M.J./M.S.W. Dual-Degree Program
Increasingly child welfare professionals function in an environment in which their success depends not only on their strong clinical skills but also on their ability to work effectively in the multiple legal systems in which their child and family clients are enmeshed.
Loyola University Chicago's School of Law, a nationally recognized leader in child advocacy training, and its School of Social Work, a leader in clinical graduate education, have joined together to offer a unique dual-degree program in which students can earn both a Master of Jurisprudence (M.J.) degree in Child and Family Law and a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree in three years rather than in the four years normally required when these degrees are pursued separately.
The dual-degree program provides graduates expertise in clinical work, a comprehensive knowledge of the structure and function of social service systems, and a keen understanding of how the legal system works and its impact on children and families. Highlights of the program include:
- A curriculum integrating the best knowledge and practice in the legal and social work professions relating to children and families
- Field work placements in settings that promote multidisciplinary understanding and practice
- An opportunity to participate in a range of curricular and extracurricular offerings, including:
- Work on the Children's Legal Rights Journal, a quarterly publication with a national circulation that features practical and often interdisciplinary articles for child welfare professionals. The journal is a joint publication of Loyola Law School and the American Bar Association.
- Participation in symposia which bring together leading national and local policy makers, judges, lawyers, socials workers and other professionals to discuss emerging issues in child welfare
Admission
Applicants for the dual M.J./M.S.W. in Child and Family Law degree should apply separately for admission to both the School of Social Work and to the School of Law, indicating their intent to pursue a dual degree.
