Welcome to the UTCSW PhD Program

Congratulations on your admission to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, PhD program! We are excited to have you as part of our incoming class and know that you are eager to take the next steps toward starting your graduate education. The experience of earning your PhD is an amazing journey of professional and personal growth. We are glad that you have chosen to take this path and are here to help you make the most out of this opportunity.

Please refer to the following information for instructions on what to do next and other helpful information. These resources are provided to answer many of your initial questions and help you plan your transition as a PhD student in the College of Social Work. Note that links will take you to important information on the UT website.

This page will be periodically updated. Please be sure to check back and refresh this page

If you have any questions or concerns about your admission or registration, please contact our Director of Enrollment, Jennifer Scagnelli, at [email protected].

We look forward to meeting you!

Message from the Interim Program Director

Congratulations on your admission to the University of Tennessee College of Social Work PhD Program! I hope you are as excited as we are to have you join our Volunteer family. This program will prepare you very well for a research career in social work academia and other research settings. Good luck as you prepare to get started in the program. Please reach out to us anytime with questions or concerns. And, GO VOLS!

Dr. Mary Held
Interim PhD Program Director & Associate Professor

Getting Started

Intent To Enroll

Submit your Intent to Enroll form to the Office of Graduate Admissions through the Slate application system.

NetID

All students, faculty, and staff at the University of Tennessee are provided with a NetID and password when they join the university. Your NetID permits secure access to a variety of applications and services, such as your UT email, MyUTK, Canvas, library databases, online pay statements, and other UT-maintained web portals.

You can find your Net ID on your acceptance letter from the Graduate School, located in Slate. Activate your NetID and change your password by following the instructions located online.

MyUTK

MyUTK is the UT portal to a variety of online services. Once you sign in, you will have access to many UTK resources, including registration, academic links, and your course schedule. To log in, you will need your NetID and password. 

UT Email

Your NetID plus the extension @vols.utk.edu is your UT email address. For example, if your name is Jane Doe, the university might assign jdoe as your NetID. Your email account would be [email protected].

Once you know your NetID and have changed your password, you are ready to access your VolMail account. Go to volmail.utk.edu and read the New Vols announcement at the top of the page to determine which service provider you should select. Sign in with your UT email address and password. Additional information about your UT email account is available on the OIT Email website.

Username: [email protected]
Password: Your NetID password

Visit the OIT Email website for instructions on how to set up your UT email on your computer and smartphone.

All University and College of Social Work communication will be sent to your UT email address, and you will be expected to respond and communicate through your UT email account. Check your UT email frequently for important information and updates.

Seating Fee

After being admitted to the PhD program, students must submit a non-refundable $100 seating fee to accept their offer of admission. The PhD seating fee is required to reserve your place in the program and will be credited towards your first semester account balance.

The $100 PhD seating fee is required. You are not required to pay the $100 Graduate School enrollment deposit.

How to pay your seating fee (please follow these instructions carefully):
• Log into MyUTK using your Net ID and password
• Look under “My Resources”
• From the dropdown menu, select “Pay Fees/Account Balances”
• Select “Deposits” from the top menu
• Select Term (fall)
• Select “Social Work PhD Seat Deposit”
• Follow the prompts

Please notify us immediately if you would like to decline your offer of admission! We have a waiting list for admission, and in order to be fair to those individuals, it is necessary to award vacancies as soon as possible. The seating fee cannot be waived. It is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Financial Assistance

Students who are admitted to the program are offered a four-year financial package that includes a stipend, tuition waiver, and graduate student health insurance.

A Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) in the College is typically a 50% appointment, which translates into a student working 20 hours per week, across 12 months of the year. GRA support is provided for four years and includes student health insurance and tuition remission. Health insurance and tuition are also provided during the summer semester. Students are responsible for paying some fees and covering textbook costs. Students on a GRA receive two weeks of paid vacation, in addition to time off when the University is officially closed, and should take sick time as needed, in consultation with the GRA supervisor.

Please refer to the PhD Student Handbook and your GRA appointment letter for additional details.

College of Social Work Scholarships

PhD students are also eligible for a few department scholarships offered by the College of Social Work. If you want to be considered, it is strongly recommended that you apply as soon as possible!  

Here is the link to the scholarship application portal: Scholarship Manager  . You will need to click on “Current Students” and log in using your Net ID and password, then go to UT College of Social Work Student Scholarship Application (Academic Year 2026-2027).
Scholarship Application Deadline – March 8^th

Direct Deposit Refund

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, offers Direct Deposit for excess financial aid. All students receiving excess financial aid funds are required to sign up for direct deposit by creating a Refund Profile at the MyUTK Portal. 

Transcripts

If you uploaded your transcripts when you submitted the online Graduate Admissions application, or if you are currently completing  your master’s degree from an institution other than UT Knoxville, you will need to request that your final transcripts be sent from your previous institution(s). Please have your transcripts sent directly from the institution to the Office of Graduate Admissions.  

Immunization Forms

Students attending classes on campus in Knoxville must confirm that they have all required immunizations by completing and submitting the Immunization Requirement Form prior to the start of classes. 

