Social Work/Children’s Law and Policy MSW/MJ
An understanding of both psychological/social dynamics and the relevant legal expertise enhances your ability to represent and advocate for children, families, women and the elderly. Offered jointly with the Loyola University Chicago’s School of Law, the Master of Social Work (MSW)/Master of Jurisprudence (MJ) in Children's Law and Policy 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.
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 and 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
- Internship Placement I
- Internship 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
- Internship Placement III
2 elective courses
Spring Semester
9 credits of Social Work coursework
- Internship Placement IV
- Integrative Seminar
- Research Practicum (You must complete a legal component that has been approved by your law school faculty advisor)
Tuition and Fees
The School of Social Work and Office of Student Financial Assistance are committed to helping students secure the necessary financial resources to make their education at Loyola affordable. Please see the Office of the Bursar for more information on tuition costs.
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?
Students pursuing the Social Work/Children’s Law and Policy MSW/MJ receive advisement from both GLS advising in the School of Law and from the advising team in the School of Social Work. Students should connect with both advisors in advance of registration each semester to ensure that they are on track with meeting the requirements of both programs.
In what order do I complete the program?
Students admitted to the MJ Children's Law and Policy/MSW program will complete the requirements of the dual degree program concurrently. Many semesters, students will have a course from the School of Law coupled with a few courses from the School of Social Work, while other terms may be comprised of only social work courses.
An understanding of both psychological/social dynamics and the relevant legal expertise enhances your ability to represent and advocate for children, families, women and the elderly. Offered jointly with the Loyola University Chicago’s School of Law, the Master of Social Work (MSW)/Master of Jurisprudence (MJ) in Children's Law and Policy 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 advisor to plot your course sequence based on admission time, career goals, and course availability.
View sample Curriculum Templates here:
Here is a sample plan:
Degree Requirements
To earn a dual MSW/MJ, 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 seeking admission for the dual-degree MJ/MSW program will complete one application and supply supplemental materials required by each program.
Tuition and Fees
The School of Social Work and Office of Student Financial Assistance are committed to helping students secure the necessary financial resources to make their education at Loyola affordable. Please see the Office of the Bursar for more information on tuition costs.