Dual Degrees in Theology and Social Work

The two dual degree programs combine the School of Theology Master of Divinity and Master of Theological Studies with a Master of Social Work from BU’s School of Social Work.

Requirements

Optimally, the duration for each dual degree program is:

• Three years (full time) to complete the requirements for the Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of Theological Studies (MTS)
• Four years (full time) to complete the Master of Social Work (MSW) and the Master of Divinity (MDiv)

Students should begin their program with one full year at the School of Theology (STH), taking one course each term in the School of Social Work (see plans of study). During the second year, students complete the School of Social Work “Foundation Year,” in which the School of Social Work becomes their “home school.” In subsequent years, the student is again an STH student taking no more than 50% of their coursework in the School of Social Work.

Please see the individual school websites for advanced standing and transfer unit policies.

Admissions

To be admitted to one of the dual degree programs, a student must meet the entrance requirements of each school. MDiv/MSW and MTS/MSW require a 3.0 GPA.

Applicants to these dual degrees should apply simultaneously to the School of Theology and the School of Social Work, preferably using the January 15 priority deadline to do so. This allows students to matriculate as a dual degree student from the start of their program.

The programs are not open to students who have already completed one of the joint degrees (either the MSW or an MTS or MDiv) at another graduate school.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Students pay the tuition of their home school. Given the substantial difference in the cost of tuition at the two schools, a student from the School of Theology should anticipate significantly higher costs for those terms when the majority of units are from the School of Social Work.

School of Theology financial assistance is possible for qualified STH students depending on their degree program—only for the years in which the School of Theology is their home school.