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Dual-Degree Program — Law

Students who wish to earn both a Master of Social Work degree and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree may pursue this dual-degree program with UNC School of Social Work and UNC School of Law.

Successful completion of this dual-degree program requires a minimum of 74 credit hours in law and 50 credit hours in social work (including field education). A graduate student pursuing only law would complete 86 credit hours toward the J.D. degree, and a graduate student pursuing only social work would complete 62 credit hours toward the MSW degree. However, candidates in the dual degree program may count certain courses toward both degrees, earning a total of 124 credit hours. A faculty advisor from each school must approve the student’s course of study.

You must apply separately to each school. Acceptance into one program does not guarantee acceptance into the other program. Most students apply to the School of Social Work during their first year of law school, complete two years of law school full time, begin social work courses full time during their third year, and complete remaining requirements in both programs during their fourth year.

Contacts — Master of Social Work / Juris Doctor Dual-Degree Program