Overview

The Social Welfare programme at the University of California, Berkeley is designed to develop scholars who challenge conventional wisdom and contribute significantly to the field through rigorous research. This academic doctoral programme focuses on creating proficient researchers who can influence social work practice and policy development on a global scale.

Why Social Welfare at University of California, Berkeley?

Since 1944, the institution has prepared over 11,000 professionals and scholars for leadership roles. Students benefit from a legacy of excellence in social science knowledge and a commitment to advancing social justice. The department provides a spirit of critical inquiry, encouraging the use of tested theory to develop innovative intervention methods. As a premier research institution, it offers an environment where doctoral candidates can become experts in their specific areas of interest while engaging with a diverse community of scholars.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 6570 per year
National fee: USD 6570 per year
Local fee: USD 6570 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to ensure students demonstrate scholarly competence through original research. Candidates engage in a rigorous programme of study that culminates in a published dissertation. Modules and areas of focus may include:

Research Methodology
Social Welfare Policy
Social Science Knowledge
Advanced Social Work Theory
Dissertation Writing
Social Service Organisations

Careers with Social Welfare

Graduates of this doctoral programme are prepared for distinguished careers in various high-level sectors. The training focuses on preparing individuals for professional responsibility within the institutional systems that comprise the social welfare landscape. Common career paths for alumni include:

University Faculty and Academic Researchers
Social Welfare Policy Developers
Senior Administrative Leaders in Social Services
Advanced Research Consultants
Policy Analysts for Government and Non-Profit Organisations

The programme specifically aims to produce scholars capable of taking on leadership roles in research, teaching, and management within the profession of social work and the broader field of social welfare.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

9 units of Generalist Practice coursework required of all students.

At least 2 units of coursework in Diversity-sensitive and Competent Practice.
6 to 8 units of Specialized Practice coursework in your chosen area of specialization.
4 units of social research methods.
6 to 8 units of professionally relevant elective coursework or courses needed for additional special program options.
25 units of field education, which includes two years of field practicum internship and concurrent field integration seminars.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-27 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-04 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

60 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Berkeley, United States

Disciplines

Sociology Social Policy View 146 other Masters in Social Policy in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

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Other requirements

General requirements

a bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution;

a satisfactory scholastic average, usually a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale; and

enough undergraduate training to do graduate work in your chosen field.

Evidence of English Language Proficiency

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Letters of Recommendation

Application Fee: The application fee is not refundable. If you are a U.S. citizen or current permanent resident, the application fee is $105; for all others, the fee is $125.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

6570 USD / year

≈ 6570 USD / year
Out-of-State

6570 USD / year

≈ 6570 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

6570 USD / year

≈ 6570 USD / year

Living costs

Berkeley

United States

1750 - 2820 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Social Welfare.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Berkeley

Financing

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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