University of Pittsburgh

Apr 06, 2026

2025-2026 Graduate & Professional Studies Catalog

Cooperative Degrees Program

Dual/Joint/Cooperative Degrees

Some students seek to complement their social work education and training by earning a degree in another discipline or profession. Others wish to further their education within the field of social work. The dual, joint, and cooperative degree programs offered by the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work afford students a unique way to complete their MSW studies while also pursuing another graduate degree.

No student will be permitted to enroll or engage in more than one dual, joint, or cooperative degree program within the School of Social Work or between the School of Social Work and any other school or program during the course of earning that dual, joint, or cooperative degree.

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Master of Social Work/Master of Business Administration

The MBA/Master of Social Work joint degree program is designed to provide students with a unique combination of social work knowledge and skills, with exceptional strength in management decision-making and leadership. The degree is offered jointly through the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work and the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business.

Adjusting to Market Demands

Faced with an increasingly competitive market, nonprofit organizations are beginning to emulate management methods and paradigms being practiced by for-profit companies, such as financial operations, human resource and data management, market and economic analysis, and evidence-based strategic planning. As philanthropic organizations become more concerned about their accountability and utility of financial supports provided to various human service organizations, they are beginning to evaluate nonprofits beyond program outcomes or average cost per client to more advanced assessments, such as cost-efficiency and effectiveness and cost-benefit ratio. Unfortunately, such analytic methodologies are rarely offered to social work students by the traditional social work curriculum.

The MSW/MBA dual-degree program is only available for students in the SSW’s Community Organization and Social Action (COSA) program.

Students who want to earn a dual-degree must gain acceptance into both graduate degree programs by applying separately to each school. The joint-degree program applicants will also be required to submit their Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Records Exam (GRE) examination scores to both schools. Specific questions may be addressed to:

Daniel Rosen
Professor
School of Social Work
University of Pittsburgh
2117 Cathedral of Learning
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Email address: dar15@pitt.edu

Requests for further information concerning the Katz Graduate School of Business, see http://www.business.pitt.edu. Specific questions may be addressed to:

Dr. Rabikar Chatterjee, Ph.D.
Associate Dean
Katz Graduate School of Business
University of Pittsburgh
301 Mervis Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Email address: rabikar@katz.pitt.edu

MSW/MBA Joint Degree Admissions Criteria

A. SSW Requirement

A Baccalaureate degree that must be completed prior to the program start date. Applications must include transcripts of coursework completed at the time of submission of the application. Admission will be contingent upon submission of an official, final transcript of the completed Bachelors program before the start of the MSW program.
- Undergraduate students with social work and human service backgrounds are preferred.
- In general, we would expect an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better for admission.
- International students must submit originals or certified copies of transcripts/mark sheets and degree/diploma certificate in the original language plus a certified English translation (if the original is not in English).
- Paid work experience is preferred but not required.
GMAT/GRE scores are not required for regular MSW students applicants but for the joint degree applicants in MSW and MBA must have their official Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score reports forwarded directly to the University of Pittsburgh, Katz Graduate School of Business (KGSB), by the admission deadline.
Applicants will submit a 3-5 page double spaced typed personal statement describing their post-graduate career goals, skills in which they excel, and key accomplishments.
Applicants will submit three recommendations from persons who have known the applicant in academic or professional capacities. At least one from a faculty member is preferred. (Recommendations from friends and family will not be accepted.)
Applicants will submit their current resume.
English Proficiency Exams (for international applicants who are citizens of countries where the official language is not English)— the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with minimum acceptable score: Internet-based test: 100; paper-based test: 600.
Non-refundable application fee is $40.
Prospective candidates, domestic or international, may be interviewed before admission, in person or by telephone.
Submission of online MSW application form by the admissions deadline data of May 31.

B. Katz GSB Requirement

A Baccalaureate degree that must be completed prior to the program start date. Applications must include transcripts of coursework completed at the time of submission of the application. Admission will be contingent upon submission of an official, final transcript of the completed Bachelors program before the start of the MBA program.
- Undergraduate students with strong analytical backgrounds are preferred.
- In general, we would expect an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better for admission.
- International students must submit originals or certified copies of transcripts/mark sheets and degree/diploma certificate in the original language plus a certified English translation (if the original is not in English).
- Work experience is not necessary, though highly desirable.
GMAT/GRE scores: Applicants must have their official Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score reports forwarded directly to the University of Pittsburgh, Katz Graduate School of Business, by the admission deadline. In general, we would expect a GMAT score of 600 or higher for admission. (Corresponding GRE scores will be equivalent to these levels, after conversion.).
Applicants will submit a 250 word essay describing their post-graduate career goals, skills in which they excel, and key accomplishments.
Applicants will submit two recommendations from persons who have known the applicant in academic or professional capacities. At least one from a faculty member is preferred. (Recommendations from friends and family will not be accepted.)
Applicants will submit their current resume.
English Proficiency Exams (for international applicants who are citizens of countries where the official language is not English): Either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS) is required.
- TOEFL Minimum acceptable score: Internet-based test: 100; paper-based test: 600.
- IELTS Minimum acceptable score: 7.0
$50 non-refundable application fee.
Prospective candidates, domestic or international, may be interviewed before admission, in person or by Skype.

