Academics

Dual Degree: JD/MSW

State University of New York at Stony Brook & Touro Law Center

The joint Juris Doctor and Master of Social Work (JD/MSW) degree program, offered in partnership between Touro Law Center and the State University of New York at Stony Brook School of Social Work, prepares graduates to address complex social issues through both legal advocacy and direct social work practice.

This innovative dual degree combines rigorous legal training with comprehensive social work education, enabling students to develop expertise in areas such as child welfare law, immigration advocacy, mental health policy, criminal justice reform, and community development. Graduates emerge uniquely qualified to serve as attorneys in legal aid organizations, policy advocates in government agencies, or leaders in nonprofit organizations where legal knowledge and social work skills intersect.

The MSW involves extensive clinical training and ordinarily requires 64 credits. Taken in conjunction with the JD, the dual degree's load represents a savings of 24 credits, for a total of 128 credits (88 + 64 - 24). The specific allocation of cross-transfer credit between the two institutions is dictated by the site for supervision of the final thesis.

The program typically requires four years of full-time study, compared to the five years needed to complete both degrees separately, making it an efficient path for students committed to social justice and systemic change.

 

Request Information