Is Double Better? Exploring Dual Degree Options for the MSW

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Nedda Gilbert May 8, 2018

Are you an aspiring social worker who wants to make a positive difference in the lives of those you serve, but are also drawn to multi-disciplinary study?

In this course, participants learn core principles, concepts, and methods of continuous improvement and explore the history of continuous improvement efforts. In a series of lectures, Master Black Belt in Six Sigma Shane Wentz, Ph.D., enables learners to enhance, optimize, and stabilize business processes and to augment quality control through varied methodologies. Participants gain the skills and knowledge to reimagine internal processes, engage in advanced problem-solving, and empower employees. The course covers high-level foundational principles of Lean, Six Sigma, and DMAIC processes before diving deep into Lean Six Sigma methods. Learners will analyze the tools of process mapping, Kaizen (a continuous improvement method/tool deemed a prerequisite for Lean transformation success), Lean (a continuous improvement philosophy that emphasizes streamlined workflows and reducing waste), and the process improvement methodology driving DMAIC: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control.

Entrepreneurs fostering new ventures outside of well-developed entrepreneurial ecosystems like Silicon Valley face significant challenges. These markets are unlike Silicon Valley, and they will likely remain so. That doesn't mean they can't nurture and sustain new businesses. In transitioning markets that lack abundant private sector financing, creative approaches from government officials, donors, and business leaders can fill the void to support entrepreneurial activity. Northeast Ohio (where Cleveland and Case Western Reserve University are located) has become a laboratory for such innovative solutions. During our time together in this course, we will explore some of these creative approaches to promoting regional entrepreneurship. Northeast Ohio has seen a massive infusion of government and donor resources for over ten years. In that time, Northeast Ohio has promoted regional development (including job creation and follow-on funding) through alternative methods of financing startups. It has not been easy. The region has made progress, but it remains to be seen whether it has struck upon an enduring formula. A dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem takes many years, even decades, to develop. Government policymakers and donors typically seek quicker returns on their support programs, which makes long-term support for entrepreneurship challenging. This course includes case studies and first-person testimonials from entrepreneurs who have launched products and services ranging from medical devices to LED lights to whiskey. You will learn how these entrepreneurs discovered and procured resources from various programs and intermediary organizations. You will hear from business people still in the process of developing their companies as well as those whose ventures have flourished. Our focus will extend beyond Cleveland to selected markets around the world, including Greece, Vietnam, Tunisia, Argentina, Rwanda and China. You will learn about international incentives and other supports available to developing startups and small businesses across the globe. This course examines how different communities around the world approach implementing strategies and methods to support businesses. I will ask you to reflect on how to apply the principles we learn to growing entrepreneurship where you live. The social interactive features of the online platform will enable students from around the world to share ideas and learn from one another. Most MOOCs rebroadcast professors’ lectures; this course is different. Don’t expect to see me standing in front of the camera, talking and lecturing every module. Instead, the lectures will be relatively short in length. They have more of the feel of an engaging documentary than a static classroom setting. ## __What type of person takes the *Beyond Silicon Valley* course?__ - Active and aspiring businesspeople in communities looking to initiate new startup ecosystems or bolster existing ones - Current and prospective entrepreneurs who want to learn about funding sources, risk management, and the lifecycle of startups - Professionals who work in government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, philanthropic institutions, and various private funds that fund startups - Anyone curious about how to create and grow startup ecosystems outside the major tech hubs - The principles Beyond Silicon Valley teaches have been drawn from and applied to startups worldwide, from small villages to megalopolises. You'll study success stories spanning the globe from Vietnam to Kosovo to Botswana. ## __What will you learn in *Beyond Silicon Valley*?__ - How and where startups can find funding to get their businesses off the ground - What role government can play in encouraging startups and a healthy startup ecosystem - How anchor institutions such as universities and healthcare systems participate in startup ecosystems - How nongovernmental organizations support startups - How to raise funds from venture capitalists, angel investors, and accelerators - How to navigate challenging periods in the startup lifecycle - The importance of mentoring in successful startups

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Maybe the legal field interests you, and you hope to become a legal advocate in the child welfare system. Or you want to combine your training in social work with theological studies. Perhaps you want to pursue a leadership role in education to transform our nation’s schools.

