The Rutgers’ School of Social Work and the Rutgers’ Schools of Law in Camden and Newark have established an accelerated Dual Degree Program in Law and Social Work, by which a student can obtain both J.D. and M.S.W. degrees.

With the accelerated program, a full- time student can expect to complete the requirements for both degrees in four years rather than the typical five. A student wishing to enter the program must meet the admissions requirements of both schools and then during their academic career, must meet the academic standards of both to successfully complete the program. Each program will grant a student in the dual degree program 12 credit hours for course work in the other program, for a total of twenty-four credit hours. Social work students in the first year of their M.S.W. program are eligible, but should consult the law schools’ application deadlines and requirements for admission including appropriate dates for taking the LSAT. Law School students in their first or second year can apply to the School of Social Work for admission, but must meet the School of Social Work’s application dates and requirements for admission.

The dual degree is appropriate for social work students intending to major in Social Work Administration, Policy and Planning (APP), or Direct Practice (DP), as well as law school students interested in Social Policy, Social Welfare and the Human Services. Career opportunities include positions in government, non-profits, advocacy and education.