EVEA Requirement

If you have the Eligibility Verification for Entitlements Act (EVEA) requirement, you will need to submit documentation that proves U.S. citizenship or lawful presence as required by state law. To find out if you have this requirement, access your MyUTK account with your NetID and password. Check “All Messages” for the EVEA Citizen Verification Required notice. For information on EVEA and how to submit documentation, please visit OneStop. Required documents may be sent via the UT Vault to [email protected]. 

Tuition and Fees

Current tuition and fees can be found online at One Stop. After you register for your classes, you will be able to access your VolExpress statement on MyUTK. You must meet the minimum payment requirements by the due date to avoid schedule cancellation. Please be sure to check your student account invoice for the amount due and payment deadline, and pay your fees before the scheduled deadline

Program Fees

All students enrolled in the PhD program are required to pay the Social Work program fee each semester they are enrolled, regardless of the number of credit hours. This fee is $200 and non-refundable. 

Other Fees

You can view a breakdown of fees on the UTK website. This shows how money is spent on services and programs that benefit all students.

Academic Calendars

The academic calendars contain key dates important to all students. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with upcoming dates and deadlines.  

Fall 2026

Classes Begin – August 17

• Labor Day – September 7
• Fall Break – October 5-6
• Thanksgiving Holiday – November 25-27
• Classes End – December 1
• Study Day – December 2
• Exams – December 3-9

Visit the Registrar’s webpage for other important calendars pertaining to financial deadlines, registration deadlines, and other key dates

View the Calendar

PhD Program Information

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Work program’s goal is to create scholars who will develop and disseminate new knowledge about interventions, programs, and policies that will advance social justice and improve the quality of life and well-being for vulnerable groups of people. The PhD is a research degree where students take courses in research methods, statistics, grant writing, teaching preparation, and theory to prepare them for careers in research and teaching. 

The PhD program is designed with the National Association of Social Workers’ Code of Ethics in mind. We pride ourselves on a curriculum updated with the standard’s latest guidelines on self-care, cultural competence, and a commitment to the profession’s mission and core values.

The PhD curriculum includes required coursework, electives, and mentored research opportunities. Required coursework includes:

• 34 credit hours of research design, statistics, advanced critical thinking, and teaching methods
• 9 credit hours of electives in related social and behavioral science areas

All PhD students are required to pass the comprehensive examination and an oral defense of the research proposal after their second year of coursework. The comprehensive examination consists of a significant paper demonstrating the student’s knowledge of a substantive area and the student’s ability to integrate that knowledge with the foundation content of the program. This paper is the first paper in the student’s three-paper dissertation.

Please visit our website for information about the PhD degree requirements and curriculum.  

Detailed information can be found in the PhD Student Handbook.  

Entry Term

The Social Work PhD program begins fall semester.  

Advising

Students can seek general advisement anytime from the PhD program director. Incoming students will also be assigned a faculty advisor who is typically separate from the GRA supervisor. Students can use this adviser relationship to seek mentorship independent from other relationships in the program, particularly prior to choosing a chair for the dissertation committee. 

Registration

Students register for classes via the web at MyUTK. If you are new to UT, you can find information about registration on the One Stop website.

Be sure to register for the following fall 2026 courses for a total of 12 credit hours: 

• SW 601 – Research for Social Work Practice I  
• SW 605 – Analysis of Social Work Data I  
• SW 626 – Critical Reasoning for Science and Research 

• SW 628 – Critical Review of Research Literature  

You are not required to meet with your advisor before registering for classes. PhD Program Assistant, Katie Banks, will register you this first semester and then touch base with you to confirm.

Registration Dates

Fall Semester 2026
Timetable online: March 23
Priority Registration begins: March 30

Course Descriptions

PhD course descriptions can be found online.

Orientation

Social Work PhD Orientation

PhD orientation is mandatory for all new students.  
Date and Location – TBA (you will receive additional information about orientation when it is available). 

UT Graduate School Orientation

You will also receive information from the UT Graduate School about a University-wide new graduate student orientation.

International Student Orientation

International Students are required to attend the International Student Orientation. Additional information can be found in the section below for International Students.

International Students

Reporting directly to the Office of the Provost, the Center for Global Engagement works to lead, coordinate, and support the university’s strategies for global education, research, and engagement.

Admissions for International Students

The University welcomes applications for admission from all countries and encourages students to examine and compare the many educational opportunities available at the University of Tennessee. If you are an applicant from a country other than the United States, there are a few requirements that you should be aware of, with respect to deadlines, admission requirements, English-language certification, and costs.
There are two deadlines for each term. The first deadline is when the initial application must be submitted online, provided the department has no earlier deadline. By the file completion deadline, admission must be granted, and all documents required to obtain a student visa must be submitted to the Center for Global Engagement.

File Completion Deadline – May 15th

International Student and Scholars Services

International Student and Scholar Services provides orientation and advising to international students after they have been admitted to the university. International students must submit financial information to the Center for International Education (CIE) confirming that they have sufficient funds to cover a full year of expenses at UT, and should visit the CIE website for important information regarding pre-arrival, check-in, and CIE orientation information.

