

• Generalist Practice
• Dissertation

Note: Students can commence in Trimester 2 in the Generalist Practice pathway (in full-time mode) and transfer to the Dissertation pathway when all eligibility criteria have been successfully met.

The frameworks for practice incorporated in the program are designed to ensure graduates are effective, ethical, and innovative thinkers, communicators, problem-solvers, change facilitators and leaders.

Note: The Master of Social Work (5621) is offered to International students at the Gold Coast campus only.

Note: Progression through this program suite is dependent upon satisfying admission requirements.

Attendance information

All students commencing in the Master of Social Work are required to attend at least 20 days on campus throughout their full period of study. This is a non-negotiable requirement of all AASW accredited social work programs in Australia. This can be achieved by attending the embedded compulsory intensives held at Gold Coast campus only in set courses throughout the program:

• 7060HSV Foundations of Social Work Practice (10 days)*
• 7002HSV Applied Counselling (5 days)
• 7063HSV Critical Reflective Practice in Social Work (5 days)

* 7060HSV Foundations of Social Work Practice must be completed in the first trimester of study. Students must pass this introductory course to continue in the program and undertake the first field placement course.

This program is offered in full-time and part-time mode. However, if you are intending to study part-time, it must be noted that the two field placements components of the program are to be completed within a full-time study load (at a minimum of three days per week).

On-campus elective courses may be offered at a campus other than a student's home campus. Students may be required to travel between campuses to complete some elective courses.

Trimester 2 intake

Students commencing in Trimester 2 will complete an accelerated pathway, completing the program in 2 years, full time.

Trimester 3 intake

Students commencing in Trimester 3 will complete an accelerated pathway, completing in 2.5 years, full time.

This program includes compulsory study in Trimester 3. Students who commence in Trimester 3 and are receiving income support should plan their enrolment to ensure they meet study requirements in the standard Trimester 1 and 2.

Student Income Support

To be classed as a full-time student, you are required to enrol in a minimum number of credit points each standard study period. The minimum credit points for full-time enrolment in this program is 30 credit points.

Trimester 1 and Trimester 2 are deemed standard study periods. As Trimester 3 is a non-standard study period, continuing students moving from one year to the next will not be required to study during this trimester to be eligible for student income support.

Domestic students who commence in Trimester 3 may be eligible for student income support from the onset of study provided they are enrolled full-time in this study period.

Please refer to the Australian Government website for more details.

Taking a leave of absence from this program is permitted, subject to conditions outlined in the Enrolment Procedure and receiving approval from the Program Director or their nominee.

Work-integrated learning

Work-integrated learning activities (professional placements) integrate theoretical learning with its application in the workplace. The inclusion of work-integrated learning activities in the degree program demonstrates Griffith's commitment to preparing its graduates for success in their working life.

There will be two field placement courses. These field placements are of 1000 hour minimum duration in an agency that meets the requirements of Griffith University. Students will be supervised by a qualified social worker for the duration of the field placement. In some situations, it may be possible to negotiate a work-place based field placement.

In accordance with Section 4 of the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS) 2020 "Placements will be undertaken over at least two years of the professional social work program of study ".

My career opportunities

This degree prepares graduates for practice in a range of social work roles including working with individuals, groups and families, community work, advocacy, research, planning and policy development and management and administration. The frameworks for practice incorporated in the program are designed to ensure graduates are effective, ethical, and innovative thinkers, communicators, problem-solvers, change facilitators and leaders.

There are career opportunities for social workers in government, non-government and private sector agencies with jobs in hospital and community health settings, youth work, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services, child and family welfare, child protection, youth and adult offending, employment and income support, aged care, community development, family support, disability services, services for women, multicultural services and many other social welfare organisations.

Program accreditation

The Master of Social Work is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) . It is an entry qualification into the social work profession and has been determined to meet the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS).

