Students

The Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work’s PhD program in Social Welfare gives doctoral students the opportunity to be a part of innovative social and behavioral science research, inform policy, and learn alongside renowned faculty members in a number of diverse substantive areas. Please refer to the School’s graduate admissions website for full information about requirements and various tracks of the curriculum. Those interested in working on issues pertinent to the criminal legal system and with those whose lives have been directly impacted by the system may be a good fit for doctoral studies and/or assistantships in the Family Wellbeing & Justice Lab. Previous PhD students have held various degrees from a number of departments (e.g., Social Work, Human Development and Family Studies, Sociology, Public Health) and have had a range of clinical experiences (both inside and outside of criminal justice settings). Please contact Dr. Charles to learn more about what opportunities are currently available and with any questions you may have (it is helpful if you can send a CV/resume with your inquiry). 

Our work at the Family Wellbeing & Justice Lab draws on a range of social work practice skills—both micro and macro—as well as interdisciplinary perspectives and clinical skills from other fields. As a result, the lab offers opportunities that may align well with the interests and professional goals of master’s-level students from various graduate programs. The involvement of students may be dependent upon project needs and resources, but activity can range from structured fieldwork placements to project-specific tasks. Interested master’s students should reach out to Dr. Charles to see what opportunities may be available

The Family Wellbeing & Justice Lab has mentored and trained undergraduate students from a variety of academic programs, including Social Work, Social Welfare, Public Policy, Legal Studies, and the Criminal Justice Certificate. The lab offers opportunities during both the academic year and summer. Undergraduate students participate in the lab as interns, through independent or directed studies, and as part of their BSW field placement. Responsibilities vary by project but may include assisting with data collection, management, and analysis; conducting literature reviews; and supporting other research and administrative activities. Undergraduate students interested in joining the lab are encouraged to contact Dr. Charles to learn about current opportunities and discuss how their interests may align with ongoing projects.