Dual Degree Programs

Master of Social Work/Master of Science in Social Policy (MSW/MSSP)
Reviewed 7/09

This dual degree program joins disciplines that are vitally concerned about human and social well-being.  The program maximizes learning opportunities in both the micro (clinical practice) and macro (societal and policy) arenas.  The MSW/MSSP builds on a liberal arts foundation and is designed to prepare social workers to:

  • analyze and shape social policy locally, nationally and globally;
  • promote more equitable policy responses for the historically disenfranchised.

The MSSP program is a ten-course program in which up to four courses are double counted for the MSSP and the MSW (22 CUs). Dual degree students can complete the MSSP/MSW program in five semesters, usually by studying during summer semesters in years one and two of the MSW program, but students may also extend the dual degree program to six or seven semesters if they wish.

The Associate Director of the MSSP Program will collaborate with the MSW Advisor to develop an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP).

MSW/MSSP Dual Degree Program Configuration

This represents a sample course grid. Each student will meet with the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs to create an individually designed course schedule.

-------  Dual count
-------  MSW unique
-------  MSSP unique

1st Semester

SW 601 History and Philosophy of Social Work and Social Welfare
SW 603 American Racism
SW 602 HBSE Individual and Families
SW 604 Foundation practice

2nd Semester

SW 611 Contemporary Social Policy
SW613 Social Change
SW 612 HBSE Groups, Organizations, Communities
SW 614 Foundation practice

3rd Semester

4th Semester

SW 715 Introduction to Social Work Research
SW 704/708 Advanced Practice I
Practice Elective
Elective

5th Semester

SW 729 Social Statistics OR SP 630 Quantitative Reasoning
SW 714/718 Advanced Practice II
Elective
SP 629 Research & Evaluation (MSW Elective)

6th Semester

7th Semester

SP 628 Social policy Analysis I
Elective

8th Semester

SP 631 Social Policy Analysis II
SP 968 Economics of Social Welfare or Welfare and Economics
SP 632 Capstone Seminar I

9th Semester

SP 632 Capstone Seminar II
Policy Research Internship