Combined Graduate Study (3+2 and 3+1)

Smiling student

Undergraduate students can get a head start on a graduate student education by taking part in the Mandel School's 3+2 Social Work or 3+1 Nonprofit Management programs. These combined graduate study options give you a unique chance to earn a top-ranked master’s-level degree in as few as four years on campus.

Think about that: In the time students across the country earn an undergraduate degree, you could graduate with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a highly employable field.


3+2 Social Work

Get a head start on your career as a Change Leader by completing your undergraduate program plus our top-ranked graduate social work program in just five years. This option is available to undergraduates majoring in social or behavioral sciences at participating schools. Begin your first year of social work graduate study during what would normally be your last year of undergraduate work to begin making a difference in your chosen career at an accelerated pace.

  • Degrees Earned: Bachelor's, Master of Social Work
  • Total Time: 5 years

Your bachelor’s degree will be granted by your undergraduate college when you’ve successfully completed your first year of the social work program.

Learn about social work at the Mandel School

Participating Schools

How to Apply

You must apply to the Mandel School before the end of your junior year. To qualify, you must demonstrate superior academic ability and achievement during your first three years of undergraduate study, have sufficient coursework in the social and behavioral sciences by the end of your junior year, have a 3.2 GPA or higher, and obtain a letter of eligibility from the University Registrar at your undergraduate school.


3+1 Nonprofit Management

Case Western Reserve University undergraduates can spend their senior year gaining meaningful experience in management, leadership and strategic-planning skills, along with the essential tools you need to lead a nonprofit and carry out its mission ethically and effectively.

  • Degrees Earned: Bachelor's, Master of Nonprofit Organizations
  • Total Time: 4 years

Gain a competitive edge on the job market by earning a Master of Nonprofit Organizations (MNO) during your senior year. No additional tuition necessary. You’ll graduate with your class from CWRU in just four years with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree.

Learn about the Master of Nonprofit Organizations

How it Works

The MNO program is a 39 credit hour program. You may begin MNO classes in either the summer after your junior year or in the fall semester of your senior year, completing the MNO coursework in three semesters. Your bachelor’s and master’s degrees will be granted by Case Western Reserve University after successful completion of the MNO coursework your senior year.

How to Apply

Apply to the Mandel School before the end of your junior year. The application process will include an interview. To qualify for the 3+1 program, you must demonstrate superior academic ability and achievement during your first three years of undergraduate study, have met your undergraduate major requirements by the end of your junior year, have a 3.2 GPA or higher, and obtain a letter of eligibility from Undergraduate Studies. Please contact the Office of Undergraduate Studies at ugstudies@case.edu to obtain a letter of eligibility.