Combining a Master of Social Work (MSW) with a Juris Doctor (JD) offers a powerful pathway for those passionate about social justice, advocacy, and systemic change. MSW-JD dual degree programs prepare students to navigate both human service systems and the legal system—equipping them to serve clients holistically and advocate for reform at the individual, community, and policy levels.
These programs are ideal for future professionals who want to work at the intersection of law and social work—whether as public defenders, child welfare advocates, immigration attorneys, or policy strategists. By integrating legal training with social work values, students gain a unique foundation to address inequality, protect vulnerable populations, and push for systemic improvements in both fields.
MSW-JD Dual Degree Programs (2025)
The following section provides a curated list of CSWE-accredited MSW-JD dual degree programs available in 2025. As you review program offerings, keep in mind that later sections of this guide will cover how these dual degrees work, who they’re best suited for, common career outcomes, admissions requirements, and curriculum structure—along with key considerations for online or hybrid learning options.
| Institution | Program | State |
| Arizona State University | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | AZ |
| Boston College | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | MA |
| Bridgewater State University | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | MA |
| Case Western Reserve University | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | OH |
| Catholic University of America | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | DC |
| Columbia University | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | NY |
| Eastern Washington University (jointly with Gonzaga University) | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | WA |
| Florida International University | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | FL |
| Florida State University | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | FL |
| Fordham University | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | NY |
| Indiana University | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | IN |
| Louisiana State University and A&M College | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | LA |
| Loyola University Chicago | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | IL |
| Michigan State University | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | MI |
| New York University | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | NY |
| North Carolina State University | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | NC |
| Quinnipiac University | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | CT |
| Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | NJ |
| Saint Louis University | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | MO |
| Southern Illinois University Carbondale | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | IL |
| Springfield College | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | MA |
| State University of New York at Stony Brook | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | NY |
| Temple University | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | PA |
| Tulane University | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | LA |
| University at Albany, State University of New York | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | NY |
| University at Buffalo, State University of New York | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | NY |
| University of Alabama | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | AL |
| University of Arkansas | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | AR |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | AR |
| University of California at Berkeley | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | CA |
| University of California at Los Angeles | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | CA |
| University of Connecticut | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | CT |
| University of Denver | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | CO |
| University of Georgia | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | GA |
| University of Hawai‘i at Manoa | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | HI |
| University of Houston | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | TX |
| University of Iowa | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | IA |
| University of Kansas | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | KS |
| University of Louisville | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | KY |
| University of Maryland, Baltimore | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | MD |
| University of Michigan | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | MI |
| University of Montana | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | MT |
| University of Nevada, Las Vegas | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | NV |
| University of New Hampshire | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | NH |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | NC |
| University of Pennsylvania | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | PA |
| University of Saint Thomas | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | MN |
| University of South Carolina | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | SC |
| University of Southern California | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | CA |
| University of Tennessee at Knoxville | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | TN |
| University of Texas at Austin | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | TX |
| University of Utah | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | UT |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | WI |
| Virginia Commonwealth University (jointly with University of Richmond) | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | VA |
| Washburn University | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | KS |
| Washington University in St. Louis | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | MO |
| West Virginia University | MSW-JD Dual Degree Program Info | WV |
What Is an MSW-JD Dual Degree Program?
An MSW-JD dual degree program is an integrated graduate education pathway that allows students to earn both a Master of Social Work (MSW) and a Juris Doctor (JD), typically in three to four years. These programs are designed for students who want to combine legal training with a deep understanding of social systems, policy, and human behavior.
How the Program Is Structured
Most MSW-JD programs are structured to allow credit sharing, which reduces the total number of credits and time needed compared to earning both degrees separately. Students often take courses in both schools—sometimes concurrently, sometimes in a sequenced format (e.g., one year of law followed by one year of social work).