Professional recognition

Enrolled students and graduates of this program will be eligible to apply for registration with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) subject to meeting any additional requirements that may be stipulated by the AASW , particularly in relation to English language proficiency. As these requirements may change from time to time, students should contact the AASW to confirm registration requirements.

Professional Practice requirements

There are placements associated with this program and before undertaking professional experience placements, all students in this program are required to have completed the following by the end of their first trimester of study:

• Vaccinations and Health Tests
• Licenses and Certificates
• Online Training
• Health Placement Requirements

Students should refer to the checklist of professional practice requirements for their Health discipline on the Health Placement Support Hub for full details of the requirements regarding professional placement to ensure that they meet eligibility for placement.

Pathways to further study

Students who have successfully completed the Master of Social Work (Dissertation pathway) may be eligible for admission to the MPhil or PhD subject to the specified requirements for candidature in the Higher Degree Research Policy.

Commonwealth supported students

• The indicative fee represents the expected average fee for an annual full-time study load (80 credit points). This is based on average study patterns across courses and the Australian Government's broad discipline areas (student contribution bands). A student's actual annual fee may vary in accordance with his or her choice of majors and electives. The Australian Government sets student contribution amounts on an annual basis.
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Fee-paying postgraduate (domestic) students

Indicative annual tuition fee.

The indicative annual tuition fee is calculated based on a standard full-time study load which is usually 80 credit points.

The indicative annual tuition fee is based on current conditions and available data and should only be used as a guide. These fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change.

Tuition fees

• A fee-paying postgraduate student pays tuition fees.
• Students are liable for tuition fees for the courses they are enrolled in as at the census date.
• The tuition fee for students who commence their program prior to 2014 is charged according to the approved program fee for the trimester in which the student commenced the program.
• The tuition fee for students who commence their program from 2014 onwards is charged according to the approved program fee for the trimester in which the student is enrolled.

Program fees for the Master of Social Work (5621)

If the fee rate for your program is not displayed above, please contact Student Connect for assistance.

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If a postgraduate student changes to a different program they will be subject to the approved program fee for the trimester in which they are enrolled.

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Additional fee information

This postgraduate program has Commonwealth Supported Places . If you are eligible, the Australian Government will contribute to the cost of this program but you will also be required to make a contribution.

Quotas are applied for admission to the Commonwealth Supported Places. Where demand exceeds the number of available places and all places have been filled for the current admission period, applicants who meet minimum program entry requirements may be eligible for a Fee-Paying Postgraduate place if such places are available. Please note that deferrals are not permitted for programs with Commonwealth Supported Places.

This program has been approved by the Australian Government for student income support (for example, Youth Allowance and Austudy). Students should contact Centrelink for more information about their eligibility for student income support payments.

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Phd program, dissertation instructions.

The dissertation is an original piece of scholarly research on a topic that has been jointly agreed upon by the student and her/his Supervisory Committee members. It is a major undertaking that should reflect the highest standards of scholarship and make a significant contribution to knowledge and practice in the field of social welfare and the profession of social work.

"A candidate must present a dissertation demonstrating original and independent investigation and achievement. A dissertation should reflect not only mastery of research techniques but also ability to select an important problem for investigation and to deal with it competently." ( University of Washington Graduate School )

Dissertation Research 

After the dissertation prospectus has been approved by the Supervisory Committee and the PhD Steering Committee, the student normally works primarily under the direction of the chair. The extent to which other members are involved during the course of the dissertation research is determined on a case-by-case basis. If a dissertation study significantly changes as it progresses from that originally approved in the Prospectus by the Supervisory Committee and Steering Committee, the changes must be reviewed and approved by the Reading Committee members of the Supervisory Committee. 1

Dissertation Research Colloquium

At some point during the dissertation process each candidate is required to make a 30-minute presentation of her/his research at a Dissertation Colloquium. 2  The colloquium is an open assembly of Social Welfare Faculty, PhD students, and others (e.g., faculty from the School of Social Work and other departments, MSW and BASW students, and community persons) who have interest in the proposed research. The Dissertation Colloquium provides (1) a forum for the productive and timely exchange of ideas, suggestions, and resources with doctoral candidates as they work on their first major independent research endeavor and (2) an opportunity for doctoral candidates to articulate to others their research goals, plans, and questions. The timing of the colloquium will depend on the specific needs of each student and be determined by the student and Supervisory Committee. Two options are available:

