Master of Legal Studies/Master of Science in Social Work

The College of Law and The College of Social Work offer a combined program of study in graduate level social work and legal studies to students who seek to earn both a Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) and a Master of Legal Studies (MLSD). This interdisciplinary program offers individuals interested in social work and law the opportunity to obtain graduate degrees in both programs in two academic years (including summers), rather than the three years needed if pursued separately.

The program consists of an integrated curriculum specifically designed for those who are interested in acquiring the knowledge and skills pertinent to both disciplines. The MSSW program seeks to prepare its graduates to make demonstrable improvements in the quality of life of at-risk and vulnerable populations of individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities, the state of Tennessee, the nation, and internationally. The MLSD program is designed for professionals whose fields intersect with the law and who would benefit from legal studies but do not wish to pursue the JD or practice law.

The program stresses an interdisciplinary approach, which values collaboration and communication skills. Alumni of the dual degree program in social work and legal studies at The University of Tennessee will go on to work in a variety of settings, including as social workers, program directors, and therapists.

Students must apply separately for admission to the two colleges. Once admitted to both colleges, applicants will be selected for participation in the program by a special admissions committee consisting of representatives from both institutions.

Applicants for the MLS-MSSW program must make separate application to, and be independently accepted by, each of the following:

the Office of Graduate Admissions and the College of Law for the MLS degree,

the Office of Graduate Admissions and the College of Social Work for the MSSW degree, and

the Dual Program Committee.

Students who have been accepted by both colleges may apply for approval to pursue the dual program at any time prior to or after matriculation in either or both colleges.

Such approval will be granted, provided that dual program studies are started prior to entry into the last 10 credit hours of College of Law course work and prior to the third semester of the MSSW program.

Students interested in entering the dual degree program should submit a letter of application to the Dual Degree Program Committee. Upon receipt of the application, the Dual Degree Program Committee will determine eligibility and assign students to advisors who will be responsible for course approval and supervision of the student’s progress through the dual program.

An applicant requesting admission to the Graduate School may be required to submit results of the TOEFL or IELTS. Minimum score requirements for admission to the Graduate School are:

a total score of 80 on the internet-based TOEFL (iBT),
a 6.5 overall band score on the IELTS.

Application Deadline: Spring: June 15