MSW and MBA Dual Degree 

You value helping others and the service side of social work. Now you can explore the business side of social work by gaining management expertise, negotiation tactics, and other business foundations through our faith-based Master of Social Work and Master of Business Administration dual degree program. 

The MSW/MBA dual degree 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. 

How the MSW and MBA Works

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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. 

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Make an Impact for Good: The MSW Program at Southern

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MSW and 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.

Scroll Horizontally ->

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) 

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Is an MSW and 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

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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

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Read our blog

What Can You Do With a Master's in Social Work?

If you’re considering enrolling in a Master of Social Work (MSW) program, you’ve likely been dreaming about what career you can pursue after. Maybetrue

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Resources for Getting Your Dual Degree

MSW MBA Course Guide

MSW MBA Course Guide

Download Course Guide

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Faculty

Laura Racovita, Ph.D. headshot

Laura Racovita, Ph.D.

Dean


Evie Nogales Baker headshot

Evie Nogales Baker

Associate Professor


Braam Oberholster headshot

Braam Oberholster


Lunelle Bertresse headshot

Lunelle Bertresse

Assistant Professor


Stephanie Guster headshot

Stephanie Guster

Senior Advisor for Diversity Associate Professor


Lorri Merchant headshot

Lorri Merchant

Adjunct


Nina Nelson headshot

Nina Nelson

Associate Professor


Corneliu Rusu headshot

Corneliu Rusu

Professor


Kristie Wilder headshot

Kristie Wilder

Professor


 

 

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