Dual Degree MSW Programs: Combining Social Work with Complementary Fields
Dual degree MSW programs allow students to earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) alongside another graduate degree, such as a JD, MPH, MBA, or MDiv, in less time than pursuing each degree separately. These interdisciplinary programs prepare social workers to address complex social issues from multiple professional perspectives, opening doors to specialized career paths in healthcare, legal advocacy, administration, policy, and community development.
This article will cover:
- What dual degree MSW programs are and how they work
- Popular dual MSW degree combinations and their career applications
- Benefits and costs of pursuing a dual degree with your MSW
- How to choose and apply to the right dual degree program
What Are Dual Degree MSW Programs?
Dual degree MSW programs are coordinated graduate programs in which students simultaneously pursue a Master of Social Work and a second master’s or professional degree. These programs are intentionally structured to maximize credit sharing between the two degrees, allowing students to complete both in approximately 3-4 years instead of the 4-5 years it would take to earn them consecutively.
Students receive two separate diplomas upon graduation, each representing full completion of that degree’s requirements. The programs integrate coursework, field placements, and capstone projects that draw on both disciplines, creating a cohesive educational experience.
Key Advantage: Dual degree graduates are uniquely positioned for roles that require both clinical social work expertise and specialized knowledge in law, health, policy, business, or theology.
RELATED: Learn about Advanced-Standing MSW Degrees
Popular Dual Degree MSW Combinations
MSW/JD: Social Work and Law
The MSW/JD is one of the most established dual degree combinations, preparing graduates to work at the intersection of social services and legal systems.
Typical Program Length: 4 years (instead of 5 years separately)
Career Applications:
- Child welfare and family law advocacy
- Juvenile justice system reform
- Legal aid organizations serving vulnerable populations
- Immigration law and refugee services
- Domestic violence legal advocacy
- Policy analysis and legislative advocacy
MSW/MPH: Social Work and Public Health
This combination prepares graduates to address health disparities and social determinants of health through both clinical practice and public health initiatives.
Typical Program Length: 3 years (instead of 4 years separately)
Career Applications:
- Community health program development
- Substance abuse prevention and treatment programs
- Mental health services in healthcare settings
- HIV/AIDS services and education
- Hospital social work with population health focus
- Public health departments and nonprofits
MSW/MBA or MPA: Social Work and Business/Public Administration
These combinations prepare social workers for leadership and administrative roles in social service organizations, nonprofits, and government agencies.
Typical Program Length: 3-3.5 years (instead of 4-5 years separately)
Career Applications:
- Executive leadership in nonprofit organizations
- Hospital and healthcare administration
- Social service program management
- Foundation program officers
- Corporate social responsibility leadership
- Social enterprise development
MSW/MDiv: Social Work and Divinity
These programs prepare graduates for social work practice in faith-based contexts and integrate spiritual care with social services.
Typical Program Length: 3.5-4 years (instead of 5-6 years separately)
Career Applications:
- Pastoral counseling and chaplaincy
- Faith-based social service organizations
- Hospice and palliative care
- Community ministry and outreach programs
- Religious nonprofit leadership
Other Dual MSW Options
- MSW/MA in Criminal Justice: For correctional and reentry program work
- MSW/MSN (Nursing): For integrated healthcare and social services
- MSW/MA in Education: For school social work and educational leadership
- MSW/MA in Gerontology: For specialized work with aging populations
Benefits of Dual Degree MSW Programs
Time and Cost Efficiency
Dual degree programs typically share 12-30 credits between the two degrees, saving students one to two years of study time. This translates to significant savings in tuition, fees, living expenses, and opportunity costs.
| Degree Combination | Consecutive Timeline | Dual Degree Timeline | Time Saved |
| MSW/MPH | 4 years | 3 years | 1 year |
| MSW/JD | 5 years | 4 years | 1 year |
| MSW/MBA | 4-5 years | 3-3.5 years | 1-1.5 years |
| MSW/MDiv | 5-6 years | 3.5-4 years | 1.5-2 years |
Find an MSW School Near You.
Enhanced Career Flexibility and Earning Potential
Dual degree holders have access to positions that require or strongly prefer multiple credentials. They can pursue roles that single-degree holders cannot access and often command higher salaries due to their specialized expertise. Social workers with dual degrees can earn 15-30% more than those with an MSW alone, particularly in leadership, policy, and specialized clinical roles.
