2117 Cathedral of Learning

412-624-6302

tfab@pitt.edu

MSW/Juris Doctor – School of Law The School of Social Work and the School of Law offer a joint Master of Social Work-Juris Doctor (MSW-JD) degree. This program begins in the 2007-08 academic year. The MSW-JD degree program focuses on the variety of areas in which social work and law converge, such as child welfare, aging, health, mental health, juvenile and criminal justice, family issues, and housing. Increasingly, social work professionals are working with attorneys to promote the well-being of their clients. These areas of convergence exist in social work practice with individuals, families, and groups as well as with communities and organizations. For example, child welfare social workers frequently collaborate with lawyers to secure the best interests of their child clients and to protect the rights of birth, foster, or adoptive parents. Similarly, social workers who serve as agency executives often work closely with attorneys in carrying out their fiduciary duties. The intersection of legal and social work concerns is also evident at the policy level, and research from both professional disciplines has been used to inform these activities. It is not uncommon for practitioners from both fields to work in concert to draft, implement, and/or advocate for legislation at the local, state, and federal levels. For example, social workers and attorneys have together played key roles in advocating for improvements in the processing and treatment of juvenile offenders. Similarly, numerous legal and social work professionals have jointly served on various task forces and committees to improve the health and welfare of older adults and their family members. Admissions: Students interested in the MSW-JD program will apply to and be admitted to each program separately. Students must complete two separate applications and meet the separate requirements of each school. A joint application may also be required. Ideally, applicants should apply to each program simultaneously. However, the School of Social Work will accept applications from law students during the first year of law school and full-time MSW students who are in the process of completing first year courses may apply to the Law School. The MSW-JD program requires a four-year curriculum plan. Both degrees will be granted at the end of the four-year period.