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Double your impact with dual expertise

Embark on an educational journey that bridges the disciplines of law and social work with Washburn University’s J.D./MSW Dual Degree Program. This innovative program, a partnership between Washburn Law and the School of Applied Studies, provides a unique opportunity to earn both a Juris Doctor and a Master of Social Work concurrently. By integrating these two fields, students gain a comprehensive skill set to tackle complex social and legal issues, preparing them for a versatile and impactful career.

Program overview

Ideal for students passionate about family law, mental health, juvenile justice, or community development, the J.D./MSW Dual Degree Program offers a rigorous yet efficient educational path. Students enrolled in this program benefit from an interdisciplinary approach, gaining insights and skills that are applicable across various professional settings. This efficient pathway ensures students can dive into their careers sooner, equipped with a robust foundation in both law and social work.
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Why Choose Washburn for Your J.D./MSW Dual Degree?

Opting for the J.D./MSW Dual Degree at Washburn means gaining an edge in the job market with dual expertise. Graduates possess the unique ability to navigate both legal and social work environments, making them highly attractive to employers in various sectors. Washburn’s commitment to practical, skills-based education ensures that you’ll graduate ready to excel in your first job, leveraging a diverse skill set that addresses both the legal and social dimensions of client issues. This dual degree enhances your credentials, giving you a competitive advantage and broadening your career prospects.
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Program structure and requirements The J.D./MSW program at Washburn is structured to offer flexibility and depth. Here's how it works:

The J.D./MSW Dual Degree Program is designed to maximize efficiency and learning.

  • Complete the rigorous first-year law curriculum*
  • After the first year, take law, social work or a mix of both courses each semester.**
  • Finish the program with 111 credit hours for advanced-standing students or 144 credit hours for regular-standing students. 
*Students may choose to begin either their legal studies or their social work studies first. However, credit for social work classes taken before students have completed their first year of law school will not transfer to the law school.

**If students simultaneously take courses in both programs, the total number of credits enrolled in at one time must stay within the parameters required by the American Bar Association's standards governing accredited law schools.

Both the JD and MSW programs have specific requirements that students must fulfill to graduate.

  • J.D.: 90 credit hours, including foundational course and skills requirements
  • MSW: Both regular and advanced standing options are available depending on a student's prior education emphasis. 
    • Regular-standing:* 66 credit hours, including two field education practicums
    • Advanced standing:** 33 credit hours, including one clinical field education practicum
  • Shared credits: 6 credits from graduate social work coursework may count toward the J.D. and 6 credits of J.D. coursework may count toward the MSW. 

You'll meet with academic advisors in each school to ensure you are track to complete your requirements.

*The regular-standing program is available to students whose undergraduate education is in a field other than social work from an accredited university.

**Advanced standing is available to students who earned an undergraduate degree in social work from a CSWE accredited program within the last 10 years.

Applying to the J.D./MSW Dual Degree Program involves navigating the admissions requirements for both Washburn Law and the School of Social Work. You must submit applications to both schools, indicating your interest in the dual degree program.

  • Apply and be accepted by both the School of Law and the Social Work Program
  • LSAT or GRE scores are required for law school admission; there is no entrance exam for the MSW
  • Pay separate tuition rates for law and social work courses. 

Learn more about our J.D. and MSW programs

Apply to Washburn Law's J.D. degree program today and transform your passion for law into a rewarding career.