Learning Outcome Goals

The MSW/MBA dual-degree program is designed to provide students with a unique combination of social work knowledge and skills, with exceptional strength in management decision-making and leadership. In addition to the MSW learning outcomes that are already in place, supplementary MSW/MBA objectives include:

Proficiency in the management functions of accounting, finance, computer information systems, marketing, operations management, organizational behavior, human resource management, and social enterprise.
Special emphasis on development of skills and abilities to lead strategically and to position an organization effectively for continued growth and development in both for-profit and nonprofit sectors.
Knowledge and understanding of complex organizations, their development and transformation, administrative principles, the decision-making process, and competence in managerial functions.
To provide applied learning experiences, the required field practicum will include professional supervision through appropriate concentration settings that will focus on community and human service organization management.

Program Requirements

A graduate-level course grade of B or higher must be maintained throughout the joint-degree program.
The MBA program requires 51 credits for the part-time or one-year program, of which at least 34 credits must be from KGSB courses, while the balance maximum of 17 credits may be from other graduate programs.
The following MBA “core” courses (total of 22. 5 credits) are required:
- BACC 2401 Financial Accounting (3 credits)
- BECN 2401 Economic Analysis for Managerial Decisions (3 credits)
- BQOM 2401 Statistical Analysis (3 credits)
- BFIN 2409 Financial Management 1 (1.5 credits)
- BMKT 2409 Marketing Management (1.5 credits)
- BOAH 2409 Organizational Behavior (1.5 credits)
- BQOM 2421 Decision Technologies (1.5 credits)
- BSPP 2409 Strategic Management (1.5 credits)
- BMIS 2409 Information Systems (1.5 credits)
- BSEO 2401 Business Ethics & Social Performance (1.5 credits)
- BIND 2444 Management Simulation Capstone (3 credits)
All MSW/MBA joint degree students will be required to take at least 34.5 credits of KGSB credits, consisting of the above 22.5 credits of core courses plus an additional 12 credits of KGSB electives. Thus, up to 16.5 credits will be accepted from courses successfully completed in the MSW program to achieve the total of 51 credits required for the completion of the Katz MBA degree.
All MSW/MBA joint degree students will be required to take a course entitled Social Entrepreneurship (1.5 credits) from the KGSB.
The following KGSB courses will count as credits towards the MSW degree:
- BACC-2401 Financial Accounting (3 credits) will qualify as equivalent to SWCOSA-2085 Financial Management (3 credits), and will count as 3 credits for both the MSW and MBA programs,
- BOAH-2409 Organizational Behavior (1.5 credits) and Strategic Management (1.5 credits) will qualify as equivalent to SWRES Organizational Research, and will count as 3 credits for both the MSW and MBA programs (SA track only),
- SW General Elective 1-One 3-credit or two 1.5-credit required MBA courses (e.g., BECN-2401 Economic Analysis for Managerial Decisions, 3 credits), which will count as 3 credits for both the MSW and MBA programs, and
- SW General Elective 2- One 3-credit or two 1.5-credit required MBA courses (e.g., BIND-2444 Competitive Management Simulation, 3 credits), which will count as 3 credits for both the MSW and MBA programs.

Thus, the double-counted credits make it possible for students to earn both degrees without having to take the total sum of credits required for completing the two degree programs separately.

It should be noted that a long-standing educational policy of the SSW is that students who, within the past seven academic calendar years, have received a social work degree from a CSWE-accredited undergraduate program are eligible for advanced standing. Those granted advanced standing during the admission process can receive up to 12 academic credits and six field education credits that will count towards completion of the MSW program.
Thus, full-time COSA students with advanced standing must earn grand total of 64.5 credits for CO students, and 61.5 credits for SA students (adding all MSW and MBA courses). This means total of 30 social work credits (including total of 12 field credits) to be taken by CO students and 27 credits (including total of 12 field credits) to be taken by SA students. Additionally, they must take minimum of 34.5 credits of MBA courses, which includes 22.5 and 12 credits of required and electives, respectively.
Full-time COSA students without advanced standing must earn grand total of 85.5 credits for CO students, and 82.5 credits for SA students (adding all MSW and MBA courses). This means total of 51 social work credits to be taken by CO students and 48 credits to be taken by SA students. Additionally, they must take minimum of 34.5 credits of MBA courses, which includes 22.5 and 12 credits of required and electives, respectively.

