Looking for the best PhD in Social Work in Georgia? You should consider these top-tier institutions and jobs in the social work field.
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The best degrees in Georgia for social work can lead to improved career prospects and salary advancement. Doctoral degrees open doors for employment in a variety of fields. Whether you intend to pursue an advanced degree or want to launch your career, earning a doctorate can help you gain the skills needed to move forward.
With a doctorate, individuals earn an average of $1,909 per week, or $7,636 a month and $99,268 annually. Those who graduate from a doctoral program are more likely to be employed, while those who only have a high school diploma face 6.2% unemployment.
Social Work PhD Programs for You
Working and Living in Georgia in the Social Work Profession
Social workers help individuals reach their goals by identifying barriers that prevent them from progressing in society. Social work programs provide students with the necessary tools to expand their knowledge in areas such as human behavior, human development, social justice, psychopathology, and social policy. Classes are designed to prepare students to work as caseworkers or advocates in different settings.
Georgia has a median annual salary of $38,340, or $18.43 an hour. The number includes a total of 4,378,430 employees in the state. Additionally, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the lowest 10% of earners receive about $21,390, and the highest 10% earn about $91,000. The following outlines the earnings for social workers in Georgia.
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Among 51 states (including Washington, D.C.), Georgia is ranked number five on the cost of living index. The cost of living index measures the average cost of living in the U.S. against specific U.S. states. As a whole, the U.S. average is set at 100, and every location in the U.S. has either a cost above (higher) or lower (lower) than the U.S. average. In comparison with the national average, Georgia's cost of living index is 87.8, which is -12.2% lower. In many aspects, Georgia is a great state to live in. Check out the cost of living here.
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Jobs for social workers are projected to grow 5.8% over the next 10 years. It is projected that employment for the occupation will change from 71,400 in 2020 to 75,500 in 2030. It is typically necessary to have a bachelor's degree in order to qualify for these positions.
The Ph.D. in policy, planning and administration, and social science program at Clark Atlanta University offers an online option for doctoral students. With its flexible format, the private university helps degree-seekers complete a doctorate. Doctoral students receive library access, research support, and career services.
After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates conduct research for their dissertation. Graduates with a social work doctorate can pursue roles in research, academia, and leadership.
The accredited institution meets federal requirements for financial aid support. Contact the social work program to learn more about the enrollment process and start dates.
Clark Atlanta University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 31
Online Master's Programs: Data not available
Online Doctoral Programs: 1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $16,290
Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available
Average Tuition
In-state
$18,990
Out-of-state
$18,990
Retention Rate
63%
Admission Rate
59%
Students Enrolled
3,776
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Doctoral Degrees in Social Work in Georgia
University of Georgia
Athens, GA
4 years
Online + Campus
University of Georgia offers an online Ph.D. in social work. At the public institution, degree-seekers complete a doctorate in a flexible environment. Doctoral students receive research support and participate in scholarly events.
After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates choose a dissertation topic and conduct research in their specialty area. A social work doctorate leads to job opportunities in research, academia, and leadership.
Doctoral students who attend the accredited institution in an online format qualify for several types of financial aid. Contact the social work program for more information about doctoral admissions.
University of Georgia at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 5,389
Online Master's Programs: 16
Online Doctoral Programs: 1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $8,878
Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available
Average Tuition
In-state
$9,790
Out-of-state
$28,830
Retention Rate
94%
Admission Rate
48%
Students Enrolled
39,147
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
16%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Financing a Doctorate in Social Work
It is possible to obtain financial aid to help pay for college. In addition to scholarships and grants, work-study programs are available as financial aid opportunities. Some students also qualify for federal student loans. As a result, you can find out if the colleges you are interested in offer scholarships or grants.
Checklist for Maximizing Your Financial Aid
The FAFSA helps many students cover educational expenses.
The financial aid department should be aware that students are eligible for scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and loans.
Average Cost of Attending College in Georgia
The cost of education in Georgia varies based on which college you attend. Public and private institutions do, however, share many similarities. You can determine whether or not attending a public institution is the right choice for you by reviewing the information below.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Georgia vs. National Average
Key
Georgia
National Average
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Have you ever considered attending a private university instead of a public university? Generally, private schools charge a higher tuition rate. The following graph provides information regarding attending private colleges in Georgia.
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Georgia vs. National Average
Key
Georgia
National Average
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Federal Student Loan Information
Have you considered taking on student debt to pay for school? Before taking out a loan, you should take a few things into consideration.
In order to successfully repay the loan on time, you must ensure that you can make all payments on time.
You should think about if your career goals will be in line with the educational path you choose.
In order to avoid undue hardship in your financial situation once you have entered the workforce, ensure that you know what type of repayment schedule will apply.
You can determine what students typically borrow by looking at the data below.
Undergraduate Federal Loans
Demographic
Percent who borrowed
Amount borrowed
Total
66.6%
$27,400
Female
69.6%
$28,100
Male
62.5%
$26,500
White, not Hispanic or Latino
66.1%
$26,700
Black, not Hispanic or Latino
85.7%
$34,800
Hispanic or Latino/a, of any race
67.7%
$25,700
Asian, not Hispanic or Latino
43%
$22,700
Other or Two or more races,
not Hispanic or Latino
The cost and size of the classes are two of the main differences between an online degree and a degree completed on campus. Generally, online programs are more convenient, more affordable, and more flexible. On-campus tuition is typically higher because of student fees. These are not required for distance learners. Attending classes has its advantages as well.
There are many differences that exist between attending a private and a public college. Generally, private schools charge higher tuition fees than public schools. The cost of education at public universities is typically reduced through grants and scholarships. For those with high GPAs or SAT scores, private institutions often offer merit scholarships.
There is also an advantage to attending a private college in that the classes tend to be smaller, which provides students with more one-on-one time with their professors and allows them to explore what their chosen field has to offer. Listed below are some benefits and drawbacks of attending a private institution versus a public one.
Are graduates with social work degrees in high demand?
The total number of social workers is expected to grow by 5.8% from 2020 to 2030.
Can you get a doctorate in social work online?
It is possible to earn an online doctorate in social work. As a matter of fact, most schools offer a certain amount of online instruction in today's environment.
How much time will you spend earning a doctorate?
A full-time student typically earns a doctorate within 4-6 years. For part-time students, the completion time will vary, and the process will take longer.
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