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The UT College of Social Work and the UT College of Law Now Offer Dual Degrees

The UT College of Social Work and the UT College of Law are now offering a combined program of study in graduate level social work and law to students who seek to earn both a Master of Science in Social Work degree and Juris Doctor or a Master of Science in Social Work and Master of Legal Studies. 

 Juris Doctorate and Master of Science in Social Work (JD/MSSW)

The College of Social Work and The College of Law offer a combined program of study in graduate level social work and law to students who seek to earn both a Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) degree and Juris Doctor (JD) degree.  This interdisciplinary program offers individuals interested in social work and law the opportunity to obtain graduate degrees in both programs in four academic years, rather than the five years needed if pursued separately.

The program consists of an integrated curriculum specifically designed for those who are interested in acquiring the knowledge and skills pertinent to both disciplines. The goal of the program is to prepare future professionals who are competent in both disciplines. The areas of work in which both fields play significant roles are often complex and require expertise in counseling, administration, and policy-making, beyond the underlying substantive knowledge. The program stresses an interdisciplinary approach, which values collaboration and communication skills.

The dual degree program is challenging but rewarding.  A dual degree student in social work and law studies the skills and material of both disciplines and enters field placements, summer internships, and eventually the workplace with a unique skill set of valuable practice experiences.  Alumni of the dual degree program in social work and law at The University of Tennessee will go on to work in a variety of settings in law and social work.  Some alumni will choose to practice law, while others will find employment as social workers, program directors, and therapists.

Students must apply separately for admission to the two colleges. Once admitted to both colleges, applicants will be selected for participation in the program by a special admissions committee consisting of representatives from both institutions.

Admissions Requirements

  • Applicants for the JD-MSSW program must make separate application to, and be competitively and independently accepted by, each of the following:
    • the College of Law for the JD degree,
    • the Office of Graduate Admissions and the College of Social Work for the MSSW degree, and
    • the Dual Program Committee.
  • Students who have been accepted by both colleges may apply for approval to pursue the dual program any time prior to or after matriculation in either or both colleges.
    • Such approval will be granted, provided that dual program studies are started prior to entry into the last 28 credit hours of JD course work and prior to the third semester of the MSSW program.
  • Students interested in entering the dual degree program should submit a letter of application to the Dual Degree Program Committee. Upon receipt of the application, the Dual Degree Program Committee will determine eligibility and assign students to advisors who will be responsible for course approval and supervision of the student’s progress through the dual program.
  • Enrollment in the program will ordinarily be capped at 10 entering students per year.

For more information, go to https://law.utk.edu/admissions/degree-programs/joint-degree/jd-mssw/

Master of Legal Studies and Master of Science in Social Work (MLS/MSSW)

The College of Social Work and The College of Law offer a combined program of study in graduate level social work and legal studies to students who seek to earn both a Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) and a Master of Legal Studies (MLS). This interdisciplinary program offers individuals interested in social work and law the opportunity to obtain graduate degrees in both programs in two academic years (including summers), rather than the three years needed if pursued separately.

The program consists of an integrated curriculum specifically designed for those who are interested in acquiring the knowledge and skills pertinent to both disciplines. The MSSW program seeks to prepare its graduates to make demonstrable improvements in the quality of life of at-risk and vulnerable populations of individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities, the state of Tennessee, the nation, and internationally. The MLS program is designed for professionals whose fields intersect with the law and who would benefit from legal studies but do not wish to pursue the JD or practice law.

The program stresses an interdisciplinary approach, which values collaboration and communication skills. Alumni of the dual degree program in social work and legal studies at The University of Tennessee will go on to work in a variety of settings, including as social workers, program directors, and therapists.

Students must apply separately for admission to the two colleges. Once admitted to both colleges, applicants will be selected for participation in the program by a special admissions committee consisting of representatives from both institutions.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants for the MLS-MSSW program must make separate application to, and be independently accepted by, each of the following:

o       the Office of Graduate Admissions and the College of Law for the MLS degree,

o       the Office of Graduate Admissions and the College of Social Work for the MSSW degree, and

o       the Dual Program Committee.

  • Students who have been accepted by both colleges may apply for approval to pursue the dual program at any time prior to or after matriculation in either or both colleges.

o       Such approval will be granted, provided that dual program studies are started prior to entry into the last 10 credit hours of College of Law course work and prior to the third semester of the MSSW program.

  • Students interested in entering the dual degree program should submit a letter of application to the Dual Degree Program Committee. Upon receipt of the application, the Dual Degree Program Committee will determine eligibility and assign students to advisors who will be responsible for course approval and supervision of the student’s progress through the dual program.

For more information, go to https://law.utk.edu/admissions/degree-programs/master-of-legal-studies-and-master-of-science-in-social-work-mls-mssw/