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Master of Social Work/Master of Divinity

Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and the Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh present the unique opportunity to receive a joint degree in Master of Divinity (M.Div.) and Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) for those students passionate about pursuing their call to social work both inside and outside of a church setting.

What Makes Us Special?

As the oldest continuous joint degree program in the country, established in 1967, the MDiv/ MSW joint Masters degree program allows students to complete their coursework and graduate in four years of post-baccalaureate study instead of the usual five. Within the joint program students will still be provided a full course of study in both theology and social work, along with the academic support and one-on-one attention given by our excellent faculty. In order not to skip any required courses and still graduate in the four years, the MDiv/MSW program counts certain courses taught in one school as electives in the other and vice-versa, along with developing specialized practicum placements.

Who Is This Program For?

This joint masters program is built for those seeking to integrate their love of theology with their heart for social work and to make a change, along with those interested in pursuing a career in pastoral counseling or other forms of counseling. Positions that have been held by MDiv/MSW graduates in the past include: chaplain/clinical pastoral education supervisor for a health care facility, associate director of campus ministry, chaplain/chair committee holder at a nursing home, executive director of a pastoral institute, Christian counseling, various work with nonprofits, and so many more.

With the Seminary’s campus located in the East Liberty / Highland Park neighborhood of Pittsburgh, PTS is within driving distance of other cities in Pennsylvania like Johnstown, Harrisburg, Philadelphia, State College, Allentown, Scranton, and other rural regions as well. Pitt classes meet at the University of Pittsburgh in Oakland.

How the MDiv/MSW Degree Works

Candidates for the joint degree who enter the program through the Seminary will concentrate on theological studies during the first two years. Application should be made to the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Social Work during the first term of the second year at the Seminary. The third and fourth years will be spent predominantly at the School of Social Work. Being that degrees in the joint program will be awarded concurrently, it is important to note that a student who resigns from one program will be subject to all requirements for graduation from the remaining degree program.

The easiest way to apply to the Master’s Degree in Social Work Program at the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work is to use our online application.

Please note that you will also need to complete an application with the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.

After earning her joint Master of Divinity/Master of Social Work degrees in 2005 from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and the University of Pittsburgh, alumna Elizabeth Trexler went on to be a missionary in Southeast Asia and then served as associate director of Catholic campus ministry at Bloomsburg University. She says, “The joint degree program with masters in social work and masters in divinity is something that you can’t put a price on. It just works so well together.”

MDiv Program Curriculum Sequence

Courses are generally three credit hours. When followed on a full-time basis (12-13 credits), the program is completed in three academic years. Student pastors are encouraged to spread their degree work over four academic years.

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Joint Degree Programs with the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs

Master of Social Work/Master of Public Administration
Master of Social Work/Master of Public and International Affairs
MSW/Master of International Development

Three unique joint degree programs are offered by the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work, through its COSA concentration, and the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. These joint programs provide students with a broad professional education to prepare them for eventual service in urban non-profit and government organizations, community development policy, and social and urban planning. They provide experienced students with opportunities to expand their knowledge base and enable other students to develop more marketable professional skills than are usually acquired through single-degree programs. Students in these joint programs earn a Master of Social Work from the School of Social Work and a Master of Public Administration, Master of Public and International Affairs or a Master of International Development from the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs.

Students must be admitted to both programs in order to qualify for admission to the joint degree program. Degree candidates must meet the minimum foundation, concentration, and specialized requirements of both schools, except where substitutions are appropriate and approved by the faculty advisors. Depending upon which joint degree program the student elects, the total number of credits required for graduation ranges from 72 to 88 credits. For most students, this means that individual programs can be completed within six to seven terms of full-time residency. Students electing to terminate the joint degree program before its completion must complete all the work required by the respective schools for either degree in order to receive that degree separately.

Graduate School of Public and International Affairs

Complex and emerging issues influence us, our towns, our countries, and our world: Fair housing. Economic and community development. Environmental sustainability. Emergency preparedness. Disaster response. Human rights. International security.

We live in a world both illuminated by great hope and darkened by great conflict. Make a difference and take the lead. Prepare yourself with a comprehensive education from the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) at the University of Pittsburgh.

