The dual Juris Doctor (JD) and Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) recognizes the value of interdisciplinary study and encourages students having an interest in both social work and law to pursue these degrees simultaneously. Social workers and lawyers often seek to address identical or related societal concerns. Understanding of both disciplines can enhance an individual's effectiveness in both professional capacities. Law courses strengthen the social worker's understanding of legal doctrine and structures that have impact on social institutions and human conditions; social work courses help lawyers to better understand human behavior, conflict resolution, and social welfare institutions.

Admission Requirements

The JD/MSSW program is open to all students who have successfully completed a baccalaureate degree at an accredited college or university. To be admitted into the program, the student must 1) apply to, 2) meet the admission requirements of, and 3) be independently accepted by the Raymond A. Kent School of Social Work and the Louis D. Brandeis School of Law. Social work students planning to pursue the dual degree must apply to and be accepted to law school prior to the completion of 30 credit hours in the master's program. Students currently enrolled only in the School of Law must apply to the MBA program prior to completing the first semester of the second year of law school.

Upon admission to both schools, students should contact the law school and the Kent school to develop a proposed course of study. It is the student's responsibility to monitor their progress in the program and to update the course of study as needed.

Curriculum Requirements*

Candidates in the JD/MSSW program must complete 48 hours in the MSSW curriculum (instead of the normal 60 hours) and 81 hours in the JD curriculum (instead of the normal 90 hours). The Kent School will apply twelve credit hours in law as electives towards the MSSW degree. The Brandeis School of Law will allow students in this dual degree program to apply nine credit hours in social work as electives towards the JD degree. Only MSSW courses approved by the law school may be applied to the JD degree. Likewise, only JD courses approved by Kent School will be applied to the MSSW degree. Students may be awarded the MSSW upon completion of the 60 credits of required coursework. Students will not be awarded the JD degree until completion of both programs.

Students may begin the dual degree program in either Kent School or Brandeis. In the first year of study, the participating student will follow the full-time academic schedule of the program in which the student enrolls first. In the second year, the students will complete the first-year coursework in the alternative program. After completion of both first-year curricula, the student may combine law and social work courses during the third and fourth years. Careful curriculum planning is required.

Full-time JD/MSSW students must be enrolled in the Brandeis School of Law for a minimum of six semesters; and must enroll in a minimum of 10 hours each semester. Part-time JD/MSSW students must be enrolled in a total of eight credit hours each term for a minimum of eight semesters.

*The Kent School also permits any social work student who already has earned a JD degree from an ABA accredited law school within the preceding five years to petition for allowance of up to twelve law credits toward the elective requirements of the MSSW degree.

Law School Requirements (as of Fall 2001)

The Brandeis School of Law does not have sequenced pairs of courses after the first year. It should be noted, however, that many upper division elective courses have prerequisites. For example, the course in Evidence is a prerequisite to Trial Practice and several externships. In order to be counted for law school credits, field placements must be in an approved site and related to the legal system. The practicum courses from Kent School will not replace the public service requirement. In all cases, students should plan their schedules carefully and consult with advisors in both programs.

Kent School Requirements (as of Fall 2001)

Students must take the practice courses concurrently with the practicum courses and students who take the research sequence without the field practicum will be expected to have a researchable topic related to social work practice.

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