Select Page

An understanding of critical social and legal issues and interpersonal dynamics enhances your ability to represent and advocate for your clients. The dual MSW/JD prepares you for a range of practice options, including direct representation or clinical work, systemic reform, legislative advocacy, and community development. Offered jointly with the NORTHAMPTON University School of Social Work, the four-year dual Master of Social Work (MSW)/JD program gives you a broader understanding of the human concerns in legal interventions.

The joint degree program is applicable to many fields, including child welfare, domestic relations, domestic violence, education, immigration, juvenile justice, mental health, and services to the elderly. Within the MSW program, you may choose one of two tracks: the clinical track or leadership track. Field placements are available in a number of settings, including mental health, child and family, geriatric and chemical dependency.

You will achieve all learning outcomes of both the JD and MSW degrees. Your studies in each program will be enhanced by designing a curriculum tailored to your interests and career goals.

Graduates will be prepared to work in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, advocacy and lobbying positions, as well as private sector firms.

You will achieve all learning outcomes of both the JD and MPP degrees. Your studies in each program will be enhanced by designing a curriculum tailored to your interests and career goals.

CURRICULUM

 

You will work with your advisors to plot your course sequence based on admission time, career goals, and course availability. Here is a sample plan:

YEAR ONE

Fall and Spring Semesters
Full-time Law Program, 29-30 credits
Summer Semester

YEAR TWO

Fall Semester
8 credits of Law School coursework
Advocacy
2 elective courses
7.5 credits of Social Work coursework

Field Instruction I and Integrative Seminar
Human Behavior in the Social Environment I
Social Work with Individuals and Families I
Spring Semester
11-12 credits of Law School Elective coursework,
Professional Responsibility
3 elective courses
3.5 credits of social work coursework
Field Instruction II
Human Behavior in the Social Environment II
Summer Semester

YEAR THREE

Fall Semester
3 credits of Law School elective coursework
9 credits of Social Work coursework

Field Instruction III
Integrative Seminar
Policies and Strategies for Community Intervention
Research Practicum or Elective
Elective based on specialization
Spring Semester
4 credits of Law School elective coursework
4 credits of Social Work coursework

Field Instruction IV
Research Practicum
Summer Semester

YEAR FOUR

Fall Semester
10 credits of Law School elective coursework
6 credits of Social Work coursework based on specialization.

Spring Semester

Degree Requirements

To earn a JD/MSW dual degree, you must complete a total of 128 credit hours, including 77 law credit hours, and 51 MSW credit hours, including two internships. The dual degree can be completed in four years of concentrated study. You will spend your first year as a full-time law student. JD foundational course requirements and skills and experiential course requirements will be taken in the second, third and fourth years, concurrent with social work courses.

FEES

 

The School of Law and Northampton Financial Aid Office are committed to helping students secure the necessary financial resources to make their legal education at Northampton affordable

Fee