Minor/Dual Degree Programs

The School of Social Work offers nine Dual Degree programs in partnership with other Columbia University graduate schools and affiliates, allowing students the opportunity to combine study in two professional disciplines.

Students must apply to each school separately and be accepted to both programs in order to be designated as a Dual Degree student.

For each program, students are assigned faculty mentors for their respective programs and meet regularly with the Office of Student Services to review program and billing requirements.

The School of Social Work offers three minors that allow you to supplement your studies:

• Criminal Justice
• Emerging Technology, Media, and Society
• International Social Welfare

Declaration of minors can be done during your first year.  Students can pursue and complete the International Social Welfare minor during the second year.

NOTE: Students must declare their intent to pursue a minor no later than April 15th of the first year. Then register for the appropriate classes to fulfill your minor requirements.  You are not able to begin the Criminal Justice minor as a second-year student.

Dual Degree status is established once you have been accepted to two participating schools, based on their individual admissions requirements. You should contact the Office of Admissions of both schools for the Dual Degree program in which you’re interested in to learn their specific admissions requirements.

In addition to coursework and internship requirements, each participating institution requires that you maintain residency at the institution for a particular period. CSSW requires a residency minimum of three full-time terms (not including Summer, unless in the 16-Month Program).

Dual Degree requirements vary by program. Specific program plans that outline Social Work requirements are Dual Degree Study Plans.

The typical Dual Degree program is a total of 90 points:

• A minimum of 45-48 points with the School of Social Work
• 27-30 points in course work 
• 18 points in Practicum Learning
• 42-45 or more with the Dual Degree school. There is variation across the programs.

To complete the Social Work component of the curriculum, Dual Degree students should do the following:

• Officially register through CSSW for a minimum of three full-time terms, not including the Summer session (unless in the 16-Month Program
• Complete all background and foundation practice courses
• Complete all practice courses in the chosen method area
• Complete the program’s Practicum Learning requirements
• Notify the respective school's Coordinators, Advisors and Financial Aid Office of the coming year’s course plan (each year)
• File the appropriate registration and Financial Aid documents with the respective participating schools each term or year, as required.

• Social Work and Business Administration (Columbia Business School) – MSW/MBA
   
• Social Work and Public Health (Mailman School of Public Health) – MSW/MPH
   
• Social Work and Jewish Studies (Jewish Theological Seminary) – MSW/MA
   
• Social Work and Law (Columbia Law School) – MSW/JD
   
• Social Work and Divinity (Union Theological Seminary) – MSW/MDiv.

• Social Work and Urban Planning (School of Architecture) – MSW/MS
   
• Social Work and Public Administration (School of International and Public Affairs) – MSW/MPA
   
• Social Work and International Affairs (School of International and Public Affairs) – MSW/MIA
   
• Social Work and Special & General Education (Bank Street College of Education) – MSW/MEd