• At any point during the dissertation research process when the student and Supervisory Committee determine that a public presentation of the research and findings would be useful for the student. (This could be as a practice job talk or for the general purpose of sharing the research with the community.) The student’s Supervisory Committee is typically in attendance, and one member serves as discussant and facilitator of the Colloquium.
• As an opening presentation during the Oral Dissertation Defense. (If this option is chosen the Social Work community must be invited to the presentation. Note: Graduate School guidelines recommend that at least a portion of the Oral Dissertation Defense be open to the public.)

Consistent with the program’s emphasis on providing opportunities for students to strengthen their skills in presenting their work, students are strongly encouraged to invite not only social work faculty and students but also any other relevant university colleagues or community members to attend the Colloquium. At least two weeks prior to the date of the Colloquium the student sends an email announcement with the presentation information and an abstract.

Writing and Submitting the Dissertation

Two general formats have been approved by the Graduate School and the social welfare faculty. The first, more traditional within the Arts and Sciences, is the monograph or “book” format for a dissertation. In this format, the dissertation is organized as an integrated set of chapters written as a logical progression of ideas pertaining to a central topic.  The second dissertation format, more prevalent in the health sciences, is a series of three to four research papers that may differ in topic but are clearly reflective of a coherent program of research. (*When the dissertation is composed of a set of research papers that are inclusive of co-authored manuscripts, the candidate must be the primary contributor and lead author on all published papers.)  Each format has advantages and disadvantages having to do with publication goals and career plans, and these should be carefully considered by the candidate in consultation with his/her dissertation committee.

For instructions on formatting the Dissertation, follow the School of Social Work Dissertation Style Guidelines . Also referenced in the guidelines document are templates for the required preliminary pages  and for paragraph styles . The final dissertation must be submitted to the Doctoral Program Office for approval before it is submitted to the Graduate School, thus students need to contact the Program Office during the final stages of writing to ensure that all the guidelines are understood and complied with. For submitting the final to the Graduate School, students must follow the procedures outlined in the  Graduate School’s Dissertation Submission Guidelines  for Theses and Dissertations. This document outlines the process for submission of doctoral dissertations.

All members of the Supervisory Committee must be provided a draft of the dissertation chapters at least 6 weeks in advance of the Oral Defense and a complete draft of the dissertation (with all required sections) at least 2 weeks in advance of the Defense. 2

Resources for Dissertation Research and Writing

All-But-Dissertation Survival Guide This monthly newsletter provides practical strategies for successfully completing your doctoral dissertation, periodic interviews with scholars about the tips they wish they'd known at the beginning of their own careers, and teleworkshops. 

Phinished  A discussion and support site aimed at helping people finish their dissertations.

Summary Notes of  Writing for Social Scientists Presents an outline of Howard S. Becker's suggestions for writing.  Taken from his book,  Writing for Social Scientists: How to Start and Finish Your Thesis, Book, or Article  (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1986). 

Thinking About Your Thesis This article by Erika Simpson provides guidelines for finishing a thesis or dissertation.

Writing and Presenting Your Thesis or Dissertation This article by S. Joseph Levine provides guidelines for thinking about a thesis or dissertation, writing a proposal, completing the project, and defending it.. 

Final Program Office Check

Before scheduling the oral defense, the student must contact the PhD Program Assistant Director for a final degree check, which will be done via email. This will ensure that all degree requirements have been met.

SSW Approval of the Dissertation

Once the entire dissertation is complete, it must be submitted it to the School of Social Work Doctoral Program Office for approval before submitting the final to the Graduate School. Each document will be checked page-by-page, and notations made of all errors to be fixed. 

