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Social work is one of the fastest growing fields in the United States, and it needs multitalented professionals with a passion for social justice and equity. Our dual-degree program, completed in 5 years, gives arts and sciences students the chance to leverage their diverse knowledge base and skill set in numerous careers that make a difference in the lives of others.

The BA or BS/Master of Social Work program enables incoming students who are entering the College of Arts and Sciences to earn their bachelor’s and MSW degrees in 5 years. This accelerated program is open to students majoring in criminal justice, gerontology, health, medicine and society, justice and community engagement, psychology and sociology, allowing them to tailor their degree to focus on the social issues and problems of greatest importance to them. It also emphasizes interprofessional education and a team-based healthcare approach.

By building an undergraduate foundation in a discipline such as sociology, criminal justice, gerontology or psychology, students create inroads to a range of careers, from mental health and substance abuse counseling to social service administration and city-wide policy planning. This degree prepares students to work in a variety of settings, from schools to hospitals, and to become a major voice and resource for many populations, including at-risk children, veterans, inmates and advanced-age individuals.

Accelerated dual-degree program students complete their undergraduate work in 3 years. They begin taking graduate-level coursework in their third year before matriculating into the School of Health Sciences for the remaining 2 years, where they complete their MSW and prepare for licensure. All students work closely with a faculty adviser throughout the program to carefully plan their course of study, ensuring timely completion of both degrees.

Benefits of the Accelerated Dual-Degree (3+2) Program

Our accelerated dual-degree (3+2) program enables you to earn your undergraduate and graduate degrees in the most efficient and economical way possible, positioning you for success in a competitive landscape. This approach to earning your degrees advances on traditional higher education models by focusing on rigorous, interdisciplinary and experiential learning.

The benefits include:

Save time and money: You’ll complete your degrees sooner, save on tuition costs and enter the workforce at least one year earlier, with a graduate degree

Competitive career positioning: Your graduate degree will give you an advantage in a competitive landscape

Dedicated guidance: You’ll be partnered with a faculty adviser who may also be the director of the program within the school

Experiential learning: You’ll have access to special programming and networking opportunities for program students

Career Paths

Our BA or BS / Master of Social Work programs position you for a growing number of specialized and in-demand opportunities. Graduates gain valuable skills suited for a wide array of potential careers.

Therapist or counselor

Medical social worker

School social worker

Community outreach worker

Human services specialist

Probation officer

Behavioral management aide

Substance abuse counselor