Social Work/Law MSW/JD
An understanding of critical social and legal issues and interpersonal dynamics enhances your ability to represent and advocate for your clients. The dual MSW/JD degree prepares you for a range of practice options, including direct representation or clinical work, systemic reform, legislative advocacy, and community development.
The dual degree program is applicable to many fields, including child welfare, domestic relations, domestic violence, education, immigration, juvenile justice, mental health, and services to the elderly. Within the MSW program, you may choose one of two tracks: the clinical track or leadership track. Internship placements are available in a number of settings, including mental health, child and family, geriatric and chemical dependency.
Program Highlights
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. The dual MSW/JD program provides students with both a social and legal perspective to meet the challenges of many areas of professional practice. Graduates can pursue a range of practice, including direct representation or clinical work, systemic reform, legislative advocacy, and community development.
Curriculum
To earn a JD/MSW dual degree, you must complete a total of 128 credit hours, including 77 law credit hours, and 51 MSW credit hours, including two internships. The dual degree can be completed in four years of concentrated study. You will spend your first year as a full-time law student. JD foundational course requirements and skills and experiential course requirements will be taken in the second, third and fourth years, concurrent with social work courses.
While courses for the MSW/JD program may vary from semester to semester, Loyola’s extensive Academic Catalog will always house the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies, degree requirements, and specialization or concentration options.
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 MSW/JD are especially well prepared for leadership positions and have a deep understanding of the intersectionality of social work and the legal system.
How does the academic advising system work?
Students pursuing the Social Work/Law MSW/JD 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 MSW/JD 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 critical social and legal issues and interpersonal dynamics enhances your ability to represent and advocate for your clients. The dual MSW/JD degree prepares you for a range of practice options, including direct representation or clinical work, systemic reform, legislative advocacy, and community development.
The dual degree program is applicable to many fields, including child welfare, domestic relations, domestic violence, education, immigration, juvenile justice, mental health, and services to the elderly. Within the MSW program, you may choose one of two tracks: the clinical track or leadership track. Internship placements are available in a number of settings, including mental health, child and family, geriatric and chemical dependency.
Program Highlights
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. The dual MSW/JD program provides students with both a social and legal perspective to meet the challenges of many areas of professional practice. Graduates can pursue a range of practice, including direct representation or clinical work, systemic reform, legislative advocacy, and community development.
Curriculum
To earn a JD/MSW dual degree, you must complete a total of 128 credit hours, including 77 law credit hours, and 51 MSW credit hours, including two internships. The dual degree can be completed in four years of concentrated study. You will spend your first year as a full-time law student. JD foundational course requirements and skills and experiential course requirements will be taken in the second, third and fourth years, concurrent with social work courses.
While courses for the MSW/JD program may vary from semester to semester, Loyola’s extensive Academic Catalog will always house the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies, degree requirements, and specialization or concentration options.