The Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education in Social Work is an organization made up of over 80 social work doctoral program directors worldwide who represent their member Universities. Founded in the late 1970s, GADE primary purpose is to promote excellence in doctoral education in social work, especially through networking, information sharing and advocacy.
Our members focus on sharing experiences to support innovation and excellence in teaching and learning and the advancement of the quality of doctoral research. We support the success and professional development of doctoral students in all their diversity and promote recognition of their achievements and contributions. We are committed to identifying and sharing potential funding sources or other resources that support doctoral education while providing guidance and support to new and developing doctoral programs here and abroad.
Importantly, GADE disseminates “Guidelines for Quality in PhD Programs” and represents and
promote the interests and concerns of social work/social welfare doctoral programs in the larger profession.
Networking and Information Exchange
GADE sponsors a members-only annual conference in the Spring that provides rich opportunities for networking, information exchange and intellectual challenge and reflection around curriculum, educational administration, and doctoral program implementation. Our annual meetings are heavily attended and positively evaluated. We also maintain an active Listserve of all member Directors of PhD and DSW programs which provides another primary vehicle for lively and timely informal sharing of best practices.
Coalition-Building
We represent the interests of GADE and social
work doctoral education through participation
in coalitions, such as Council on Social Work
Education’s (CSWE) Leadership Forum and
NASW’s ANSWER COALITION. GADE also
regularly participates in and sponsors events
at other social work education conferences.
This includes a doctoral student breakfast
at CSWE’s annual meeting, an information
session at BPD
(Baccalaureate
Program Directors),
and a reception for
members and GADE
alumni at SSWR
(Society for Social
Work & Research).
Supporting
Doctoral Student
Success
Our commitment to
excellence is illustrated by our recognition of
doctoral students through our robust awards
program. Using a competitive application
process, GADE annually presents an award for
excellence in doctoral research and one for
student service and leadership, which brings
well deserved visibility to their achievements.
In addition our website offers
links to funding sources,
academic employment listings
and other resources for current
and prospective doctoral students
alike.