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Advance Your Career with an MSSW Dual Degree

Earn two graduate degrees in less time and expand your impact. Gain the skills and credentials to lead in social work, law, or business, and make a difference in communities and organizations. Advance your career while completing an accelerated, interdisciplinary program.

Top 25

Best Graduate Programs

The College of Social Work graduate programs rank in the top 25 among all social work programs in the country.

99%

Retention Rate

The College of Social Work has a combined 99% retention rate among MSSW students.

$258,785

In Scholarships Awarded

$258,785 in scholarships awarded for the ’24-’25 academic year.

Why Get a Dual Degree?

Earning a dual degree combines social work expertise with law, legal studies, or business, giving you a unique skill set that sets you apart in your field. You’ll be prepared to tackle complex challenges, lead interdisciplinary teams, and create meaningful change in communities, organizations, and policy.
Dual degrees also save time and tuition compared to pursuing the degrees separately, letting you advance your career faster while gaining broader professional opportunities.

Dual Degree Programs at a Glance

Master of Science in Social Work/Juris Doctor

MSSW/JD

This interdisciplinary program offers individuals interested in social work and law the opportunity to earn graduate degrees in both fields within four academic years.

  • Work as a clinical or policy-focused attorney.
  • Lead child welfare, family law, or public interest programs.
  • Influence policy and advocacy initiatives in the social services sector.

Master of Science in Social Work/Master of Legal Studies

MSSW/MLS

This program offers individuals interested in social work and law the opportunity to obtain both degrees in two academic years.

  • Take on policy, research, or administrative roles in social services and law.
  • Serve as a compliance or legal liaison in nonprofits, healthcare, or government.
  • Apply practical legal knowledge to advocacy and program evaluation.

Master of Science in Social Work/Master of Business Administration

MSSW/MBA

This program offers individuals interested in social work and business the opportunity to earn an MSSW and an MBA degree in three academic years.

  • Lead nonprofit, healthcare, or human services organizations.
  • Manage budgets, programs, and operations while applying social work values.
  • Build and grow your private practice or consulting services.
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MSSW/JD Dual Degree

The College of Social Work and the Winston College of Law offer a combined MSSW/JD dual degree program, allowing students to earn both degrees in four years instead of the traditional five years. The integrated curriculum prepares graduates with skills in social work, law, policy, and administration, equipping them for complex roles that require expertise in both fields. Students gain hands-on experience through field placements, internships, and practice opportunities, entering the workforce with a unique skill set. Alumni pursue careers as attorneys, social workers, program directors, and therapists. Separate admission to each college is required.

131 credit hours

  • 60 credit hours of the MSSW and nine (9) credit hours from the JD for 51 credit hours.
  • 89 credit hours of the JD accept nine (9) credit hours from the MSSW for 80 credit hours.

MSSW/MLS Dual Degree

The College of Social Work and the Winston College of Law offer a combined MSSW/MLS dual degree, allowing students to earn both degrees in two years. The program equips graduates with skills in social work and legal studies, preparing them for roles in policy, research, administration, and advocacy. Students gain practical experience through field placements and applied projects, entering the workforce with expertise valued across multiple sectors. Separate admission to each college is required.

75 credit hours

  • 30 credit hours for the MLS, including six (6) credit hours from the MSSW, for 24 credit hours.
  • 60 credit hours for the MSSW, including nine (9) credit hours from the College of Law, for 51 credit hours.
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MSSW/MBA Dual Degree

The College of Social Work and the Haslam College of Business offer a combined MSSW/MBA dual degree, allowing students to earn both degrees in three years. The program prepares graduates to lead and innovate in nonprofit, clinical, and human services organizations by integrating social work values with business strategy. Students gain hands-on experience through projects, internships, and field placements, entering the workforce with skills for leadership, management, and private practice. Separate admission to each college is required.

96 credit hours

  • 45 credit hours for the MBA, including nine credit hours from the Haslam College of Business, for 51 credit hours
  • 60 credit hours for the MSSW