MSW Dual-Degree Program Guide

If you’re considering a master of social work (MSW) but want another degree to enhance your credentials and expand your career opportunities, an MSW dual-degree program may be a solid choice.

Whether you pursue your degree online or on campus, you can find plenty of high-quality dual-degree programs. Many MSW dual-degree programs pair social work with complementary subjects like business administration, public health, or education.

“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,” says Alexandria Theordor, founder of Stress Less, an agency that helps mental health professionals market their private practices.

Depending on the program, you might apply to each program separately and take classes from one degree at a time. Read on to learn more about the journey to an MSW dual degree.

MSW dual-degree programs combine a master’s in social work with another master’s degree. This second degree could be in a subject such as law, business administration, criminal justice, or public health.

Essentially, you get to develop expertise in two fields at the same time.

Most MSW dual-degree programs last 2-4 years and require 80-120 credits. Some schools require you to submit a separate application for each degree program; in this case, you’d receive a separate diploma for each degree you earn.

These programs’ interdisciplinary approach can improve your career prospects and allow you to make broader contributions to your community.

An MSW dual-degree program might suit you if you want to focus on social welfare while also expanding your skill set and potential career paths.

The Council on Social Work Education — the primary accreditor of MSW programs — has accredited over 100 MSW-JD and MSW-MPH dual-degree programs as of February 2025.

The agency has also accredited dozens of MSW dual-degree programs in business administration, public administration, education, and public policy.

Below are some of the most common types of MSW dual-degree programs.

An MSW and juris doctor (JD) can make you a powerful advocate for vulnerable populations. In an MSW-JD dual-degree program, you’ll satisfy the requirements of your university’s school of social work and law school.

Social work classes may include topics like social welfare policy and social welfare history, whereas law classes will likely focus on critical topics like advocacy, criminal law, and professional responsibility.

Graduates of MSW-JD dual-degree programs often pursue leadership positions in law and social policy.

In an MSW-MPH dual-degree program, you’ll earn a master of public health (MPH) along with an MSW. These programs teach you how social systems can influence community health.

Many MSW-MPH dual-degree graduates find employment as health coaches, care managers, patient advocates, and counselors.

In a dual MSW-MBA program, you’ll study organizational structure and prepare for careers in areas like nonprofit management and corporate social responsibility. Master of business administration (MBA) courses hone your management, marketing, accounting, and strategic planning skills.

Throughout your program, you’ll learn the management and business skills needed to handle various social challenges in the workplace. You’ll also learn key soft skills like critical thinking, communication, and collaboration.

Your MSW-MBA dual-degree program may encourage or require you to complete an internship at a social welfare organization, hospital, or government facility.

A dual-degree master of public administration (MPA) and MSW program equips you to lead social organizations, nonprofits, and government agencies.

By taking courses like public and nonprofit budgeting, policy evaluation, and organizational theory and behavior, you’ll gain the administrative skills needed to succeed in the public sector.

These skills include community practice, clinical theory, policy analysis, and public finance.

A dual master of education (M.Ed.) and MSW program trains you to become a leader in schools and related agencies. You’ll learn how to work with vulnerable children to address the issues and systems that can affect student learning.

You might choose a concentration such as educational studies, higher education, or elementary teaching.

Graduates of MSW-M.Ed. programs tend to work in school administration, for early intervention programs, or as school social workers.

You can pursue a variety of jobs — and qualify for a range of salaries — once you complete an MSW dual-degree program.

“An MSW-JD or MSW-MBA can be invaluable for the legal and business aspects of running a private practice,” says Theordor. “An MBA can provide the necessary formal education in running a business, or a JD can help you understand the legal jargon in contracts.”

Here are some popular jobs to consider with your MSW dual degree.

MSW dual-degree programs are designed to hone your expertise in social work and another field of your choice. As such, the focus of your second degree will determine what careers you can pursue.

MSW dual degrees can prepare you for diverse social work jobs and related roles, such as policy analyst, healthcare social worker, family law attorney, and nonprofit directors.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that jobs for social workers will grow 7% by 2033, faster than the average growth rate for all jobs.

MSW dual-degree programs’ interdisciplinary approach makes graduates eligible for leadership roles in fields like social services, policymaking, and healthcare.

Are you curious about how much social workers make? With an MSW dual degree — and the necessary licensure — you could become a licensed social worker. These professionals earn a median salary of $58,380 per year, according to the BLS.

But you’re not limited to social worker jobs. Many MSW dual-degree graduates seek positions outside social work. And many of these roles can earn you far more than the typical social worker salary.

Here are some of the most popular jobs you can pursue with an MSW dual degree.

Master’s degree costs can vary significantly depending on the field, the program length, your location, and other factors.

In the table above, we looked at the average annual tuition and fees for each degree pair using the latest program-specific data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

All in all, MSW dual-degree programs typically cost between $11,000 and $30,000 per year. The average cost of an MSW-JD program is nearly $30,000 per year, while MSW-M.E.d. programs tend to be more affordable at $11,000 per year.

Remember that your residency can affect how much you pay. For example, the University of Michigan charges around $17,600 for in-state students and $28,300 for out-of-state students in a full-time dual-degree MSW program.

In the following sections, you’ll learn how long MSW dual-degree programs take to complete and how to apply for them. Keep reading.

Most dual-degree MSW programs last 2-4 years and require you to earn 80-120 credits.

To give you some real-world examples, New York University requires graduate students to earn 93 total credits in the dual-degree MSW-MPH program. In comparison, students at the University of Houston only need to earn 63 credits to graduate.

The number of credits you must earn will depend on the school and the field of study you choose for your second degree.

Each MSW dual-degree program has its own set of application requirements. Here are some of the most common ones:

Before applying to MSW dual-degree programs, consider factors such as cost, accreditation, program length, program format, and available concentrations.

Tuition costs may be the most important factor for you, and for good reason. Even the cheapest master’s degrees can mean a big financial investment — and dual degrees tend to be pricier since you’re getting two credentials at once.

Be prepared to take out student loans to pay for some or all of your degree.

Fortunately, many universities offer grants and scholarships. Be sure to also fill out the FAFSA each year you’re in school.

Programmatic accreditation means your program is legitimate and meets strict quality standards. If you enroll in an unaccredited program, your degree may not be recognized by employers or state licensing boards.

For MSW dual-degree programs, make sure your program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Many states require you to graduate from a CSWE-accredited MSW program to qualify for social work licensure.

Other programmatic accreditations can also matter. For example, MSW-JD dual-degree programs should be accredited by both CSWE and the American Bar Association (ABA). You may need to check individual program pages online to determine whether they’re accredited.

It typically takes 2-4 years to complete an MSW dual-degree program. The length of your master’s program can affect how much money you spend on your education and your ability to start your career. The longer you spend in school, the more costs you’ll likely incur.

So, carefully consider the length of your program before you apply. This way, you can ensure the program is a good fit for you.

Let your career goals guide you and help you determine which degree to combine with your MSW. Because MSW dual-degree programs span a wide array of fields, they also offer a wide array of courses and concentrations to choose from.

Your program will combine a foundation in social work with specialized knowledge from another field. Basic MSW courses include:

Here are some examples of dual-degree courses you may take:

As you research MSW dual-degree programs, consider how you’d like to learn.

Would you prefer a fully online master’s program? Remote programs provide the most flexibility and convenience for adult learners — but would limit your interactions with professors and peers.

A fully in-person program facilitates direct interactions with your instructors but may not provide as much flexibility as an online program.

You might also want to consider a hybrid program, which combines in-person learning with online coursework.