MASTER OF SOCIAL WORKMS in Education
Schools in urban settings across America remain besieged, under-resourced, and perpetually under reform. The multiple knowledge bases that are needed to address these entrenched challenges can be gained through the dual degree program in social work and education. The Master of Science in Education (MSEd) degree is designed for students preparing to be leaders in a variety of educational settings and related industries. The Master of Social Work (MSW) degree is also designed for students preparing for leadership roles in an array of personal and administrative roles.
By combining courses of study in the Penn Graduate School of Education and SP2, graduates will:
- Understand the learning environment of students.
- Understand schools as organizations.
- Know how to direct intervention programs and student support services that focus on the social and emotional development of students of all ages.
Application Information
Applicants for this program must apply to both SP2 and the Graduate School of Education. A separate application (and all related components) is required for each School. Application inquiries for the Graduate School of Education should be directed to the Graduate School of Education at admissions@gse.upenn.edu or 877.PENN.GSE.
Course of Study
The typical course of study would involve MSW students beginning the dual degree program in their second year of graduate study. In the first year, students would begin their course of study at SP2, completing GSE coursework in year 2, and MSW requirements in year 3. Upon successful completion of all requirements, the student is awarded the degrees of Master of Social Work (MSW) and the Master of Science in Education (MSEd).
Students may choose either the clinical or macro concentration in the social work program when completing the MSW/MSEd dual degree. The following MSEd programs may be completed as a dual degree:
- Education, Culture & Society (ECS)
- International Education Development Program (IEDP)
- Reading, Writing, and Literacy (RWL)
The dual degree program is restricted to full-time students.
Coursework
Each student will meet with the Administrative Director of the MSW Program to create an individually designed course schedule. SP2 will apply up to four courses from GSE towards the MSW degree. Students may count three GSE courses as three of their MSW electives. In situations where students take a research class at GSE, SP2 may count this class as the student’s SP2 research option, with approval from the Administrative Director. In all situations, students must take a practice elective in their area of concentration (clinical or macro) at SP2.
Dual degree students who are not completing SWRK 6040/6140 in the academic year immediately preceding the year in which they will take advanced practice class (SWRK 7040/7080 and SWRK 7140/7180) are responsible for reaching out to the SP2 Office of Field Education in December to begin planning for the upcoming year’s advanced field placement
Students will also meet with their academic advisor at GSE to determine which courses must be taken to meet the MSEd degree requirements. The advisor will determine which (and how many) SP2 courses can be applied to the MSEd degree.
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