International Student Resources

Now that you have been admitted, review information on the following web pages to find out the next steps in your journey to Knoxville! Please visit the Current Students section for information on immigration advising, staying legal, health care and insurance, and other important information. The International House wants to make your transition to the University of Tennessee as smooth as possible. Below you will find links to resources to assist in your transition once you’ve arrived on campus. Check out these pages to find out more information about airport pickups, orientation, how to get around Knoxville, and getting involved on campus.

Pre-Arrival Steps

ISSS has prepared a few helpful reminders that cover the things you need to be prepared for before traveling to Knoxville.

Pre-Arrival Checklist

Knoxville Housing

Please visit the Getting Started Housing guide for incoming students who would like a preliminary guide to finding housing in Knoxville.

International Student Orientation

International Student Orientation is a mandatory program where you will receive important information on your immigration status, cultural adjustment, and navigating the University of Tennessee (UT) community. You must attend International Student Orientation. Please log in to iVols to sign up for your check-in session.

Dates for Students Admitted to Fall Semester 2026: TBA

Additional Information and University Resources 

College of Social Work Staff Contacts

Katie Banks, PhD Program Assistant, [email protected]
Jen Scagnelli, Director of Enrollment Services, [email protected] 
 
Please visit the College of Social Work online directory for the complete contact list of faculty and staff. 

Update Your Contact Information

If you have recently moved or relocated, please be sure that we have your correct address and phone number on file. Update your personal information at MyUTK AND with the PhD Program.  

PhD Student Handbook

The PhD Student Handbook can be found online.

The purpose of this handbook is to familiarize graduate students with procedures, policies, and requirements of the PhD program. In addition, it provides information regarding the program, admission, registration, advising, financial assistance, and other pertinent information. 

For additional information, please refer to the Graduate Catalog, Hilltopics, and the publications on the Appeals Procedure.

One Stop Express Student Services

One Stop streamlines the most common enrollment, registration, financial aid, and payment services, providing students with one location to access the primary services of the registrar, financial aid, and bursar offices. One Stop is located on the ground floor of Hodges Library and online. You may have a few questions as you prepare for the start of the semester.

Frequently Asked Questions

VolCard

Your VolCard is your University ID card, which can be activated digitally. It is used for identification purposes and access to student facilities and services. You do not need to reactivate a new card if you are currently a student at UT Knoxville. If you are a new or transferring student, have been admitted to UT, and have your student NetID and password, you can submit an ID photo online for approval. 

Student ID Number

Most of the business conducted with the university will require your student ID number. This number is the nine-digit number beginning with 000, which you were assigned upon application, and it is noted in your admission letter from the Graduate School. Please locate this number and remember where to find it. 

Textbooks

Textbooks can be purchased at the UT Bookstore in Knoxville, located in the Student Union, or online. Textbook requirements can be found on the UT Bookstore website as well as on each PhD course syllabus. You will need to know the course number and section number for each of your classes in order to find the required textbooks. 

Inclusive Access: Inclusive Access items are digital course materials available to students on the first day of class. The cost of the material is charged to the student account (via “MyUTK” account) for all students who are registered for a participating Inclusive Access course. 

Parking Permits

Students at the Knoxville campus are required to purchase a parking permit if you plan to park on campus. Please visit the UT Parking Services website for online purchase of parking permits and additional information. 

Student Health Center

The UT Student Health Center has a wide range of clinics and services to offer students in need of healthcare. The goal of our staff is to assist you in staying healthy and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to facilitate success in your educational endeavors 

Student Health Insurance

Medical health insurance is available for students who meet the eligibility requirements.

Student Health Insurance

Student Disability Services

The staff of Student Disability Services (SDS) is dedicated to opening doors of equal opportunity to individuals with disabilities at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. If you have a need related to a disability, you must register with Student Disability Services to receive accommodations. SDS assists students with documented disabilities by determining their eligibility for services and then working to determine reasonable accommodations and services that will, in turn, give the student equal access to the University. 

Residency Classification

Initial residency classification is determined by admissions staff from information submitted on your application for admission. Questions about your residency classification should be directed to the Office of the Registrar. Please refer to the Residency Classification Guide on their website for more information. 

UT Libraries

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville Library System provides a wide array of services for students. Please be sure to visit the Library Services for Graduate Students webpage to learn about library resources and services designed to support your research needs. 

Veteran Student Services

The Office of Veteran Student Services provides assistance and guidance to our active duty service members, veterans, reservists, guardsmen, and family members using their VA educational benefits. 

Hilltopics

Each year, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, produces the Hilltopics Student Handbook. In this handbook, students will find general campus policies and procedures, standards of conduct, academic policies and procedures, and information about student support, services, and organizations. 

Additional Student Resources

The University of Tennessee offers many resources for graduate students that can help you enjoy your time at the university.

Understanding Your Rights And Obligations

The Graduate School and UT have developed a set of policies that are designed for administration and to protect the rights of students and staff. Be sure to understand and abide by these policies.