Collaborative Study
The MSW/J.D. Dual Degree Program
The Graduate School of Social Service and School of Law offer a combined program of study in graduate level social work and law to students who seek to earn both a Master’s degree in Social Work and Juris Doctor.
This interdisciplinary program provides individuals interested in social work and law the opportunity to obtain graduate degrees in both programs in four academic years. The joint degree program allows students to complete in four years a course of study that would otherwise take five years if initiated separately (J.D. = 3 years; M.S.W. = 2 years).
The joint degree program is challenging but rewarding. A joint degree student in social work and law studies the skills and material of both disciplines and enters field placements, summer internships, and eventually the workplace with a unique skill set and valuable practice experiences.
Alumni of the joint degree program in social work and law at Fordham University have gone on to work in a variety of settings in law and social work. Some alumni choose to work as attorneys as assistant district attorneys and law guardians, while others find employment as social workers, as program directors, and therapists.
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Program with the New York Theological Seminary
A collaborative program with the New York Theological Seminary enables students to earn both their MSW and M.Div. degrees. Employed students might find this program particularly attractive as seminary classes are offered at night and social work classes are offered on Saturdays. Students must be admitted by both schools. Theology students are eligible for transfer of up to twelve credits toward their MSW in accordance with our school's transfer of credit policy.
This program is primarily designed for mature, working women and men who are already serving in the ministry and desire to upgrade their competencies. The program is oriented to ministry in an urban context with diverse populations. Due to the special nature of this program and its compatibility with the mission of Fordham University, students enrolled in both programs are provided a 50 percent reduction in tuition for social work courses. Please notify the Dean of Admissions if you have been admitted to New York Theological Seminary.
The Master of Divinity is 90 credits. Twelve credits form the MSW will be transferred toward the degree – 8 credits in supervised ministry, 2 credits in pastoral care, 2 credits as a free elective. There are 33 credits in electives. Years E and F and summer sessions can be used to meet the elective requirements at NYTS.
The Master of Social Work is 66 credits. Twelve credits from the M. Div. will be transferred toward the degree. Oppression and the Struggle for Social Justice is equivalent to a NYTS elective with an oppression focus. Social Policy Analysis Advocacy and Practice is equivalent to Social Theory/ Social Analysis at NYTS. The remaining six credits are equivalent to electives at NYTS.
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Program with the Blanton-Peale Graduate Institute
Special arrangements have been made with the Blanton-Peale Institute so that students who wish to can earn an institute certificate in psychotherapy or family therapy after attaining the MSW degree. Students may be granted Blanton-Peale credit for certain courses completed at Fordham. A reciprocal arrangement is in place for Blanton-Peale students who wish to earn an MSW degree. Students must apply separately to the Blanton-peale Institute. Applicants interested in this opportunity should arrange to meet with the Office of Admission for details.
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