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An understanding of the related psychological and social dynamics enhances your ability to represent and advocate for children, families, women and the elderly. Offered jointly with the Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work, the Master of Jurisprudence (MJ)/Master of Social Work dual degree program enables you to focus on the human concerns in these legal interventions.

This program allows those seeking leadership positions in child and family welfare and advocacy to earn their MSW on campus in tandem with their online MJ degree. The degrees are applicable to many substantive fields, including child welfare, domestic relations, juvenile justice, domestic violence, immigration, services to the elderly, and mental health.

You will achieve all learning outcomes of both the MJ in Children's Law and Policy and MSW degrees. Your studies in each program will be enhanced by designing a curriculum tailored to your interests and career goals.

Curriculum

You will work with your advisors to plot your course sequence based on admission time, career goals, and course availability.

View Sample Curriculum Templates Here:

Here is a sample plan:

Year One

Fall Semester

4 credits of Law coursework

  • Introduction to Children's Law, Policy, and Practice
  • Introduction to the Study of Law and the Legal System

9 credits of Social Work coursework

  • Human Behavior in the Social Environment I
  • Race/Ethnicity
  • Social Work with Individuals and Families I

Spring Semester

4 credits of Law coursework

  • Leadership Development

9 credits of Social Work coursework

  • Human Behavior in the Social Environment II
  • Social Welfare and Social Work
  • Social Work with Individuals and Families II

Summer Semester

2 credits of Law elective coursework

2 credits of Social Work coursework

  • Field Placement I
  • Field Placement II
  • Integrative Practice Seminar

Year Two

Fall Semester

2 credits of Law elective coursework

9 credits of Social Work coursework

  • Policy and Strategies for community Interventions
  • Methods of Social Work Research
  • Social Work with Small Groups

Spring Semester

2 credits of Law elective coursework

6 credits of Social Work elective coursework

Summer Semester

2 credits of Law elective coursework

3 credits of Social Work elective coursework

Year Three

Fall Semester

2 credits of Law elective coursework

7 credits of Social Work coursework

  • Field Placement III
  • 2 elective courses

Spring Semester

9 credits of Social Work coursework

  • Field Placement IV
  • Integrative Seminar
  • Research Practicum (You must complete a legal component that has been approved by your law school faculty advisor)

Degree Requirements

To earn a dual MJ/MSW, you must complete 70 credit hours, including 21 MJ credit hours and 49 social work credit hours, including two internships. Those students who received a BSW degree within the past five years may be eligible to take the MSW Advance Standing option.

Admission

Applicants for the dual JD/MSW degree should apply separately for admission to both the School of Social Work and to the School of Law, indicating intent to pursue a dual degree.

Tuition and Fees

The School of Law and Loyola's Office of Student Financial Assistance are committed to helping students secure the necessary financial resources to make their legal education at Loyola affordable.

With proper planning, you can benefit from tuition adjustments. The University's Student Business Office (SBO) will calculate the tuition of each dual degree student. School of Law financial awards are applied to School of Law tuition only.

FAQs

Why would I want to consider a dual degree program?

By pursuing two degrees through the dual degree program, you may obtain both degrees simultaneously in less time than if you pursued the degrees separately. Students with a dual MJ/MSW are especially well prepared for leadership positions in child and family welfare and advocacy on behalf of families and children.

How does the academic advising system work?

At the School of Law, each dual degree student will be matched with an appropriate law school professor who will serve as the academic advisor for the student. Advising with respect to the social work program will be coordinated with the School of Social Work.

In what order to I complete the program?

You must apply and be admitted to both programs separately. Most full-time students are admitted to both programs at the same time and begin coursework in both programs in the first year. Each term you'll enroll in a mix of courses, as required by the program. However, you may choose to add one of the degrees at a later date in the program,which will impact your course sequence and time to complete the degree.