The SSW allows students to enroll in self-initiated dual degree programs. Students who wish to pursue a dual degree must apply to and be admitted to each program separately. Course credit hours completed in another unit and used toward the MSW degree must have content that applies directly to the student's program of study in social work. Dual degree programs are not available to students who have already earned one of the two degrees.
The SSW offers two options for self-initiated dual degrees. They are:
Non-Rackham Program Option
Students who are pursuing a self-initiated dual degree with a school or program outside of the Rackham Graduate School will follow these guidelines:
• Dual-degree students are responsible for understanding the requirements of both programs and developing a specific course plan with their academic advisor(s).
• The student must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or above in accordance with the MSW policy on repeated coursework and GPA calculation.
• 60 credit MSW students must complete a minimum of 42 SSW credits taken in the SSW (and all registered under your social work career). This must include all required field credits and pathway-required courses.
• 45 credit MSW students must complete a minimum of 30 SSW credits taken in the SSW (and all registered under your social work career). This must include all required field credits and pathway- required courses.
• Students may still apply for course substitutions and exemptions per the SSW policies, but must still complete the designated number of credits listed above in the SSW.
• All requirements for the degree must be satisfied, including the completion of all the credits to be counted within the required four-year limit.
• Please refer to the Dual Degree Fact Sheet for additional information (https://ssw.umich.edu/sites/default/files/documents/oss/dual_degree_fact_sheet.pdf ).
Rackham Program Option
Students who are pursuing a self-initiated dual degree within the Rackham Graduate School will follow these guidelines:
• Dual-degree students are responsible for understanding the requirements of both programs and developing a specific course plan with their academic advisor(s).
• The student must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or above in accordance with the MSW policy on repeated coursework and GPA calculation.
• 60 credit MSW students must complete a minimum of 42 SSW credits taken in the SSW (and all registered under your social work career). This must include all required field credits and pathway-required courses.
• 45 credit MSW students must complete a minimum of 30 SSW credits taken in the SSW (and all registered under your social work career). This must include all required field credits and pathway-required courses.
• Students are allowed to double-count up to one-sixth of the total credits from both programs, not to exceed half of either program.
a. 60 credit MSW students must complete a minimum of 42 SSW credits taken in the SSW (and all registered under your social work career). This must include all required field credits and pathway-required courses.
b. MasterTrack, 4+1, and Advanced Standing MSW students must complete a minimum of 30 SSW credits taken in the SSW (and all registered under your social work career). This must include all required field credits and pathway-required courses.
• Students may apply for course substitutions and exemptions per the SSW policies but must complete the designated number of credits listed above in the SSW (See volume 1, chapter 3 Exemption Policies and Procedures for Essentials Courses).
• All requirements for each degree must be satisfied, including the completion of all the credits to be counted within the required four-year limit.
• Dual-degree students are responsible for understanding the requirements of both programs and developing a specific course plan with their academic advisor(s).
• Please refer to the Dual Degree Fact Sheet for additional information (https://ssw.umich.edu/sites/default/files/documents/oss/dual_degree_fact_sheet.pdf ).