As a general guideline, the SSW check should be arranged at least 2 weeks prior to the time the final will be submitted to the Graduate School. For formatting guidelines, see the  School of Social Work Dissertation Style Guidelines .  Contact the PhD Program Assistant Director in advance to request this check. Provide electronic files for checking instead of paper copy. This check can usually be accomplished in 1-2 working days if scheduled in advance.

Final Examination: Oral Defense

When the dissertation is complete and the doctoral Supervisory Committee agrees that the candidate is prepared to take the Final Examination (Oral D efense), the Program Director, Assistant Director, and Graduate School must be informed of the decision . 3

All members of the Supervisory Committee must be provided an initial draft of all chapters at least 6 weeks prior to the Oral Defense and a complete draft of the dissertation (with all required sections) at least 2 weeks in advance of the Defense. 4

All members of the Supervisory Committee (including the GSR) must be consulted by the student and approve the date, time, and location for the Oral Defense. The student then logs in to MyGrad to request  scheduling of the Defense . (This must be done at least 2 weeks prior to the date of the oral defense.) As soon as the request is made, the student  must send an email to the Assistant Director of the Social Welfare Program indicating that the request has been made (the MyGrad system tells students that the departments are being notified, but that's not true). The Assistant Director will approve the request through MyGrad. 

The Final Oral Defense is intended as an opportunity for the student to clarify, elaborate, or justify the procedures used and the findings obtained. At least four members of the Supervisory Committee (including the Chair, all other members of the Reading Committee, and the GSR) must be present at the defense, and all members of the Reading Committee (composed of at least 3 members of the Supervisory Committee, including the Chair) must approve the final product. (The GSR must be there in person; any other members may participate by phone or video-conferencing.) The student may choose to present the public Dissertation Colloquium as part of the Defense (see Dissertation Colloquium section above).

The defense session is normally about 2 hours. The committee Chair completes the  Dissertation Evaluation Form . After the defense has been conducted, the committee may approve the dissertation or require the student to make additional modifications or additions. Upon a successful defense and acceptance of the dissertation by the SSW and the Graduate School, the PhD in Social Welfare is conferred. 

The Reading Committee approves a dissertation through an online process. All members of a Committee must log into MyGrad Committee View , including non-UW Reading Committee Members. Members log in using their UW NetIDs and will see the option to approve the dissertation after the student's final exam has been scheduled. Any non-UW Reading Committee members must obtain a UW NetID when the join the committee. The PhD Program GPA can assist in this process.

Participating in Commencement Exercises

Consistent with the eligibility criteria for participation in the University of Washington’s June commencement exercises, individuals are eligible for participation in the School of Social Work’s June commencement exercises if the doctoral degree has been earned during the preceding Summer, or the Fall or Winter term of the current academic year. Alternatively, if a doctoral candidate has a reasonable expectation of graduating in either Spring or Summer of the current academic year he/she may choose to participate.  “Reasonable expectation of graduation” is interpreted as having progressed sufficiently in the writing of a dissertation that is of sufficient academic standard that there is strong consensus by the candidate’s Reading Committee that a dissertation defense can be scheduled in sufficient time for graduation by the end of the Summer term (after the commencement exercises).   

The PhD Program Director must approve commencement participation for any student who has not completed all requirements, including submission of the final dissertation to the Graduate School.

• For information on participating in the  School of Social Work commencement .  To apply and participate in the University of Washington’s June commencement exercises go to the Graduation, Commencement, and Diplomas page .
• Approved by Steering Committee, 5/26/98.
• Approved by the PhD Steering Committee, 11/6/2012.
• Graduate School revisions in General Examination and Defense Process instituted May 2009.
• Approved by Steering Committee, 12/7/2010.

