What Is The Master of Social Work/Juris Doctor?

The MSW/JD is a dual degree program designed specifically for students who want to obtain both MSW and JD degrees.  The program is structured to enable a student to obtain an MSW and a JD degree a full year sooner than if the student had chosen to pursue the degrees independently.  Applicants who hold a Bachelor of Social Work Degree (BSW) can obtain an MSW and a JD in 3 years while applicants without a BSW can complete both degrees in 4 years.   The course sequencing is planned so that students can gain experience in the two professions simultaneously, including two specialized courses that integrate law and social work knowledge, perspectives and professional identity.

How Does The Program work?

Four year program (students without a BSW)

Year One:  Students complete the first year foundation courses in the MSW program including a field practicum in the summer that is social work specific. 

Year Two:  Students complete their first year of Law courses.

Year Three:  Students take MSW advanced courses and Law courses including a specialized MSW/JD course in research and policy analysis.

Year Four:  Students complete the MSW advanced coursework, law electives and a second specialized MSW/JD course in Professional ethics and identity.  Students also complete their MSW advanced practice internship for the completion of the MSW and JD degrees.

Three year program (students with a BSW)

Year One:  Students complete their first year of Law courses

Years Two and Three:  The same as above in years three and four.  
 

What are the admission requirements?

Students must meet the admission requirements of both the MSW and JD programs. 

MSW Admission requirements:

• BSW degree or a 4 year Honours Degree in a related discipline
• Minimum of B Cumulative GPA
• 1 statistics course
• 1 research course

JD Admissions Requirements:

• Law School Admission Test Score (LSAT) written within the last six years at the time of application
   

If I apply for the MSW/JD program am I also considered for admission into the MSW program and JD programs separately?

No, you must apply to each program individually if you wish to be considered for admission to the MSW program or JD program only.  Applicants who apply separately for the MSW and JD programs will receive separate notifications of their acceptance into the individual programs.  Being accepted or rejected by the MSW and JD programs independently will not automatically ensure acceptance or rejection into the MSW/JD program.

MSW/JDgraduates will be well positioned to serve the diverse and complex needs required of employers in the legal and/or human services.  Children's Aid Societies, Office of the Children's Lawyer, and Legal Aid providers are possible employers of graduates from this program