MSW/MBA Dual Degree Program

The pursuit of dual degrees in Social Work and Business Administration has become increasingly popular among students seeking to combine their passion for social change with the leadership and management skills needed to drive that change in complex organizational settings. These dual degree programs, such as the MSW/MBA programs offered by some of the top universities in the United States, are designed to equip students with both the social work expertise and business acumen required for leadership roles in social services, healthcare, nonprofit management, and beyond. Below are some of the top universities offering MSW/MBA dual degree programs, providing students with the opportunity to gain a comprehensive, interdisciplinary education.

Boston College offers one of the most well-regarded MSW/MBA dual degree programs in the country. The program is a collaboration between the Graduate School of Social Work (GSSW) and the Carroll Graduate School of Management (CGSOM), combining knowledge and skills in the behavioral and administrative sciences. The program is specifically designed to provide students with an understanding of social work practices while simultaneously equipping them with expertise in business management and leadership. The dual degree program enables students to graduate with a deep understanding of management decision-making, leadership, and social work theory. According to the 2009 U.S. News & World Report rankings, the Graduate School of Social Work at Boston College is ranked 14th, while the Carroll School moved up five places from 2008 to 34th. These strong rankings reflect the high quality of education offered at Boston College and make its dual degree program an attractive option for students interested in social change and management. The integration of social work and business education ensures that graduates are well-prepared to take on leadership roles in organizations that serve vulnerable populations, such as social services agencies, healthcare organizations, and nonprofit organizations.

Another prestigious institution offering an MSW/MBA dual degree program is the University of Pennsylvania. This program is particularly suited for students who already have some supervisory or administrative experience and are looking to further develop their leadership skills. The University of Pennsylvania offers a unique opportunity for students to earn two highly respected degrees—the Master of Social Work (MSW) from the School of Social Policy & Practice and the Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the renowned Wharton School. Wharton, consistently ranked among the top business schools in the world, was rated 2nd in North America in the 2010 QS Global 200 Business Schools Report. This dual degree program allows students to gain advanced knowledge in social policy and practice while simultaneously developing expertise in business leadership. By earning both degrees, graduates of this program are well-positioned to take on leadership roles in organizations that bridge the gap between business and social services, such as healthcare organizations, governmental agencies, and nonprofits. The combination of a solid foundation in social work and high-level business skills prepares graduates to address social issues with innovative solutions and strategic management.

The University of Houston is another leading institution offering a concurrent MSW/MBA program. This program is offered jointly by the Graduate College of Social Work and the C.T. Bauer College of Business, providing students with the skills necessary to excel in both social work and business leadership. The program typically takes about three years of full-time study to complete, providing students with a comprehensive education in both fields. The C.T. Bauer College of Business is highly regarded and was ranked 12th in the nation for its MBA program, with particular recognition for its ability to produce CEOs of S&P 500 companies. According to Bloomberg Markets, the school ranked 5th among public universities in producing such CEOs in a September 2004 report. This dual degree program is designed for students who wish to integrate social work practice with business management, enabling them to serve as effective leaders in social service organizations, healthcare systems, and nonprofit organizations. By earning both an MSW and an MBA, graduates are well-prepared to lead organizations that aim to improve the well-being of individuals and communities, especially those facing significant social challenges.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore, offers another well-regarded MSW/MBA dual degree program, which prepares students to function effectively in leadership roles within social service organizations. Students in this program can earn both degrees in approximately three years of full-time study, not including summers. The University of Maryland’s School of Social Work is ranked 18th among schools of social work by U.S. News & World Report, reflecting its reputation for excellence in the field. The MSW/MBA program at Maryland provides students with the necessary knowledge to deliver quality services in social work, as well as the management skills to run social service programs and lead organizations. Graduates of the program are equipped with the skills needed to manage and lead in a wide range of settings, from social service agencies and healthcare organizations to nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies. This dual degree program is ideal for students who wish to combine their commitment to social justice and community well-being with the strategic, operational, and financial skills needed to effectively manage organizations in the social sector.