Program Overview

Dual Degree Programs in Social Work and Education

The dual degree program in Social Work and Education was established at Boston University in 1988 to provide opportunities for students to develop skills in both professional arenas and to take leadership in designing and administering creative direct service and programmatic responses to the changing needs of schools, families, and communities.

Program Description

The program is a multifaceted course of study that leads to two master’s degrees (MSW and EdM). Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of Education (EdM) students have the option to focus on justice-based, anti-oppressive approaches to Clinical or Macro Social Work, and in either Special Education or Educational Leadership & Policy Studies. Teacher licensure in Special Education or school administration may also be obtained with additional coursework beyond that which is required for the MSW/EdM.

Program Goals

The dual degree programs are designed to give students knowledge and skills that crosscut the disciplines of social work and education, providing an interdisciplinary professional education that will be applicable in a variety of social work and education settings and in a variety of professional roles.

Degree Requirements

• Students are expected to meet the core requirements of both schools. Course savings come from the capacity to use electives in one program to take courses in the other school, and from a limited number of courses that count for credit in both schools.
• Students seeking two master’s degrees may graduate with both degrees with a total of 83 credits as opposed to 101 credits if the degrees were taken separately. Many students opt to take the maximum number of courses covered by their tuition, which may exceed 83 credits.
• Students starting at the School of Social Work will find their first-year coursework similar to that of other full-time social work students. In the second year, coursework is commonly done at both schools.
• With approval of the student’s advisor, almost all education courses are open to dual degree students in fulfillment of their education degree, whereas social work courses are more closely associated with either the clinical or macro track, specializations, and minors.
• Students who complete the course and credit requirements for one degree (typically the MSW) may have that degree conferred before completion of the second degree.

Practicum Education

The Wheelock College of Education & Human Development requires a practicum placement only for students who are seeking Special Education Teaching licensure. However, it is recommended for all students. The School of Social Work requires two social work practica for all students except Advanced Standing students, who are required to complete one 1,000-hour practicum.

Career Opportunities

Program graduates are currently working in a wide variety of positions, including early intervention programs, after-school programs, community-based mental health with children and families, school social work, school administration, program design and leadership, advocacy, and policy development at the local, state, and federal levels.

Accreditation

Boston University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).