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Graduate College of Social Work
Dual M.S.W./Ph.D. OptionThe Dual Program is designed only for full-time students pursuing both the M.S.W. and the Ph.D. degrees. A limited number of applicants with extensive practice and/or research experience will be accepted into the Dual Program. This program is designed for applicants whose long-range career goals and past experience are consistent with the aims of both the M.S.W. and Ph.D. programs, and who wish to accelerate their education. The combined program offers a structured educational opportunity for students holding master's degrees in other fields, but who want to earn the M.S.W. while pursuing the Ph.D. The M.S.W. allows graduates to teach practice courses at accredited schools of social work after completing a minimum of 2 years post M.S.W. practice experience.
Dual Program students begin their doctoral coursework before completing the M.S.W. Program, and can complete the coursework for both degrees in 3½ years instead of four.
In the first year, dual students enroll only in required M.S.W. foundation courses. Students will not take any doctoral courses in their first year. Applicants for the dual degree can apply in two different ways: (1) they can apply for both programs simultaneously, or (2) students already enrolled in the master's program can apply for admission to the Ph.D. Program after they complete all first-semester requirements. Applicants for the Dual Program are required to submit applications to both the M.S.W. and the Ph.D. programs separately, and the required application fee for each program. Admission into the Doctoral Program is probationary and based on the successful completion of the required M.S.W. foundation courses.
The M.S.W. degree will be awarded prior to the completion of the Ph.D. degree. Students can drop out of the Doctoral Program if they decide to terminate their education with an M.S.W. degree. However, students who enter the dual program without a master's degree will not be permitted to remain in the Ph.D. Program if they terminate the M.S.W. Program.
Admissions Requirements for the Dual Degree
1.Completion of both M.S.W. and Doctoral admissions applications, and submission of both application fees.
2. Admission to the M.S.W. Program.
3. Have achieved a grade point average of 3.5 or better (4.0 scale) in all previous undergraduate and graduate study. Applicants whose GPA is below 3.5, but who have demonstrated excellence in other areas of the application, may be considered. We will calculate your GPA based on your transcripts.
4. Evidence of a strong interest in advancing knowledge about social work and social work research. This interest can be demonstrated through the application narrative and through paid and unpaid work experience.
5. Strong undergraduate research background.
6. In-person or telephone interview may be required.