The Meaning of the Cohort Community in Social Work Doctoral Education

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.