Combining a strong foundation in social work with another discipline opens the door to endless career possibilities working with individuals, groups, communities, and organizations in the fields of health and mental health. With this program, you’ll earn both a bachelor’s degree and an MSW.
Our MSW dual-degree program is designed for outstanding students who want to reap the benefits of completing a dual degree while at Quinnipiac University. The path to the dual-degree MSW is completed in six years and is open to both students enrolled in bachelor of science and bachelor of arts programs. For both the BS/MSW and BA/MSW paths, students begin taking graduate courses during their senior year that count toward both an undergraduate degree and an MSW.
Our dual-degree curriculum emphasizes collaboration and critical thinking, and you’ll hone your leadership and presentation skills through group projects. You’ll explore the major challenges of today’s health and mental health systems and examine key topics, such as human behavior theory, policy, research, anti-racist practice and a variety or specialized electives. This program fosters the development of hands-on practice skills through experiential learning and internships.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 53,800 new Social Work jobs will be created over the next decade. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023)
A 2017 National Association of Social Workers Workforce Study found MSW salaries were $13,000 higher than for those who held a BSW degree.
Career development is central to this program. You’ll receive guidance not only from our dedicated faculty and staff, but also a vast network of alumni eager to assist in internship and job search. Job fairs and recruiting events also connect you with representatives from prominent health and mental health agencies, including Hartford Healthcare. With an intimate understanding of key social work skills, you’ll graduate with a step up on your competition, ready to excel in a range of health and mental health careers.
In today’s competitive market, a graduate degree is often expected and can be the key to your success in the health and mental health field. Our innovative dual-degree programs give you a clear path to achieving your goals.
As a dual-degree student, you’ll enjoy:
Seamless plan of study: Our dual-degree programs enable you to streamline the completion of both your undergraduate and graduate studies — building relationships with classmates and professors in the supportive and enriching environment that you have come to know.
Save money: Certain courses count toward both undergraduate and graduate requirements — allowing you to spend less money on your graduate degree.
Simplified application process: When you maintain good academic standing in the program, you are seamlessly enrolled into the graduate program of study — eliminating the need to find another graduate program, take additional tests for admission or complete a separate admission process.
Career development: Dual-degree students gain access to special career-focused programming — including networking and internship opportunities, recruitment events, career fairs and other experiential opportunities.
Personalized advising: Students are assigned a dedicated adviser who will help with course selection, provide advice regarding internship options and prepare you for interviews — strengthening your resume before graduation.
Career readiness: Dual-degree students enter the workforce with an advance degree in hand — increasing your potential starting salary and setting you apart from other recent graduates who did not earn a master’s.
The dual-degree program emphasizes the skills employers value — practical skills, leadership, critical thinking and creative problem-solving. They also reflect our commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, experiential learning and career development.
Our BA or BS / Master of Social Work programs position you for a growing number of specialized and in-demand opportunities. Graduates gain valuable skills suited for a wide array of potential careers.
Therapist or counselor
Medical social worker
School social worker
Community outreach worker
Human services specialist
Probation officer
Behavioral management aide
Substance abuse counselor
All Council on Social Work Education programs measure and report student learning outcomes. Students are assessed on their mastery of the competencies that comprise the accreditation standards of the Council on Social Work Education. These competencies are dimensions of social work practice that all social workers are expected to master during their professional training. A measurement benchmark is set by the social work programs for each competency. An assessment score at or above that benchmark is considered by the program to represent mastery of that particular competency.
View the Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes: Form AS 4(M) (PDF)
The MSW and MSW - Advanced Standing programs meet the academic requirements for licensure as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). These programs are fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Initial accreditation was granted in March 2016.
Quinnipiac's online Master of Social Work (MSW) and online MSW Advanced Standing are currently in pre-candidacy for accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education's (CSWE) Board of Accreditation (BOA).
Our undergraduate admissions counselors are here to answer any questions you may have and help you navigate the application process.