Programs may include:
- Separate or joint admissions processes
- Shared capstone, thesis, or integrative seminars
- Field education (for social work) and legal internships or clinics (for law)
- Opportunities for interdisciplinary research or advocacy projects
The Value of Interdisciplinary Training
MSW-JD students develop a unique skill set that combines legal expertise, clinical insight, and system-level thinking. This dual approach equips graduates to better understand both the rights and needs of vulnerable populations—and to advocate for justice through direct service, litigation, policy work, or leadership in nonprofit and government settings.
Who Should Consider an MSW-JD?
An MSW-JD dual degree is best suited for individuals who are committed to addressing social inequities through both legal advocacy and human service work. This path offers a unique opportunity to develop the knowledge and credentials needed to work across courtrooms, community agencies, and policy organizations.
Ideal Candidates
- Aspiring public interest lawyers who want a deeper understanding of the communities and individuals they represent
- Social workers who seek the legal authority to advocate in court, shape legislation, or represent clients directly
- Policy professionals and activists interested in reforming systems related to child welfare, criminal justice, housing, or immigration
- Advocates for marginalized populations, including children, individuals experiencing poverty, survivors of violence, or refugees
Many MSW-JD students are drawn to interdisciplinary roles—where understanding both the human impact of legal systems and the policy levers for change is critical.
Professional Goals
This dual degree is especially useful for those planning to pursue:
- Legal careers with a social justice or human rights focus
- Direct client work with vulnerable populations involved in legal proceedings
- Leadership roles in advocacy organizations or government agencies
- Positions requiring licensure as both a licensed attorney and licensed social worker
Ultimately, the MSW-JD is for students ready to commit to complex, multifaceted careers at the intersection of law, policy, and social welfare.
Career Paths for MSW-JD Graduates
Graduates of MSW-JD dual degree programs are uniquely equipped to work in roles that demand both legal knowledge and social work insight. This interdisciplinary training opens doors across sectors—enabling professionals to serve individuals, shape policy, and lead organizations with a deep understanding of both human needs and legal frameworks.
Common Career Roles
- Legal aid attorney serving clients in housing, immigration, or domestic violence cases
- Guardian ad litem or court-appointed special advocate for children and vulnerable adults
- Child welfare or family law specialist navigating custody, adoption, or dependency cases
- Public defender with specialized training in trauma and social systems
- Civil rights attorney focused on systemic injustice, discrimination, or poverty law
- Policy advisor or legislative advocate for social justice organizations or government agencies
- Program director in nonprofits that intersect with legal and social services
Advantages of the Dual Degree
- Stronger client advocacy: Understand both the legal rights and social service needs of the populations you serve
- Expanded licensure options: Potential to become both a licensed attorney and a licensed social worker
- Cross-sector versatility: Work in courts, community agencies, think tanks, or legislative offices
- Increased employability in roles where collaboration between legal and human service systems is essential
The MSW-JD pathway can position you as a changemaker at the heart of systems-level reform, offering the tools to support individuals while driving structural change.
Admissions Requirements
Applying to an MSW-JD dual degree program typically involves meeting the admissions standards for both the law school and the school of social work. Some universities offer a unified or coordinated application process, while others require applicants to apply to each program separately—sometimes in the same admission cycle, and sometimes sequentially.
Core Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (in any field)
- LSAT score (Law School Admission Test), which is generally required for the JD portion
- GPA minimums that meet each program’s standard
- Personal statements that speak to your interdisciplinary interests and long-term goals
- Letters of recommendation, often including at least one academic and one professional reference
- Resume or CV detailing academic, work, and volunteer experiences relevant to law or social work
Additional Considerations
- Some programs may prefer or require prior experience in social services, legal advocacy, or community work.
- Admissions timelines for MSW and JD programs may differ, so careful calendar planning is essential.
- If you’re applying to the programs separately, it’s important to coordinate your statements and emphasize your commitment to interdisciplinary training in both applications.