Theses and Dissertations (Social Work)

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Recent Submissions

• Exploring resilience skills and strategies of social workers : a qualitative study within the Department of Social Development, Johannesburg  Mangolele, Lucy Rhabela ( 2024-01-09 ) Social Work is a profession that is fulfilling yet emotionally demanding. As such, the ongoing commitment to self-care by exploring resilience skills and strategies for social workers are essential to maintain a healthy ...
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MSW Thesis and Research Experience

Updated march 21, 2024.

FIFSW offers a thesis option as one way for students to gain research proficiency during their MSW program.

Other research opportunities for MSW students consist of taking an additional research course , doing independent research or a reading course with an FIFSW faculty member , completing a research intensive field placement or by participating in research assistantships . Details about these options follow the MSW Thesis Overview sections below.

MSW Thesis overview

Students can consider the option of a MSW thesis. The option of a thesis is available for  up to three MSW  students in an academic year.

Application Process:

To be eligible to do a thesis a student must:

• Currently hold a SSHRC-CGS Master’s Scholarship or OGS award or meet the GPA level for an OGS (3.70 average over the last 20 courses – this includes undergraduate courses)
• Have two years of direct practice experience
• Have a letter from a faculty supervisor
• Research question
• Brief literature review
• Sample methodology
• Data collection strategies
• Analyses plans
• Have met with the MSW Program Director to determine the feasibility of the proposal

Students will be approved for a thesis based on meeting the above eligibility criteria, and based on:  1) the quality of the applicant’s proposed research, and 2) the availability of a supervisor.

Students who undertake a thesis typically require 1-2 extra semesters to complete the process and, therefore, may need to pay additional tuition fees.

There are other options available for gaining research proficiency, including taking additional research courses, seeking an independent study experience with a FIFSW faculty member, seeking courses at other faculties and choosing a research intensive field placement. We encourage students to discuss all these options with their faculty advisors.

If you have any questions about this process, please contact the MSW Program Director, Micheal Shier  ( [email protected] ).

Timelines for Academic Year

Advanced Standing Candidates Deadlines for Thesis Application

• Meet with MSW Program Director prior to April 15th
• Application Deadline is May 15th
• Outcome of Application: June 15th

Two Year MSW Candidates Deadlines for Thesis Application

Thesis Committee

Once the thesis proposal has been approved, (see Appendix A, Approval for MSW Thesis Commencement Form ), the student, in consultation with the supervisor, selects other members for the thesis committee. Committee members are chosen on the basis of their known expertise in the student’s area of research. Committee members may be selected to contribute to the substantive area of the thesis or to contribute methodological expertise.

One member is often the second reader of the thesis proposal. A member can also be chosen from outside the Faculty (for example, a field instructor or a leading practitioner in the field). It is possible to appoint a committee member from another university who has similar graduate faculty status at her/his university.

Note: It is not a requirement that all committee members be members of the SGS at University of Toronto.

If the student is enrolled in a collaborative specialization, the thesis will be supervised and evaluated in the same manner as those in the home graduate unit. Normally, at least one graduate faculty member affiliated with the collaborative specialization will be a member of the student’s thesis committee.

It is recommended that the thesis committee consist of at least 2 working members. At a minimum, the thesis committee should consist of the supervisor plus at least one other member. The size and composition of the committee should ensure reasonable support for the student during all stages of development and completion of the thesis.

Note: The final oral examination requires a quorum of three voting members. For the oral examination, one or more examiners join thesis committee member(s) to conduct the exam. A final target of four members for the oral examination committee ensures that the quorum of three voting members will be met should unforeseen circumstances require a member to be absent.

When all thesis committee members have been selected and have agreed to serve, the student completes the “Thesis Committee Member Form” ( Appendix B ), and submits a copy to the MSW Program Director for subsequent placement in the student’s file.

The supervisor (the thesis committee chairperson) and thesis committee provide support and guidance throughout the thesis process. They initially approve the thesis and at least one will be present at the defense. The committee should meet at regular intervals during the research process. It is important that the student keep both the supervisor and the thesis committee informed of her/his progress. The student should come to meetings prepared to discuss progress and problems with the thesis research.

