Program Director: Larry Ortiz, PhD, MSW
All course grades should meet the minimum B (3.0) standard, which by university policy indicates satisfactory performance.
Students admitted to the program should have demonstrated evidence of interest in social welfare, values aligned with a commitment to social justice, and research interests compatible with the areas of expertise supported by program faculty. Information regarding faculty areas of expertise is available by contacting the program director. Years one and two are largely composed of course work, a comprehensive examination and shaping of one's dissertation question.
While completing all required course work students choose a dissertation committee chair and committee with whom they work closely to develop and defend a dissertation proposal—following University guidelines. Upon successful defense of the proposal students are admitted to candidacy and actively engage in dissertation research, culminating in the successful defense of their dissertation. Consistent with Faculty of Graduate Study policy, the department requires a two-publication dissertation. More information is available from the program director.
In addition to the Loma Linda University admission requirements, admission to the program is governed by the policies and procedures established by the School of Behavioral Health. Admission requirements include:
In addition to the above criteria, the application process for the PhD degree in Social Welfare and Social Research utilizes a pooled application process by which the top candidates meeting the admissions criteria are selected. The number of new candidates admitted each year ranges from three to four students, depending on the total number of students completing the program.
Information on international student admissions can be found here.
Potential applicants may receive general admissions information from the School of Behavioral Health Office of Admissions. Requests for specific information about the program should be directed to the program director.
Email admissions.sbh@llu.edu
Phone 909-558-8722
Email larryortiz@llu.edu
Phone 909-379-7585
All applicants must submit their application online. Applicants can also monitor the status of their application online. In addition, the School of Behavioral Health office of admission informs all applicants when their files are complete or if additional information is required. The department's admissions coordinator reviews all completed applicant files and contacts the candidates for an admissions interviews.
The Social Welfare and Social Research PhD program admissions committee forwards a recommendation to the dean of the School of Behavioral Health for review and confirmation. All applicants are first notified by the dean's office of their admissions status. Accepted students must then acknowledge in writing their intentions to reserve their place in the program.
Students should refer to the Loma Linda University Catalog for information regarding transfer to a different degree program.
Students may not be admitted to a School of Behavioral Health program while admitted to another program at this University or elsewhere. Dual degree programs are exempt from this policy. See the Loma Linda University Catalog.
As an epidemiologist, I've found that this program has enabled me to integrate qualitative and quantitative data to try to understand how policies affect the health of marginalized communities.
The mission of the Social Welfare and Social Research PhD program is to extend the distinctive principles of whole person care beyond the individual to include interventions with communities and social institutions. The program's emphasis on an integrative approach to an advanced curriculum in social science, social welfare, Christian ethics, and social research provides students with the theoretical and methodological knowledge and professional skills needed to conduct innovative and interdisciplinary research. Graduates of the program are prepared for advanced administrative and research roles in national and international health and human services, policy development and analysis, and as university faculty.
The program offers a strong research-oriented focus. The faculty are always available and willing to help students develop and excel in their area of interest. The small class size has allowed me to become fully immersed in the material, form great relationships with the faculty, and connect with my classmates.