Because these programs are competitive and demanding, strong applicants typically demonstrate not just academic preparedness, but also clarity of purpose and a compelling vision for how they plan to integrate law and social work in their future careers.
Program Structure and Curriculum
MSW-JD dual degree programs are designed to reduce the total time and credits required to earn both degrees, while maintaining the core competencies needed for licensure in both fields. Most programs are completed in three to four years, instead of the five or more years it would take to pursue each degree separately.
Credit Sharing and Course Sequencing
- Programs typically include 120 to 135 total credits, compared to 160+ if earned separately
- Some allow credit sharing, where certain electives count toward both degrees
- Students may begin with either social work or law courses, though some schools recommend starting with JD coursework first due to its structured sequencing
- Others allow for concurrent enrollment after acceptance into both programs
Curriculum Components
- Core JD courses: Constitutional law, contracts, civil procedure, criminal law, legal writing
- Core MSW courses: Human behavior, social work practice, policy, ethics, research methods
- Electives aligned with your area of focus (e.g., family law, child welfare, immigration policy)
- Field education in social work, typically involving 900+ supervised hours
- Legal internships or clinics through the law school
Capstone, Thesis, or Practicum
- Some programs require a capstone project or integrative seminar that reflects both legal and social work perspectives
- Others may require a thesis, particularly in more research-intensive tracks
- Practicums or clinics often provide real-world experience across both disciplines
This blended structure allows students to develop deep, practical expertise in both legal reasoning and social work practice—preparing them for careers that demand fluency in both systems.
Online and Hybrid Options
MSW-JD dual degree programs are typically offered in on-campus formats. This is in part because Juris Doctor (JD) programs must meet American Bar Association (ABA) accreditation requirements, which have historically emphasized in-person instruction. Although some online JD programs now exist with ABA approval, they are limited in number and not widely integrated into dual degree pathways.
That said, some MSW components within a dual degree may be available in hybrid or online formats. This can provide added flexibility for students balancing professional or personal commitments—though it’s important to note that field placements and legal internships generally require in-person participation.
If flexibility is a top priority, prospective students should ask each program how coursework is delivered, whether hybrid options are available, and how these formats may affect program length, scheduling, or licensure eligibility.
FAQ
Do I need to be licensed in both professions?
It depends on your career goals. If you plan to practice law or appear in court, you’ll need to pass the bar exam in your state and meet all requirements for attorney licensure. If you intend to provide clinical social work services, such as therapy, you’ll also need to pursue licensure as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or equivalent credential. Some roles—like policy advisors or nonprofit leaders—may only require one license or none, depending on the position.
Can I complete the program part-time?
Some schools offer part-time options, but completing both degrees part-time can significantly extend the timeline. Law programs, in particular, have strict sequencing requirements, and the American Bar Association (ABA) has limitations on how long students can take to complete a JD. Be sure to check each program’s structure to determine whether part-time study is feasible and whether both schools accommodate it.
How much more does the dual program cost compared to a single degree?
Tuition for dual degree programs typically reflects the combined cost of both the MSW and JD, though credit sharing between programs can reduce the total number of credits—and thus cost—by a small margin. Financial aid packages may also differ depending on whether you’re enrolled in one school or both simultaneously. It’s best to review tuition details for each program individually and consult with financial aid offices to understand potential savings and additional expenses.
Will I have two advisors?
Yes, most MSW-JD students are assigned advisors from both the law and social work faculties. These advisors can help you navigate course sequencing, credit-sharing policies, field placements, and graduation requirements in each program. Some schools offer coordinated advising specifically for dual-degree students, while others may expect you to work with each department separately.
Next Steps
If you’re considering an MSW-JD dual degree, start by identifying accredited programs that offer both degrees and reviewing their admissions requirements. Reach out to admissions offices for clarification on timelines, application processes, and credit-sharing policies. As you explore options, consider how each program’s structure and specialization areas align with your long-term goals in social justice, advocacy, or direct service.
