Looking for the best PhD in Social Work in Virginia? You should consider these top-tier institutions and jobs in the social work field.
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The best degrees in Virginia for social work are provided by reputable colleges and universities. These degrees offer students the opportunity to start on a path to greater career possibilities. You can apply for diverse job opportunities with a doctorate degree, as well as move further in your field with a doctorate.
There is a typical income of $1,909 per week for individuals with a doctorate degree. Boasting an unemployment rate of only 1.5%, doctorate degree-holders are also more likely to be employed than those with high school diplomas.
Social Work PhD Programs for You
Working and Living in Virginia in the Social Work Profession
Social workers help individuals reach their goals by identifying barriers that prevent them from progressing in society. Social work degree 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 for a career as either a caseworker or advocate.
The average annual wage in Virginia is $47,200, or $22.69 per hour. All 3,753,230 employees in Virginia contribute to this statistic. The BLS states that the lowest 10% of earners make $23,190 a year, and the highest 10% of earners make $125,820 a year. The following table shows the earnings for social workers.
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Based on the MERIC cost of living index, Virginia ranks number 32 out of 51 states (including Washington D.C.). The cost of living index measures the average cost of living in the U.S. against specific places in the U.S. As an example, the U.S. average is 100, and all locations within the U.S. experience either a higher or lower cost of living than the average (either more expensive or less expensive). In comparison with the national average, Virginia's cost of living index is 103.2, which is 3.2% higher. Determine whether Virginia is the right state for you by comparing the cost of living to other states.
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Social workers can expect to see a 5.8% growth in their field over the next decade. According to the BLS, there is a projected change in employment from 71,400 in 2020 to 75,500 in 2030. Doctorate degrees are generally required for these positions. There are a number of typical job titles, including:
The Ph.D. in social work program at Norfolk State University offers a doctorate in a flexible online learning format. Doctoral students at the public university can participate in career advising and gain research skills.
After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates propose a dissertation topic and conduct research in their specialty area. With a doctorate, graduates may work in academia, research positions, and leadership roles.
The accredited institution meets federal requirements for financial aid support. Prospective applicants can contact the program to learn more about financial aid opportunities and the admission process.
Norfolk State University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 3,670
Online Master's Programs: 3
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $8,820
Average Tuition
In-state
$5,752
Out-of-state
$16,920
Retention Rate
68%
Admission Rate
91%
Students Enrolled
5,457
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
87%
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 Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
4 years
Online + Campus
The Ph.D. in social work program at Virginia Commonwealth University offers an online option for doctoral students. At the public institution, degree-seekers complete a doctorate in a flexible environment. Enrollees receive research support and can participate in scholarly events.
Degree-seekers complete doctoral coursework and strengthen advanced skills. Candidates advance in the program by passing comprehensive exams and writing an original dissertation. A doctorate in social work prepares graduates for careers in academia, research, and leadership.
Doctoral students attending the accredited institution online qualify for several forms of financial aid. Contact the program to learn about admission requirements.
Virginia Commonwealth University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 9,276
Online Master's Programs: 16
Online Doctoral Programs: 5
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $12,701
Average Tuition
In-state
$12,179
Out-of-state
$32,827
Retention Rate
83%
Admission Rate
91%
Students Enrolled
29,070
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
88%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Financing a Doctorate Degree in Social Work
There are many benefits to receiving financial aid to pay for college. Financial aid includes scholarships, grants, fellowships, and work-study programs. Some students qualify for federal and private student loans, as well as scholarships. The college's financial aid office is a great resource for applicants who need help determining their eligibility for federal scholarships.
Checklist for Maximizing Your Financial Aid:
Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Make sure you ask your school's financial aid department about scholarship, grant, work-study, and loan options.
Average Cost of Attending College in Virginia
There are a variety of costs associated with attending college in Virginia, but similarities exist among both public and private colleges. You can determine whether attending a public institution is the right choice for you by reviewing the information provided below.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Virginia vs. National Average
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Virginia
National Average
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The are also benefits of attending a private college as opposed to a public one. However, generally speaking, private schools charge a higher tuition rate. Find out more about the private colleges in Virginia by looking at the following graph:
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Virginia vs. National Average
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Virginia
National Average
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Federal Student Loan Information
Have you considered taking out student loans to pay for your education? There are a few things you should keep in mind before taking out a loan.
If you wish to successfully repay the loan, you should ensure that you will be able to pay all payments on time.
It is important to consider whether earning a degree from a particular school is going to help you in your career goals.
Make sure that you understand what type of repayment schedule will apply to avoid undue hardship on your finances.
The following statistics will assist you in determining what students tend to borrow.
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 main differences between completing an online degree and completing a degree on campus are the cost and class size. Some advantages of online degree programs include flexibility, affordability, and convenience. On-campus tuition is typically higher because of student fees. These fees are typically not required for distance students. However, there are some benefits to attending in-person classes on a regular basis.
There are a number of differences between public and private colleges. For example, public colleges tend to offer more affordable tuition rates than private colleges, and you can use research grants and scholarships to help cover the cost of attending a public college. There are often merit-based scholarships to help with the cost of attending a private college.
Because of smaller class sizes, professors at private colleges are often more available for students. There are a number of benefits and drawbacks to attending a private versus a public institution.
Pros and Cons
Private
Unique program offerings
Cultural or religious options
Local prestige
Higher costs
Less regulatory oversight
Public
Government-issued tuition costs
Government funding, benefits, and regulation
Oftentimes large classrooms
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the salaries of social workers in Virginia?
