The Columbus School of Law and the National Catholic School of Social Service at The Catholic University of America offer a dual-degree program in which qualified full-time students may obtain both a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree.
Master's, Doctorate
Social Work (MSW) & Law (JD)
Degrees
- Law School. Independently, the law degree requires 84 credits of law coursework (the first-year required coursework constitutes 30 credits and the remaining 54 credits include courses focused on legal writing and professional skills courses, subjects tested on the bar exam, and courses in one's intended legal practice area). Dual Degree students are required to complete the entire first-year curriculum, but up to 12 advanced-year credits will be accepted from the M.S.W. program (thereby reducing the minimum law coursework overall to 72 credits). Students should note that 12 credits is the maximum number of non-law courses that a student may apply for law credit from all other departments in the university.
- M.S.W. Program. Independently, the M.S.W. degree from NCSSS requires a minimum of 60 credits. Dual degree students will be required to complete the entirety of the first-year M.S.W. program in their second year of the dual degree program (30 credits). However, 9 credits from the law school will be accepted to fulfill the advanced-year credit requirement, according to the plan outlined for the clinical and social change concentrations. Therefore, dual degree students should expect to complete a minimum of 51 credits at NCSSS.
In total, the dual degree program requires a minimum of 123 credits to fulfill both schools requirements. Students should note that by receiving some credit for some advanced year coursework from both schools, that the number of electives in both programs is reduced and therefore, depending on a particular student's area of interest, students may elect to complete more than 123 credits in the program to further focus their studies. Advisors from both schools work with dual degree students to craft plans that ensure preparation for both professional exams and practice.
- SSS 581: Social Welfare Policy & Services I
- SSS 605: Generalist Practice with Individuals, Families & Groups
- SSS 673: Foundation Field Instruction & Integrative Seminar I
More information about this degree is available on the School website or by request from our Admissions team.