The Best MSW Dual Degree Programs

Why explore a master of social work (MSW) dual degree program? These programs offer several advantages, especially if you want to make a difference in complex issues, such as public health or law, or want to start an independent social work practice.

Alexandria Theordor, MSW, points out some benefits. “A dual degree is an excellent way to get the best of both worlds without compromising much time, since you can work on both degrees concurrently. The flexibility of holding two degrees also offers a world of opportunities should you opt to use one or both.”

Explores different MSW dual degree programs and why they can be a complementary choice. Learn more today about strengthening your ability to make a difference through a dual degree.

An MSW dual degree program allows you to complete your MSW and another related degree simultaneously. The schedule is faster than pursuing the two degrees consecutively.

Theordor notes that this can be helpful for private practitioners. “An MSW/JD (law degree) or MSW/MBA can be invaluable for the legal and business aspects of running a private practice. An MBA can provide the necessary formal education in running a business, or a JD can help you understand the legal jargon in contracts, BAA’s, and terms of service.”

Mary Elizabeth Wilkes Chand, LCSW-BACS, points out the strengths of combining two fields to address complex problems. “An MSW dual degree program would help you to challenge laws that disproportionately affect communities of color. The law degree teaches you about the laws that could be harmful, and the social work degree teaches you how to work for change.”

The most common MSW dual degree programs include law and public health. The Council on Social Work Education (CWSE) has accredited over 60 MSW/Juris Doctor (JD) programs and MSW/Master of public health (MPH) programs. There are more than 30 accredited MSW/MBA, MSW/theology, and MSW/Masters in criminal justice programs.

Chand describes some of the benefits of an MSW/JD dual degree program. “A joint MSW/JD would be an excellent career path for individuals who want to focus their law practice on defending or creating human rights laws. A social work degree would also help a lawyer working within the juvenile justice system or as a public defender.”

In addition, social workers with a solid grounding in law may be more effective advocates and help clients to understand their legal rights in more detail.

An MSW/MPH dual degree program combines social work and public health.

Chand points out a recent example of how the two complement one another. “The COVID-19 pandemic taught us that there are communities of people that are more vulnerable to catching and dying from diseases. A public health degree teaches how diseases spread and how to combat them, and a social work degree teaches you about the most vulnerable populations and how to access and communicate with them.”

An MSW/MBA degree may be ideal if you want to own an independent or group practice, lead a department or organization, or oversee job or economic development programs.

Theordor notes that she set up her private practice without business education, “Over the years, I had to teach myself the legal and business aspects of running a private practice. A dual MSW/MBA or MSW/JD could have helped.”

MBA provides a background in business management, macroeconomics, and personnel management. An MSW helps prepare you for leadership and direct-practice positions.

Many religious clergy provide support to vulnerable populations or individuals through spiritual counseling. They may also oversee programs such as food banks, housing support, and job hunting services in their communities.

A master’s in divinity (M.Div)./ MSW dual degree program can provide the theological and practical education needed to effectively address the needs of the vulnerable. Depending on the community, having an M.Div and a grounding in a faith tradition can also help to build trust with members of that faith tradition.

An MPA/MSW dual degree program can prepare you to lead a human services or other government team. The master’s of public administration teaches you how to lead organizations, while the MSW provides knowledge of community and individual needs.

For example, an MSW helps to identify and understand the roots of different community needs, and the MPA helps to develop and administer macro-level interventions or to lead an organization.

A master’s in education (MEd)/MSW dual degree program can prepare you to work in a school, either as an administrator with a deeper knowledge of social needs or a social worker with a deeper knowledge of education. You may want to consider specializations such as adult education, literacy, education management special education, or teaching English as a second language (ESL).

An MSW dual degree program typically takes 2-4 years to complete. But, the length can vary based on the degrees you are pursuing, whether any of the courses overlap for dual credit, and whether you are studying full-time or part-time.

An MSW dual degree program cost depends on the length of the program and number of required credits, tuition and fees, and any additional expenses.

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports the average annual graduate tuition costs $12,394 at public schools and $26,621 at private schools. However, financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and loans, can help reduce your total cost of education.

The best dual social work degree depends on your career goals. For example, If you want to work as a school social worker, dual degrees in social work and education may be the best choice. If you want to work as a healthcare social worker, you may want to pursue a dual degree in social work and public health.

Yes, you can complete coursework online for many dual-degree programs. However, you will need to attend any fieldwork requirements in person.

You can obtain many degrees, along with a social work degree, including law, public health, and education.

Whether a social work dual degree program is worth it depends on your personal and financial goals and resources. Dual-degree programs are more demanding than single-degree programs. However, it may be worth it if the dual degree leads to your ideal job.