Social injustice often requires interdisciplinary efforts, particularly collaborations between law and social work.
The MSW/JD dual degree program offered by Case Western Reserve University’s Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences and the School of Law allows for full-time students to gain expertise in both fields, preparing them for impactful careers in Public Interest Law, Family Law, Administration, Supervision, Direct Provision of Services, Public Policy, and Individual and Family Practice.
This integrated program allows students to complete both the Master of Social Work (MSW) and Juris Doctor (JD) degrees in just four years - one year less than pursuing the degrees separately.
Program Highlight and Structure
- Interdisciplinary expertise: Develop knowledge in the methods, language, research, and ethics of both law and social work.
- Flexible start: Begin your first year at either the School of Law or the Mandel School.. The second year transitions to the alternate school.
- Flexible start: Begin your first year at either the School of Law or the Mandel School.. The second year transitions to the alternate school.
- Cross-Credits:
- The School of Law allows up to 12 hours of credit from select Mandel School courses to count toward the JD degree.
- The Mandel School allows up to 12 hours of credit from select School of Law courses to be credited toward the MSW degree.
Admissions Guidelines
- Applicants are encouraged to apply to both schools simultaneously to ensure acceptance into the dual degree program. Applying to the second school after the first year may not guarantee admission.
- Cross-credit eligibility: To receive cross-credits, students must:
- Pursue both degrees simultaneously
- Earn a minimum of a C grade in all cross-credit courses.
- Testing Requirements:
- The School of Law requires the LSAT.
- The Mandel School does NOT require GRE or MAT.
- Applicants must follow each school’s individual application procedures, requirements, and deadlines.
Field Education
Each student is required to complete four semesters of field education. The first two semesters (601 and 602) are completed during the first year in the Mandel School program. The advanced (603 and 604) placement is completed during the third or fourth year of the program. For the advanced placement, efforts are made to place the student in a human service setting embracing problem-solving processes with legal implications.
For additional information, please contact Scott Wilkes.