The Meaning of the Cohort Community in Social Work Doctoral Education

Authors

  • Shane Ryan Brady Anne and Henry Zarrow School of Social Work University of Oklahoma
  • Nathan A. Perkins Loyola University, Chicago, IL
  • Carmen Monico Elon University
  • Jimmy A. Young California State University San Marcos
  • Jennifer A. Shadik Ohio University
  • Angie Mann-Williams Eastern Michigan University
  • Jason M. Sawyer Norfolk State University
  • Mariette Klein Virginia Commonwealth University

Keywords:

Doctoral cohorts, Doctoral education, Social work doctoral education

Abstract

Doctoral education in social work is designed to prepare the next generation of educators, researchers, and scholars. Although much has been written about the importance of curriculum, mentorship, funding, and the dissertation process in shaping individual experiences and programs, little has been written about the importance of cohort support in promoting and shaping successful experiences among students and graduates of doctoral programs. This article explores the meaning of cohort in doctoral education through the utilization of a narrative approach to inquiry. The final narrative analysis revealed that intentional community building, regular maintenance, the successful negotiation of difference, and the intentional use of anti-oppressive interactions provides modest beginning level guidance to other doctoral programs and cohorts seeking to better understand the traits and process of building a successful and supportive doctoral cohort.

Author Biographies

Shane Ryan Brady, Anne and Henry Zarrow School of Social Work University of Oklahoma

Dr. Shane Brady is currently an assistant professor of social work at the Anne and Henry Zarrow school of social work, University of Oklahoma. Dr. Brady is a lifelong community organizer from metropolitan Detroit and has worked in the areas of mental health, homelessness, organized labor, racial justice, violence against women, and LGBTQ equity as a practitioner and scholar for the past ten years. Dr. Brady previously taught at the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University.

Nathan A. Perkins, Loyola University, Chicago, IL

Assistant Clinical Professor, School of Social Work

Carmen Monico, Elon University

Assistant Professor, Department of Human Service Studies

Jimmy A. Young, California State University San Marcos

Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work

Jennifer A. Shadik, Ohio University

Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work

Angie Mann-Williams, Eastern Michigan University

Assistant Professor, School of Social Work

Jason M. Sawyer, Norfolk State University

Assistant Professor, School of Social Work

Mariette Klein, Virginia Commonwealth University

Instructor, School of Social Work

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Published

2016-04-04

How to Cite

Brady, S. R., Perkins, N. A., Monico, C., Young, J. A., Shadik, J. A., Mann-Williams, A., Sawyer, J. M., & Klein, M. (2016). The Meaning of the Cohort Community in Social Work Doctoral Education. Reflections: Narratives of Professional Helping, 21(1), 64–71. Retrieved from https://reflectionsnarrativesofprofessionalhelping.org/index.php/Reflections/article/view/1409