Deeper Understanding of Complex Social Issues
Social problems rarely exist in isolation—they involve interconnected legal, health, economic, and spiritual dimensions. Dual degree programs train students to understand and address this complexity through multiple professional lenses.
Broader Professional Network
Students build relationships with faculty, peers, and field placement supervisors across two disciplines, creating a more diverse professional network that can lead to unique collaboration and career opportunities.
Program Costs and Financial Considerations
While dual degree programs save time compared to consecutive degrees, they still require more investment than a standalone MSW:
Total Program Costs:
- MSW only: $30,000-$100,000 (2 years)
- Dual MSW/MPH: $45,000-$150,000 (3 years)
- Dual MSW/JD: $80,000-$200,000+ (4 years)
- Dual MSW/MBA: $60,000-$180,000 (3-3.5 years)
Financial Aid Options:
- Federal student loans (available for both degrees)
- Institutional scholarships and assistantships
- Field education stipends (some programs)
- Loan forgiveness programs for social work (Public Service Loan Forgiveness)
- Employer tuition assistance (for part-time students)
Financial Planning Tip: Calculate your expected salary increase with a dual degree against the additional cost. Programs like MSW/MPH often provide strong ROI for students entering healthcare administration or public health leadership.
Choosing the Right Dual Degree Program
Assess Your Career Goals
Start with clarity about your long-term professional objectives. If you want to:
- Work in hospitals or healthcare: Consider MSW/MPH or MSW/MSN
- Advocate for policy change: Consider MSW/JD or MSW/MPA
- Lead nonprofit organizations: Consider MSW/MBA or MSW/MPA
- Work in faith communities: Consider MSW/MDiv
- Focus on criminal justice: Consider MSW/MA in Criminal Justice
Evaluate Program Quality
Look for programs that are:
- Accredited by CSWE (Council on Social Work Education) for the MSW
- Accredited by the relevant body for the second degree
- Established with clear integration between both programs
- Connected to strong field placement networks in your area of interest
Consider Practical Factors
- Location: Will you relocate? Are there programs in your region?
- Format: Full-time only, or part-time options available?
- Specializations: Does the MSW offer concentrations aligned with your interests?
- Support Services: What advising and career services are available?
Application Requirements
Dual degree programs typically require separate applications to both programs, though some schools have streamlined processes. Common requirements include:
For the MSW Component:
- Bachelor’s degree (any field, though some prerequisites may apply)
- Minimum GPA (usually 3.0+)
- Personal statement focused on commitment to social work
- Letters of recommendation
- Relevant volunteer or work experience in social services
- GRE (increasingly optional)
For the Second Degree:
- Requirements vary by program (LSAT for JD, GMAT for MBA, etc.)
- Additional essays and recommendations
- Relevant experience in that field
Application Strategy: Apply simultaneously to both programs and clearly articulate in your statements how the dual degree serves your specific career vision. Generic statements about “wanting to help people” won’t distinguish you.
Popular Schools Offering Dual MSW Programs
Several universities are known for strong dual degree MSW degree programs:
- Columbia University: MSW/MPH, MSW/MPA, MSW/JD
- University of Michigan: MSW/MPH, MSW/JD, MSW/MBA
- Boston University: MSW/MPH, MSW/MA in various fields
- NYU Silver School: MSW/MPH, MSW/MPA
- University of North Carolina: MSW/MPH
- University of Southern California: MSW/MPH, MSW/JD, MSW/MBA
- Loyola University Chicago: MSW/MDiv, MSW/JD
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I start a dual degree program after beginning my MSW?
A: Some programs allow students to add a second degree after their first year, though it’s easier to plan from the beginning. Contact the admissions offices of both programs to discuss options and whether you can still complete the dual degree in the accelerated timeframe.
Q: Do I need work experience in both fields before applying?
A: Not necessarily. Most programs expect some social work-related experience (volunteer or paid), but don’t require professional experience in the second field. Your application should demonstrate genuine interest and understanding of how both degrees connect to your goals.
Q: Can I complete a dual degree program part-time?
A: This varies significantly by institution and degree combination. MSW/MPH programs more commonly offer part-time options (4-5 years), while MSW/JD programs are typically full-time due to law school requirements. Part-time options may extend the program by 1-2 years.
Q: Will I complete two separate field placements?
A: Most programs require you to meet the field hour requirements for both degrees, but these can often overlap. For example, you might complete 900 MSW hours at a legal aid organization while also fulfilling JD practicum requirements, thereby integrating your field education.
