MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK

The MSW/NPL dual degree program allows students to earn both degrees by completing a total of 22 course units (CUs). On its own, the MSW is a 16 CU degree, consisting of 11 required courses and 5 electives. On its own, the NPL is a 10 CU program, consisting of 4 core courses, 4 NPL electives, and 2 Penn electives. When students complete the MSW/NPL dual-degree, up to four courses are cross-counted between the two degrees. Students may count up to two MSW courses as NPL electives and up to two NPL courses as MSW electives. Depending on course scheduling, students may be able to complete the MSW/NPL in six terms (for example, two academic years and two summers), but students may also extend the dual-degree program to two and a half or three years if they wish (not including summer terms). Ideally, students will apply to the MSW and NPL degrees at the same time, but applications may also be submitted to the NPL program while students are in their first year of the MSW program.

MSW Field Placement & NPL Practicum

The Second Year MSW Field Placement may fulfill the NPL Practicum requirement, regardless of concentration (clinical or macro). However, in order to fulfill the NPL practicum, there must be the identification of a mentor who agrees to regular leadership and professional development meetings with the student at the field placement. In these situations, the student may not need to complete additional hours for the NPL practicum beyond those already required for the MSW field placement.

If a practicum leader cannot be identified at the MSW field placement site, the student will work with their NPL advisor to identify an appropriate mentor at another agency, and this may require additional hours beyond the MSW Field Placement. Please contact NPL Director Adam Roth-Saks with any questions regarding the field placement’s fulfillment of the practicum requirements.