One way to do this is to — and have that greater impact — is to pursue a Masters in Social Work (MSW) and a master’s degree from another profession. This is known as a dual MSW degree program. The unique pairing of an MSW with another graduate degree allows students to pursue higher level positions in a variety of settings and fields. And because of the interdisciplinary nature of the practice of social work, the MSW naturally syncs up with many other degrees.

There are many personal and professional benefits to earning a dual MSW degree. Cross-disciplinary study not only broadens one’s thinking and expertise, it often leads to greater opportunities and higher earnings. A dual MSW degree will differentiate you from your social work peers, position you for major leadership roles, and offer you greater career options.

The MSW Dual Degree: A Worthwhile, But Challenging Option

Whatever your aspirations, the decision to pursue a dual MSW degree is an aspirational one. That’s because there are unique challenges in pursuing a cross-disciplinary degree. It requires a significant commitment, and an investment of time and finances. To begin with, you’ll likely have to apply and be admitted to each graduate school independently. You’ll also find that while there may be coursework savings and overlap between the two schools, you’ll still be taking on a lot of work.

Furthermore, you may find yourself bouncing back-and-forth between your two programs. This might challenge your budding professional identity, or feel unsettling. Program specifics vary by school, but you may find yourself alternating semesters or years in one school, and then returning back to the other.

Finally, the logistics of completing the dual degree could add stress. You may find yourself navigating tight coursework restrictions and requirements. Although the specifics of any MSW dual degree program will vary by school, here are some basic advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages to pursuing the dual MSW degree:

You will obtain two grad degrees in less time than it would take to pursue each program individually (saving valuable tuition dollars and time)
You will stand out in your job search
You will stand out as a professional
You will be able to pursue diverse, creative, and innovative jobs
You will advance to leadership roles more easily
You will likely earn more with an MSW dual degree

Disadvantages to pursuing the dual MSW degree:

It will take more time and money to pursue two degrees
You will need to be admitted to both programs
You will be taking on a lot of work, which may cause more stress
You may feel disconnected from each school and from your peers
You may be overwhelmed by coursework requirements and restrictions

Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? If so, then you may be ready to take on the demands of pursuing two advanced degrees at the same time. A joint MSW degree may be just right for you.

The decision to pursue a dual MSW degree is a personal and financial one. Importantly, it should reflect your career goals and ambitions. Although you will have to consider the extra tuition costs involved in obtaining a dual degree, overall there are significant cost savings in completing both degrees in a condensed time period.

MSW Dual Degree Options

MSW Dual degree programs offer exciting opportunities for study. But one size does not fit all. Some programs admit large cohorts of students. Others programs are quite small, and admit just a few students per year. Additionally, depending on the program, some students pursue an individualized course of study, and work closely with academic advisors in each program to create their appropriate paths.

Some of the more common dual MSW’s you can pursue are:

MSW/Master of Divinity (MDiv)
MSW/Juris Doctor (Law)
MSW/Master of Business Administration (MBA)
MSW/Master of Education (M.Ed.)
MSW/Master of Public Administration (MPA)
MSW/Master of Public Health (MPH)

Some of the more unique dual MSW degree options are:

MSW/Master of Service in Nonprofit Leadership
MSW/Master of Bioethics
MSW/Master of Science in Criminology
MSW/Master of Science in City Planning
MSW/Master of Arts in Jewish Nonprofit Management
MSW/Master of Urban and Regional Planning
MSW/MA in Women’s Studies
MSW/Master of Science Program in Adventure Therapy

As you can see, dual degree MSW programs come in many different flavors and sizes. You will need to do your homework to find the dual degree program that best suits your needs and career goals.