Dual Programs
Dual and Joint Degree Programs at Howard University School of Social Work
At the Howard University School of Social Work, we offer three dynamic dual degree programs that allow students to expand their expertise and career opportunities:
- Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Master of Social Work
- Master of Social Work/Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Social Work/Master of Divinity (MDiv)
- Master of Social Work/Master of Public Health (MPH)
These dual degree options provide an exciting interdisciplinary approach for students enrolled in our MSW program. With guidance from academic advisors in both fields of study, students can tailor their course selections to align with their career goals. MSW students also have the opportunity to specialize in either Direct Practice or Community Administration Policy Practice. Please note that separate applications are required for each degree program.
B.S. in Human Development and Master's of Social Work
Human Development Social Program and Social Work (Undergraduate to Graduate Accelerated Program)
Visit: B.S. in Human Development and Master's of Social Work | School of Education (howard.edu)
B.S. Human Development Contacts:
Kyndra Middleton, Ph.D., Department Chair
kyndra.middleton@howard.edu
Velma LaPoint, Ph.D., Program Coordinator
vlapoint@howard.edu
This accelerated academic opportunity provides a systematic plan for students to continue their higher education beyond BS degree in Human Development and continue a second, separate MSW degree in Social Work.
B.S. Human Deveopment to MSW Admissions Criteria:
Students with the B.S. Human Development degree will complete their undergraduate degree requirements of 120 credits in three years.
Students with the B.S. Human Development degree will be admitted to the School of Social Work, provided that they successfully meet these criteria:
- Possess an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0;
- Provide four letters of recommendation, including at least one from a faculty member in the Undergraduate Program in Human Development, Department of Human Development and Psychoeducational Studies. These letters must speak to the applicant's readiness for a social work degree;
- Provide a Statement of Interest essay indicating their interest, preparation and readiness for the social work degree;
- Satisfactorily pass the School of Social Work Expository Writing Exam or successful completion of pre-enrollment writing course;
- A history of employment or volunteer experience related to social work is preferred.
MSW/Master of Business Administration (MBA)
School of Business
Visit: Howard School of Business | (hubschoolgradprograms.com)
MBA Contact:
Vashon Broadnax, Ed.D., Program Manager
Emai: Vashon.Broadnax@howard.edu
The dual MSW/MBA program emphasizes multi-dimensional skills and competencies from the fields of business and social work. The program is designed for a limited number of mature students with some supervisory and/or administrative experience. Field internships are arranged in management and policy research and development in such sites as social welfare organizations, hospitals, philanthropic foundations, and government.
MSW/MBA Admissions Requirements:
- Apply for the MSW/MBA Dual degree program by April 1st of your first MSW Program Year;
- Submit and pay the MBA online application fee;
- The Application Requires a recommendation for the Dean, School of Social Work or their designee;
- GMAT or GRE scores required;
- Minimum Cumulative GPA: 3.0;
- Must be in Good Academic Standing in MSW Program with GPA 3.0; and
Semester | Year One | Year Two | Year Three |
Fall | Social Work Courses Field Placement I | 2 Week Academic Bootcamp MBA Coursework | Social Work Courses Field Placement III |
Spring | Social Work Courses Field Placement II | MBA Course Work | Social Work Courses Field Placement IV |
Summer | MBA Course Work |
MSW/Master of Divinity (MDiv)
School of Divinity
Visit: Master of Divinity/Master of Social Work | Howard University Department Site
MDiv Contact:
Frederick L. Ware, Ph.D., Professor of Theology
Email: flware@howard.edu
The Howard University Master of Social Work/Master of Divinity Dual Degree offers a comprehensive, integrated curriculum that equips graduates for impactful faith-based ministry. This program strengthens students' professional identities in both social work and divinity, merging key concepts from biological, psychological, social, and spiritual perspectives. Students gain a holistic understanding of assessment and intervention at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels, preparing them to make meaningful contributions in both social and spiritual settings.
MSW/MDiv Admissions Requirements:
- No GMAT/GRE required
- Minimum Undergraduate Cumulative GPA: 3.0
- Liberal Arts Background
- Must be in Good Academic Standing in MSW Program with GPA 3.0
- Field Placement will usually occur in a Faith-Based Agency
- MSW Application Completed – Online
- MDiv application Completed- Online
Semester | Year One | Year Two | Year Three | Year Four |
Fall | MDiv Coursework | MSW Field Placement I | MSW Field Placement III | MDiv Coursework |
Spring | MDiv Coursework | MSW Field Placement II | MSW Field Placement IV |
MSW/Master of Public Health (MPH)
School of Public Health
Visit: Public Health (MPH) | The Graduate School (howard.edu)
MPH Contact:
Pamela Carter-Nolan, Ph.D., MPH
Director of Graduate Studies
Email: pcarter-nolan@howard.edu
This dual degree prepares the next generation of public health professionals with the knowledge, skills, and competencies for leadership, nationally and globally, in public health education, practice, and research with particular emphasis on the elimination of health disparities.
* Prepare individuals in the promotion of health and the prevention of disease in communities and globally with an emphasis on the needs of vulnerable populations.
* Apply analytical reasoning and research methods to address social, behavioral and environmental determinants of public health.
* Use advance epidemiological methods and biostatistics to examine associations between social, behavioral and environmental factors and disease.
* Use public health research findings for policy development.
MSW/MPH Admissions Requirements:
- Social Work students should apply for the MSW/MPH Dual degree program by April 1st in the first MSW Program Year;
- Submit and pay the MPH online application fee;
- The Application Requires a recommendation that reflect the guidelines for the MPH degree;
- GRE scores required;
- Minimum Cumulative GPA: 3.0;
- Must be in Good Academic Standing in MSW Program with GPA 3.0