Dual Degrees with Social Work

Rationale

Students at the School of Theology can pursue any of the following degrees in conjunction with the Master of Social Work through the Boston University School of Social Work:  Master of Divinity (MDiv/MSW), Master of Theological Studies (MTS/MSW), or Doctor of Ministry (DMin/MSW).  The dual degree programs of the School of Theology and the School of Social Work are designed for students who wish to combine the knowledge and disciplines of theology and ministry with those of social work.  The overall purpose of these dual degrees is to add a faith dimension to professional social work practice, and to add an urban clinical or macro practice dimension to theological studies.  The curricula of the dual degree programs overlap such that both degrees can be acheived by the student in a shorter time than pursuing each individually.

Program Details

Normally, it takes three years (full-time) and one summer to complete the requirements for the Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of Theological Studies (MTS). Four years (full-time) and one summer are required to complete the Master of Social Work (MSW) and the Master of Divinity (MDiv). The DMin/MSW will require three and a half to four years of study to complete, with a maximum of six years allowed.  Typically the student registers in an equal number of semesters in each School.

Students should begin their program with one full year at the School of  Theology because, if they do so, the School of Theology is able to provide significant financial aid to the student, even as they pursue the MSW.  Other than this support, students pay the tuition of the School in which they are registered. Please note that the cost of tuition at the School of Social Work is higher than the cost of tuition at the School of Theology, and students enrolled in the dual degree program should anticipate higher costs for the semesters when they are enrolled through the School of Social Work.

Prospective students should initially apply to the School of Theology and then pursue admission to the MSW program during their first year at the School of Theology.  The two schools have very similar admissions requirements, so there should be little worry of admission to only one of the two programs.  In other words, if a prospective student is able to be admitted to one program, s/he is highly likely to be admitted to the other.

Incoming MTS or MDiv students to the School of Theology may register for a School of Social Work course during their first semester of study to explore their interest in the dual degree program.  If they find that they enjoy the course, they can apply to the MSW degree program for the following semester or year, and if they do not, the course is able to count toward their STH curriculum as a free elective.

For more information, contact Prof. Sunny Shin at the School of Social Work or the Admissions Office at the School of Theology.