The committee members will provide consultation, suggestions, and specific recommendations for dealing with the problems.

Committee members will assess drafts of the chapters of the thesis and provide feedback within two weeks. They will also evaluate the final draft of the thesis and provide specific feedback as to the revisions needed prior to the oral defense.

Preparation of the Thesis

Depending on the nature of the data required, the student may need three or more months to complete data collection. Data analyses and writing of the thesis often requires an additional six or more months. According to this schedule nine or more months will be required to complete the thesis. This timeline is based on concentrated work on the thesis with only minimal employment responsibilities.

Human Subjects Review

If the proposed research involves the use of human subjects, an application and protocols must be submitted for delegated (expedited) or full review, to Health Sciences REB. Students should refer to the website , for application forms, regulations, policies and guidelines governing human research, dates of upcoming meetings of the Health Sciences REB and deadlines for submissions of protocols (usually 2 weeks prior to meeting dates). The REB now accepts electronic submissions exclusively by email (no need to hand in hard copies), for both delegated and full REB reviews for all REBs. Please e-mail one electronic copy of your protocol and appendices as a single Word document or a pdf, with appendices pasted in at the end to  [email protected] . Electronic signatures are preferred. The Research Coordinator (Room 516) of the Faculty’s research office may also be contacted for help.

The above website also offers other important information on topics such as “informed consent” and “delegated/expedited review”. Informed consent requirements are discussed and sample forms are shown. Studies that may qualify for delegated/expedited review due to minimal risk are also discussed.

Thesis Format

The format for the title page, acknowledgments, abstract, and table of contents is consistent with a standard set by the University.

In general, the content of the abstract should give an overall picture of the thesis and should include: purpose of the study, its focus, and research questions or hypotheses; theoretical framework; source of data; methodology; major findings; limitations and strengths; and implications.

For the main body of the thesis, the sequencing of the chapters follows the format set for the thesis proposal:

• Introduction (includes statement of problem) • Review of Background Literature (theoretical and empirical) • Design and Methods • Findings • Discussion  (includes relevance to Social Work) • References • Appendices

Examination Committee Membership

The supervisor (the thesis committee chairperson) and student, in consultation with the MSW Program Director, determine the composition of the oral defense examination committee.

The examination committee consists of at least three and as many as five voting members. The quorum is three voting members. The examiners will require sufficient knowledge of the content of the thesis to form a judgment about its acceptability.

The committee must include: • one to three members of the supervising committee; • one examiner who has not been closely involved in the supervision of the thesis who is approved by the MSW Program Director (usually the external reviewer); • a non-voting chair appointed by the MSW Program Director

All examination committee members must receive copies of the thesis at least four weeks in advance of the examination date with the exception of the external reviewer who must receive a copy six weeks in advance (see below). It is the student’s responsibility to distribute copies to the external reviewer and the committee members.

External Reviewer (or External Appraiser)

The external reviewer must have an arms-length relationship with the student and the supervisor and is selected by the thesis supervisor and the student in consultation with the MSW Program Director. The reviewer/appraiser completes a written assessment of the thesis, recommends acceptance or lack of acceptance and normally participates on the oral examination committee as an examiner. Thesis appraisals usually consist of an analytical and constructively critical commentary of the thesis, together with an assessment of the importance of the work in relation to the field. The appraisal ends with an explicit recommendation that the thesis either be accepted or not be accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Social Work. The typical length is one to two pages, single-spaced with a list of minor errors attached. The external reviewer should have a minimum of four weeks to review the thesis and prepare a response. In turn, the student and all members of the examination committee are entitled to see the appraisal two weeks before the examination takes place. Therefore, the thesis must be given to the external appraiser six weeks prior to the defense date.

The student can use the two weeks to prepare a considered response to the appraisal. However, the student is prohibited from discussing the appraisal with the external examiner until the examination is underway.

