Social Work

The PhD is designed to prepare social work scholars, educators and researchers to have an in-depth understanding of social justice and human rights and underlying structural issues; to be equipped to take leadership positions in universities, colleges, and government and non-government organizations; and to be able to contribute to the development of structural social work theory and practice. Many research projects are conducted in close co-operation with local social service agencies and with professional organizations and community-based organizations.

A Collaborative Specialization in Political Economy is also available.

Capital Advantage

As the nation’s capital, Ottawa is home to government departments, national and international associations, the National Archives of Canada, as well as research institutes and non-governmental organizations that involve themselves in social policies and programs. Carleton students enjoy easy access to these organizations as well as a range of archives and library resources. Our alumni work as social workers, scholars, educators and researchers at many organizations and government departments in Ottawa and all over the world.

Faculty Research

• Canadian social welfare policy and in particular social assistance, Indigenous social welfare, immigration, aging, health care, the history of the Canadian welfare state, and women and social policy.
• The direct practice of social work including such issues as women and violence, mental health, children in care, immigrant and refugee settlement.
• The history of social work in English Canada.
• Evaluation of social policies, programs and services.