Quick Links
The Master of Social Work-Master of Business Administration (MSW-MBA) dual degree program equips the BSW professional with interdisciplinary expertise in social work, business, and healthcare leadership. At Southern, this means building a holistic, Christ-centered philosophy for leadership, management, and research.
The School of Social Work now offers two participation options for select courses based on their learning purposes and content. Students may choose to attend these courses in person on campus or synchronously via Zoom every other Sunday during the semester. All other course requirements for both groups of students are completed online. All students, whether full-time or part-time, Foundation or Advanced placement, can choose to complete the program fully online.

Designed to meet the needs of the broadest spectrum of students, official classes meet twice a month on Sundays with the option of joining virtually or in person. In between class sessions, all students complete course assignments online.
- Advanced placement: With a bachelor's degree in social work from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) -accredited institution, qualifying students can typically complete the master’s program in 12 months (three semesters) on a full-time basis.
- Foundation placement: With a bachelor’s degree in another discipline (or from a non-accredited BSW program), full-time students typically can complete the program in six semesters.
To qualify for the dual degree program, students must be accepted into both the Schools of Social Work and Business. Typically, students focus on completing classes from one degree at a time, though overlap is acceptable if scheduling allows.
- Social work classes meet in person on campus or synchronously via Zoom every other Sunday during the semester and incorporate an online component for completing coursework.
- MBA classes are available on-campus and online.
- Full-time and part-time enrollment options can be customized to fit your life.
- Online courses provide even more convenience and flexibility.
With a bachelor's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited institution, qualifying students can typically complete the dual master’s program in 24 months (six semesters) on a full-time basis.


MSW-MBA Eligibility and Prerequisites
This list includes requirements for both the School of Business and the School of Social Work:
- Bachelor's degree: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited program, with coursework indicating a strong liberal arts background. (Advanced placement requires a Bachelor's of Social Work degree from a CSWE-accredited program.)
- GPA requirement: Possess a preferred GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.00 scale) in social work courses for Advanced placement and 2.75 for Foundation placement.
Application deadlines
All application steps are to be fully completed by the dates listed.
Term
U.S. Residents
International
Fall
July 1
May 1
Winter
November 1
September 1
Summer
April 1
(MBA program only)
February 1
(MBA program only)
How to Apply
Submit a graduate application (with non-refundable fee of $40)
Submit official college and university transcripts. Many institutions subscribe to the convenient transcript-request service at National Student Clearinghouse, or you may also contact your institution directly. Have transcripts sent to the Graduate and Professional Studies office (gradtranscripts@southern.edu). If you earned your prerequisite degree at Southern, you do not need to complete this step.
Submit two recommendation forms from a college professor, work supervisor, or social-work field instructor. This should be done as part of the online application process.
Submit a personal statement describing your motivation for graduate school in social work. It should be submitted through your Application Status Page.
Submit your current resumé through your Application Status Page.
Submit scores from the Graduate Management Admission Test taken within the past five years.
Possible exceptions: With approval, applicants may be admitted without the GMAT if they have an undergraduate degree from an accredited U.S. institution with a minimum GPA of 3.25 or above, or a GPA of 3.00 and five years of full-time business-related management experience.
Applicants who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States are considered international students and must meet additional requirements for admission.
International students who will be coming to Southern's campus need some additional information about travel documents and living on campus.
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the International Student Services Coordinator at 423.236.2845 or internationals@southern.edu.
Is an MSW-MBA Right for You?
Explore our blog posts to learn more about where a dual degree in MSW and MBA can take your career.
Read our blog
4 MSW Careers That Go Beyond Casework
When most people think of social work, they imagine traditional roles focused on community welfare and support. However, earning a Master of Socialtrue
Access the blogRead our blog
Should I Get an MBA? 3 Signs It's Time To Get An MBA
Should you get an MBA? In a way, only you can answer that question. Earning an MBA is a powerful way to take your career to the next level, and comestrue
Access the blogRead our blog
What Can You Do With a Master's in Social Work?
If you are considering enrolling in a Master of Social Work (MSW) program, you have likely been dreaming about what career you can pursue afterward.true
Access the blogMSW-MBA
Choose your area of interest.
MSW-MBA Course Guide
MSW-MBA Course Guide

Stephanie Guster, MSW
Senior Advisor for Diversity, Associate Professor
Request More Information
Want to learn more about the education programs at Southern? Just fill out the form to receive additional program resources and insights.
Lisye Fernandez
Graduate Program Manager
lisyef@southern.edu
423.236.2629