Berkeley Social Welfare and Berkeley Law offer a Concurrent Degree in Social Welfare and Law (MSW/JD) that allows students to complete both degrees in four years (eight semesters), instead of the five years it would take to earn both degrees separately.
Program of Study
Concurrent graduate professional degree programs require careful planning and coordination to ensure successful progress to both degrees within prescribed normative timeframes. Students pursuing the Social Welfare & Law MSW/JD Concurrent Degree Program may begin their studies in either program; however, Berkeley Law requires students to be in residence for their full first year. The law school also strongly suggests that students complete the first two years of law school before leaving for another program, and prefers that students be enrolled in Berkeley Law in their final semester. Prospective applicants and current students are thus strongly advised to discuss curriculum and schedule plans with the Berkeley Law Dean of Students.
For current degree requirements, course offerings and descriptions, and addtional program options, please see the Berkeley Academic Guide.
Admission to the MSW/JD Concurrent Degree Program
Prospective and current Berkeley graduate students interested in pursuing the concurrent degree program must apply and be admitted independently to both schools. Each school has separate admissions requirements and application processes. Applications for admission may be submitted:
- At the same time during the same application cycle for new applicants to graduate study at Berkeley.
- During the first year of graduate study for current Social Welfare MSW students.
- During the first or second year in the JD program for current Berkeley Law students.
Each school reviews applications and makes admission recommendation decisions independently.
