MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
The Master of Social Work/Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (MSW/VMD) program provides a unique opportunity for students to gain meaningful understanding of both human and animal behavior.
Veterinarians are uniquely positioned health care practitioners due to their close interactions with both animal patients and human clients. Social work training and competence assist veterinarians in conversations that console and inform clients, as well as provide practitioners with perspective and insights into the strains associated with veterinary medicine and strategies for navigating and managing these challenges. Practitioners who complete an MSW/VMD dual degree gain specialized knowledge and skills that can inform therapeutic programs, professional trainings, and public policies.
Career Opportunities for MSW/VMD Graduates
Professional career opportunities include, but are not limited to, positions in:
- Governmental organizations where social policies that address human and animal welfare are reviewed and developed;
- Healthcare organizations and institutions where the human animal bond is a critical element in the welfare of patients (veterinary schools, medical schools, hospices, emergency housing settings);
- Organizations that coordinate disaster relief efforts; and
- Professional and academic organizations that directly serve the veterinary profession, which suffers from one of the highest suicide rates in the health professions.
About the Program
The MSW/VMD dual degree program is offered in conjunction with Penn’s School of Veterinary Medicine. Students earn both degrees in five and a half years. Through cross-counted electives and practicum placements that also fulfill veterinary school clinical electives, students will be uniquely prepared to understand the symbiotic and parallel relationships between humans and animals.
A total of up to eight courses are cross-counted between the two degrees and the advanced year of MSW practicum placement will fulfill at least two clinical elective requirements for the VMD. Students in the first two academic years of the dual degree enroll as Penn Vet students. Four of their core experiences can fulfill MSW requirements and electives. Students will also have the option of completing one MSW requirement over the summer.
Students in the third and fourth academic years of the dual degree program enroll in the School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) and fulfill their two years of practicum education requirements.
MSW/VMD students will enter clinics in the summer after their second year and continue their clinical training in the summer between their third and fourth years.
Students will return full time to Penn Vet in the fifth year, directly after completing their MSW Program. They will complete their clinical training in the summer after their fifth year, officially graduating in December. While the below course of study provides a general idea, the dynamic nature of this dual degree requires very close planning with the program directors.
Course of Study
| Year | Fall | Spring | Summer |
| 1 (Penn Vet) | Vet first-year curriculum | Vet first-year curriculum | Vet related experiences |
| SWRK 6030 (MSW1) | |||
| 2 (Penn Vet) | Vet 2nd second-year curriculum, including: • VETX: (MSW2: could fulfill MSW Elective #1) • VETX: (MSW3: policy course that could fulfill an MSW Policy Option) | Vet second-year curriculum, including: • VETX: Biostats (MSW4: could fulfill an MSW Research Option) • VETX: (MSW5: could fulfill MSW Elective #2) | Vet clinical rotations |
| 3 (SP2) | MSW 1st first-year curriculum: • SWRK 6010 (MSW6) • SWRK 6020 (MSW7) • SWRK 6030 (if needed) • SWRK 6040 + Field Placement (MSW8) | MSW 1st year curriculum: • SWRK 6140 + Field Placement (MSW9) • SWRK 6150 (MSW10) • SWRK 7xxx: Elective #3 (MSW11) • SWRK 7xxx: Elective #4 (MSW12) | Vet clinical rotations |
| 4 (SP2) | MSW 2nd second-year curriculum: • SWRK 7040/80 + Field Placement at animal-focused or health care-focused site (MSW13) • SWRK 7xxx: Elective #5 (MSW14, could fulfill a VET elective) | MSW 2nd second-year curriculum: • SWRK 7140/80 + Field Placement at animal-focused or health care-focused site (MSW15) • SWRK 7130 (MSW 16) | Vet clinical rotations |
| 5 (Penn Vet) | Vet clinical rotations and electives | Vet clinical rotations and electives | Vet clinical rotations and electives, if necessary |
Practicum Placement
MSW/VMD dual-degree students will complete their advanced year practicum placement at an agency whose scope includes social work with animals or a human health care institution.
This practicum placement will fulfill at least two Vet clinical elective rotations. Students will work closely with the MSW Practicum Education Office on their practicum placement.
Application Information
Separate applications and acceptances are required for both the MSW and VMD degrees. Students interested in the dual degree option are required to articulate their interests and career aspirations in a separate essay and interview for each program.
Veterinary students may apply to the MSW program prior to entering Penn Vet or during the fall of their first or second years. Ideal applicants will have a strong understanding of the social work profession, a stellar academic record, and a well-articulated intention of integrating social work with their professional careers.
Contact Us