The University of Pittsburgh offers dual, joint, and cooperative MSW degrees for ambitious students looking to diversify their knowledge and professional skill set. By pairing a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree with another graduate degree, students engage in a rigorous, interdisciplinary academic program while expanding their career opportunities and deepening their understanding of social work practice.
Graduate students can enroll in one dual, joint, or cooperative degree program within Pitt’s School of Social Work and another school or program. Enrolling in more than one dual, joint, or cooperative degree program is not permitted.
With two graduate degrees and top-quality training, students are primed for a competitive job market and ready to stand out as exemplary leaders in their future endeavors.
What Is the Difference Between a Dual, Joint, and Cooperative MSW Degree?
Students interested in earning an MSW dual, joint, or cooperative degree should evaluate their professional and personal goals to determine which degree program best suits their needs.
While all three program paths result in students earning two graduate degrees, the primary difference lies in where each degree is housed.
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An MSW dual degree allows students to earn two degrees within Pitt’s School of Social Work.
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An MSW joint degree allows students to earn two degrees from two different schools within the University of Pittsburgh.
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An MSW cooperative degree allows students to earn two degrees — one from the School of Social Work and another from an outside partner or entity.
Is an MSW Dual, Joint, or Cooperative Degree Worth It?
Enrolling in our dual degree program allows you to earn two graduate degrees, expand your professional skill set, and deepen your understanding of two distinct but related fields efficiently and cost-effectively. With the field knowledge, real-world experience, and confidence acquired through the dual degree program, you’ll be equipped to take on leadership roles after graduation.
Dual, Joint, and Cooperative Degree Admissions Requirements
For most MSW dual degree programs, applicants must apply and be accepted into each program separately. The specifics of admission requirements differ from program to program.
Dual, Joint, and Cooperative Degree Requirements
Requirements vary based on the selected dual MSW degree program. For more information, visit the individual dual, joint, or cooperative degree pages.
MSW Joint Degree Programs
MSW/Master of Business Administration (MBA)
The MSW/Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a joint-degree program designed to give students comprehensive training in advanced social work practice and business management.
Because the social work profession expands beyond direct practice and into administrative and management roles in non-profit organizations, social workers need to know how to run an organization well, including financial management, marketing, human resources, and more.
Students pursuing a joint MSW/MBA degree receive the hands-on training and diverse learning experience needed to become strong leaders in social work and business.
MSW/Graduate School of Public and International Affairs
Pitt’s School of Social Work and Graduate School of Public and International Affairs offer three joint degrees:
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MSW/Master of Public and International Affairs
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MSW/Master of International Development
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MSW/Master of Public Administration
Through this joint degree program, students are equipped to serve in government and nonprofit organizations and engage in social and urban planning. With the interdisciplinary training and professional development students receive, they are well-prepared to excel in their post-graduate careers as community leaders and advocates for social change.
MSW/Master of Public Health
For students who are invested in social justice and bringing change to systemic health disparities, Pitt’s School of Social Work and School of Public Health offer a joint MSW/Master of Public Health (MPH) degree. The dual MSW/MPH degree gives students interdisciplinary training in social work practice and community and population health evaluation, policy, education, and more.
Master of Public Health/Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work
Pitt’s joint Master of Public Health/Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work degree provides training in social work practice and research and prepares students to emerge as leaders in the public health system. Integrating the study of public health management and policy with advanced social work education gives students a high-quality, interdisciplinary education.
They are qualified to focus on preventing social and health problems, understand the implications of socioeconomic, racial, cultural, and financial factors that impact the distribution of health services, and coordinate population-specific health services.
Cooperative MSW Degree Programs
MSW/Master of Divinity
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and Pitt SSW offer the MSW/Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree, created for graduate students eager to partner their love of theology with their commitment to social work. This cooperative MSW degree is ideal for those interested in serving their community as a chaplain or clinical pastoral education supervisor for a health care facility, a Christian counselor, or a director of a religious institute.
Connect With Pitt’s School of Social Work
The School of Social Work regularly hosts graduate fairs, in-person and virtual information sessions, and other events to connect prospective students with faculty and admissions team members, give comprehensive program overviews, and answer questions about field placements, career services, and more.
Explore our upcoming events and information sessions.
Apply to an MSW Dual, Joint, or Cooperative Degree Program
Earn a dual, joint, or cooperative MSW degree to grow your interdisciplinary expertise, gain valuable real-world experience, and become a leader in whatever professional field you choose.
Begin your application today. Or, if you have further questions about what the dual, joint, or cooperative MSW degree programs entail, request more information.