An MSW dual degree may be the perfect fit for aspiring social workers looking to level up their career prospects. These programs are designed to cultivate a unique combination of skills ideal for interdisciplinary careers. Whether you’re interested in law, public health, business, theology, or criminal justice, an MSW dual degree provides expertise in social work and another field.
Graduates can pursue diverse careers, such as human rights attorneys (MSW/JD) with a median salary of $145,760, public health social workers (MSW/MPH) with a median salary of $62,640, or social and community service managers (MSW/MBA) with a median salary of $77,030.
While tuition will vary by program, the average cost of a graduate degree is $20,513 per year.
How to Choose an MSW Dual Degree Program
Choose your area of study
Choosing an area of study for this degree is a big decision, as it’ll affect your readiness for your future career. Consider asking yourself:
- What are my long-term career goals?
- What populations am I interested in serving?
- How do I want to make an impact?
For instance, those interested in legal advocacy and social justice might pursue an MSW/JD, ideal for roles in law or legal aid. An MSW/MPH suits students enthusiastic about community health and preventative care, preparing them for public health agencies. An MSW/MBA offers a combination of business and social work skills for leadership roles in non-profits.
Research schools and programs
Now that you have a discipline in mind, you can leverage this knowledge to conduct more thorough research on potential schools and programs. The following questions can help guide your research further:
- How does the curriculum support my professional interests?
- What is the faculty’s previous experience like, and how will that benefit my academic journey?
- What are the clinical hour requirements and opportunities for placements?
- What support services are available for dual degree students?
Most of this information will be readily available on school websites, but you’ll also benefit from speaking to an admissions counselor and attending an open house.
Prepare for tests and applications
Application and test prep can feel daunting, but with the right strategy, you’ll easily navigate this stage. Start by requesting letters of recommendation and transcripts to avoid unnecessary delays. Allow plenty of time to draft your personal statement, which should illustrate your unique story beyond test scores and grades.
Many of these programs require GRE scores, so consider enrolling in a test prep program to improve your performance. By simply planning ahead and dedicating time to each component, you can present a competitive application to admissions committees.
Select your program
The arrival of acceptance letters is always exciting, but it can quickly become overwhelming if you receive more than one. You can make this process easier by revisiting your initial research criteria and focusing on what matters most to you — like curriculum relevance, faculty you’re excited to learn from, and specialization availability.
This is also a great time to reassess the cost of attendance and compare it to financial aid offers, especially those offering scholarships, fellowships, or grants. To ultimately make the best choice, it’s crucial to consider the long-term return on your investment and how well each program aligns with your academic and career goals.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
For many students, earning a graduate degree while minimizing debt is a top priority. If you’re in a similar position, prioritize financial aid resources that actively reduce debt, like scholarships and grants, which don’t require repayment. If your program offers fellowships, be sure to apply to those that provide stipends or tuition assistance.
In instances involving financial gaps, opt for federal loans, which have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options than private loans.
Best 50 Accredited MSW Dual Degree Programs
Discover More Options
How we rank schools
This list features some of the best MSW dual degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for postsecondary education.
We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, reputation, and the resources provided for online students. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of MSW dual degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
What Can You Expect From an MSW Dual Degree Program?
As a student in an MSW dual degree program, you can expect a comprehensive education that combines social work with another discipline specific to your career goals.
In an MSW/JD program, you’ll learn legal frameworks, policy advocacy, and social justice, preparing for legal aid or family law roles. MSW/MPH, another popular choice, combines public health and social work, focusing on community health, policy, and preventative care. Those who opt for an MSW/MBA can expect a curriculum that merges business acumen with social work, which is ideal for nonprofit leadership roles. Other options like MSW/Theology and MSW/Criminal Justice integrate spiritual care or criminology, preparing students for careers as chaplains or forensic social workers, respectively.
Graduation requirements typically include a thesis, 900 clinical hours or more, and coursework in both fields, ensuring a well-rounded and practical education.
Potential courses you’ll take in an MSW dual degree program
- Social Welfare Policy and Services: In this foundational course, students explore the development, implementation, and impact of social welfare policies. Lessons examine historical and contemporary social welfare programs and their effects on different populations.
- Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice: Another standard core requirement, this course covers advanced therapeutic techniques and interventions used in clinical settings. Students learn to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals, groups, and families with various mental health and behavioral issues.
- Integrative Seminar in Law and Social Work: Specifically for MSW/JD students, this course bridges the gap between legal principles and social work practice. Learners study legal advocacy, the role of social workers in the legal system, and how to navigate legal and ethical issues.
- Public Health and Social Work Practice: This course focuses on the intersection of public health and social work, making it ideal for MSW/MPH students. Participants learn about community health promotion, disease prevention, and the social determinants of health, preparing them to work in diverse settings.
- Organizational Leadership and Management: This course teaches management and leadership skills for MSW/MBA students. They will learn about organizational behavior, strategic planning, and financial management, equipping them to lead and manage non-profits and social service agencies.
MSW Dual Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an MSW dual degree program?
Many MSW dual degree programs have specific requirements for each discipline, but they often still share standard criteria — including:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum GPA, often 3.0 or higher
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
- Resume or CV
- Relevant work or volunteer experience
- GRE scores, if required
Don’t hesitate to contact an admissions counselor before applying. They can provide detailed information on specific requirements and advice, ultimately making your application more competitive.
How much does an MSW dual degree cost?
The average tuition for a graduate degree in the United States is $20,513 per year, but dual degrees may be more expensive due to additional coursework. Besides tuition, you should also budget for expenses like housing, course materials, and textbooks – as these costs can add up over time and ultimately make your education more expensive.
How long does it take to earn an MSW dual degree?
Obtaining an MSW dual degree takes about three to four years for full-time students and four to six years for part-time students, depending on the specific program and institution. The dual nature of this degree means additional coursework, which can extend the timeline. Be sure to double-check the total credit requirements, as these can vary by program and impact your completion timeline.