Scheduling MSW Thesis Defense Dates

When the members of the examination committee and the external appraiser have been confirmed, the student and supervisor can determine a defense date and time. At this point the student can formally notify the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work of her/his intent to defend the thesis at an oral examination. To make this request, the student should complete the “MSW Oral Defense Request” form (see Appendix C ) and return it to the office of the MSW Program Director. The form is for the internal use of the faculty and includes information needed by the faculty to commence with the defense planning, including the defense date and time, committee composition, AV needs, thesis abstract and a short author’s biography. The form should be submitted four weeks prior to the defense date.

Planning for the thesis defense should take into account the School of Graduate Studies deadlines for convocation and fees. Approximate deadlines for defense are March 31, June 30, and December 18. In order to arrange for a defense, the thesis must be ready at least six weeks prior to these dates. Please note that difficulties in defense scheduling may be compounded by holiday schedules. For instance, the last day to defend for the November convocation is the end of June due to the summer schedule of committee members. However, with the approval of committee members and the MSW Program Director, this defense may be held at a later date.

The Oral Examination

The MSW oral examination should generally follow the established School of Graduate Studies procedures for Ph.D. final oral examinations. Many of these procedures are relevant for the MSW oral examination, which is conducted by the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work.

At the examination, the chairperson functions to protect the candidate from harassment, ensure the candidate is given reasonable opportunity to defend the thesis, and to ensure the candidate her/himself defends the thesis (not the supervisor or other committee member).

Examination committee members must vote whether or not the thesis and the defense are acceptable or not acceptable. More than one negative vote causes the thesis examination to be adjourned. Members who find the thesis acceptable must also determine whether the thesis is acceptable as is, requires minor corrections, or requires minor modifications.

Minor corrections are punctuation or typographical errors or problems in style. Normally these issues must be correctable within one month. The supervisor informs the candidate of the necessary changes and provides a written statement to the MSW Program Director when the corrections have been completed.

Minor modifications are more than changes in style and less than major changes in the thesis. A typical example of a minor modification is clarification of textual material or the qualification of research findings or conclusions. Minor modifications should be feasibly completed within three months. The committee member in charge of monitoring the changes (usually the supervisor) provides a brief written statement of the necessary changes to the candidate and MSW Program Director. When the modifications are complete, they notify the MSW Program Director in writing.

All corrections and formatting of the thesis must be completed prior to the last day for degree recommendation (see Table 1., page 19 and the SGS Calendar) so that the candidate can be recommended for convocation. The corrected final approved thesis must be electronically submitted to SGS by the deadline or the student will be required to register and pay fees until the thesis is completed.

After the Defense

The chairperson immediately returns all exam forms for the student’s file to the Registrar’s office.

Student makes modifications to the thesis as required. These are reviewed by the faculty member(s) designated at the end of the oral defense (usually the supervisor). Minor corrections are completed within one month or less while minor modifications are completed within three months or less.

Supervisor informs the MSW Program Director in writing that the student has made revisions/corrections (see Voting Ballot and Chair’s Summary Form in Appendix D ).

Student picks up (from SGS) and signs the following forms: o Library release guidelines (The University of Toronto Authority to Distribute Form). o Request for microfilm (National Library of Canada Non-exclusive License to Reproduce Theses). o Students failing to complete all steps by the specified deadlines will be required to register and pay fees for another term.

Submission of Theses

One electronic copy of the final approved version of the defended thesis must be submitted to SGS.  Instructions can be found on their Electronic Thesis Submission page.  All theses will be submitted to the national thesis program at Library and Archives Canada, and theses will be made publicly available on the Theses Canada Portal. This program makes theses available to ProQuest, which in turn makes theses available for purchase on its Proquest Dissertations & Theses Database and includes the catalogue records in its bibliographic services. It is the intention of the University of Toronto that there will be no restriction on the distribution and publication of theses. However, in exceptional cases, the author, in consultation with the thesis supervisor and with the approval of the chair of the graduate unit, shall have the right to postpone distribution and publication for a period of up to two years from the date of acceptance of the thesis. In exceptional circumstances and on written petition to the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies the period might be extended, but in no case for more than five years from the date of acceptance of the thesis, unless approved by the Graduate Education Council. More information about producing your thesis can be found on the SGS site.

