Dual Degree Program in Social Work and Education

Please note: The GRE is required of all students applying to the School of Education for the dual degree program.

The dual degree program in Social Work and Education (specifically a concentration in Special Education) was established at Boston University in 1988 in recognition of the fact that social workers and educators are deeply involved in working with children and families who are at risk. The goal of the program is to enable students to develop skills in both professional arenas and to take leadership in designing and administering creative programmatic responses to the changing needs of schools, families, and communities.

The program is a multifaceted course of study leading to the dual master’s degree—Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of Education (EdM)—or to an MSW and a doctorate in Education (EdD). Teacher certification in Special Education may also be obtained with additional coursework that is not part of the dual degree.

Applicants may apply to both programs simultaneously or they can apply to the School of Social Work or the School of Education through the normal channels and, at the end of the first semester of matriculation, apply to the second school.

A grade point average of 3.0 or its equivalent in previous undergraduate or graduate coursework is required. The 
most recent grades (i.e., the last two years of undergraduate study) or recent graduate study will be given priority.

Students applying to the doctorate (MSW/EdD) degree program must have at least three years’ experience in education or a related field. Tuition and financial aid are based on the school in which the student is taking the majority of credits (the current primary school of residence).