University of Memphis Adds Two New Doctoral Programs and a Master’s Program

February 17, 2020 - The University of Memphis has added two new doctoral programs in social work and applied physics along with a Master of Science in engineering management.

All three programs will be available starting this fall semester.

The doctorate in social work will be open to applicants who hold a Master of Social Work degree and have at least two years post-MSW practice experience. The program’s focus is on supervision, research, evaluation and management.

A session for prospective Doctor of Social Work students will be held on Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. in the University Center’s Fountain View Boardroom.

“In the 21st century, social workers are facing increasingly complex problems and need the skills to make data-driven decisions,” said Dr. Susan Neely-Barnes, UofM chair and director, Social Work. “The DSW will provide practicing social workers the tools to make evidence-based and data-driven decisions.”

The program addresses a shortage of doctoral-level social workers who are prepared to take leadership, evaluation and higher education teaching positions. The program, which is 48 credit hours over three years, will be part-time to accommodate working professionals and online (with a required one-week residency each year).

The PhD in applied physics is a research-oriented program with a curriculum intentionally designed to help admitted students succeed in industry, academic and technology career paths.

“We are very excited to be able to offer an applied physics doctoral program to help train the next generation of scientists, innovators and critical thinkers,” said Dr. Firouzeh Sabri, chair, Department of Physics and Materials Science.

The Master of Science in Engineering Management is a non-thesis program open to applicants with an undergraduate degree in engineering. It provides an opportunity for students to prepare themselves for career managers of industrial, logistical, transportation and manufacturing enterprises. In conjunction with the Fogelman College of Business & Economics, the program offers students flexibility – with options from fully online to a blend of online and on-campus courses.

“The Master of Science in Engineering Management will meet the needs of driven engineering professionals working in either the transportation or manufacturing fields by providing additional technological and business instruction to prepare them for career advancement,” said Dr. Richard Sweigard, dean of the Herff College of Engineering.