Following electronic submission of the thesis, a signed hard copy of the Library and Archives Canada Theses Non-exclusive License form (available online here ), along with any necessary copyright permissions, must also be submitted to SGS. Candidates will be charged a fee for the processing and indexing of the thesis.

Specific formatting guidelines must be followed so that theses conform to the requirements of SGS and for the publication of the thesis. Theses that do not confirm to these formatting guidelines will not be accepted. For more information about required fees, forms, copyright, thesis formatting, and other related matters, visit the information for Students’ section of the SGS website.

E-copy to School of Graduate Studies

Students should consult their graduate unit for additional local format requirements, submission deadlines and procedures concerning master’s theses. An electronic copy of the thesis must be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies only after the thesis has been successfully defended and any final corrections have been made. The School of Graduate Studies also requires a copy of the letter from the student’s supervisor confirming completion of any required corrections. Students may also be required to submit a bound copy or copies of the thesis to the relevant graduate unit.

Office of Convocation

Students must notify the Office of Convocation of their intent to attend convocation after the Faculty Assessment Committee has approved students to graduate. Visit the convocation website for details.

Other options for Research Learning and Training 

The thesis option is just one way for students to get research experience in their MSW program. Below is a list of other possible research opportunities for MSW students:

• What you can do to evaluate this option: You would need to speak to your advisor and the MSW Program Director about such options. Course instructors may have prerequisites to take a course and course enrolment may be restricted.
• What you can do to evaluate this option: You would need to reach out to a faculty member that is conducting research in an area of interest to you to ask if they would be willing to conduct an independent study course with you.
• What you can do to evaluate this option: You can reach out to an individual faculty member or the staff in the practicum office to find out more about research intensive field placements.
• What you can do to evaluate this option: You can reach out to faculty who are doing research in your areas of interest to see if they are hiring any RAs. Faculty usually post their RA positions on the MSW listserv, where you can review for opportunities. Finally, RA positions are also posted across the university at the CLNX page . For help with navigating CLNX, please visit this video tutorial

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The Social Work Dissertation: Using Small-Scale Qualitative Methodology

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Julie Fish, The Social Work Dissertation: Using Small-Scale Qualitative Methodology, The British Journal of Social Work , Volume 43, Issue 8, December 2013, Pages 1667–1668, https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bct201

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Social work gained recognition by the Economic and Social Research Council, the Government funded research council, as a research discipline in 2006. Disciplinary recognition, and subsequent designation as a priority research area, was achieved because social work research makes a distinctive contribution to knowledge about the effective design and delivery of social care services or interventions to promote well being. Achieving a vibrant and heterogeneous research discipline requires solid foundations: qualifying social workers need to be both active consumers and producers of research. Carey makes this argument early in this second edition of his book: social work students are uniquely placed among social science undergraduates and postgraduates to apply their research in practice. Social work researchers are able to build upon their practice experience of working alongside service users to bring about positive outcomes in their lives.

Competing demands on the qualifying curriculum following the Munro Review may lead some universities to question the need for an extended piece of work, such as a dissertation; Carey argues, in the first chapter, that conducting a dissertation enables students to understand social ‘problems’ in context and, at the same time, develop core social work skills. The text does much to demystify research from social work students' own disciplinary base. In chapter 2, Carey takes the reader through the stages of undertaking a dissertation: through choosing a topic to writing up and disseminating the findings. Choosing a topic is illustrated by practice examples, stimulating students' interest in core social work issues, including the assessment skills of care managers, safeguarding work with children and the needs of residents with learning disabilities in supported living. Students can thus visualise that the dissertation enables them to develop understanding and expertise about a key area of social work practice: to further investigate a problem they have encountered on placement, develop their understanding of people's experiences of service provision or pursue a topic about which they are passionate.

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