Your academic options begin with GSPIA’s integrated academic structure of three distinct master’s degree programs offering eight different majors. Click on the links below to learn more about GSPIA’s academic programs and related learning and research opportunities at GSPIA and the University of Pittsburgh. And-as always-we’re ready to answer any questions you may have! Contact the Office of Student Services at 412-648-7640 or by email, gspia@pitt.edu.The easiest way to apply to the Master’s Degree in Social Work Program at the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work is to use our online application.

Students who prefer to apply through the mail may contact:

Mary Ohmer
COSA Chair and Associate Professor
University of Pittsburgh
School of Social Work
2204 Cathedral of Learning
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
(412) 624-8214
E-mail: mlo51@pitt.edu

University of Pittsburgh
Graduate School of Public and International Affairs
Office of Admissions
3601 Posvar
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
412-648-7640
www.gspia.pitt.edu

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Master of Social Work/Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work

An MSW degree from an accredited school of social work is required to be considered for admission to the PhD program. Applicants without an MSW degree who wish to pursue a social work academic career may apply to the joint MSW/PhD program. Such applicants typically are interested in grounding themselves in the practice base of the social work profession, while also seeking to develop their advanced research and teaching skills. Preference is given to MSW/PhD applicants who have prior social work-related professional experience.

Separate applications are required for admission to each program. Those seeking further information regarding this dual degree program are encouraged to contact SSWPhDAdmissions@pitt.edu

Master of Social Work/Public Health

What is the MSW/MPH joint degree program?

The joint degree program is collaboration between the School of Social Work and the School of Public Health, Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences. Students graduate with both a Master of Social Work and Master of Public Health degrees and are prepared to pursue a wide range of social work and public health careers to improve the health of a target population and/or community. Students participate in class work, practicum placements, and leadership seminars to acquire the knowledge and skills to address health problems.

White Paper Stemming from the National Public Health Social Work Summit

What principles guide this program?

The program has a strong commitment to social justice, the elimination of health disparities, and a holistic definition of community and population health, including individuals’ physical health conditions and the behavioral and social ecological determinants of health. Moreover, both social work and public health share a commitment to involving consumers/community members in the development of policies and in the planning, delivery and evaluation of health promotion interventions, health behavior change, and health education.

What are the advantages of the program?

Students develop knowledge, values and skills for both professional social work practice and (e.g. direct practice or community organization/social administration) and community public health practice (e.g. primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention).
Advising and mentoring focuses on supporting students to achieve their professional goals (e.g., selection of practicum placements, papers written as part of course-work, leadership training activities, focus of final thesis/essay in the MPH program).
Students increase their career marketability as a result of being able to work from a cross disciplinary perspective. Students have gone on to jobs, for example, in various social service organizations, health departments, other government agencies, academic institutions, think tanks, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

What competencies will individuals gain as a result of the program?

Application of theoretical principles to primary, secondary, and tertiary health interventions targeting the promotion of health behavior change, enhancement of the environment, and the elimination of risk factors in neighborhoods and communities that contribute to disease and poor health status outcomes
Application of principles of community-based participatory research and practice to community health assessment
Application of quantitative and qualitative skills to program planning and evaluation research
Processes involved in community health planning, program implementation, and program evaluation
Written communication to inform the public, policymakers, and other key-stakeholders
Develop skills in micro practice with individuals, families, and groups or macro practice

What are the requirements of the program?

Typically a three-year curriculum plan for Direct Practice or COSA (2.5 years for advanced standing students)

MSW/MPH DP Course Requirements
MSW/MPH COSA Course Requirements
33 Social Work credits (plus 18 practicum placement credits)
36 Public Health credits

Some highlights of the program are:

18 practicum placement credits representing two separate practicum placement experiences, foundation and concentration, coordinated by the School of Social Work, Office of Practicum Education.
Several certification programs are offered at each School
Public Health final essay or thesis

Note: Students register for two years (two fall and spring semesters) through the School of Social Work and one year (one fall and spring semester) through the Graduate School of Public Health. You are eligible for funding through the School of Social Work for a maximum of 2 years (these are the two years you register through that school). You must be registered for at least 9 credits in the School of Social Work during the two years you register in that school to be eligible for funding from the School of Social Work. You must have both school advisors approve your course schedule each term. Your advisor in the School of Social Work will lift your “hold” to register each term.

Application Process

Students must apply separately to the School of Social Work and the Graduate School of Public Health’s Office of Admissions. The easiest way to apply to the Master’s Degree in Social Work Program at the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work is to use our online application, and to apply to the Master’s Degree of Public Health in Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health use online application.

Master of Social Work/Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work

Separate applications are required for admission to each program. Those seeking further information regarding this dual degree program are encouraged to contact SSWPhDAdmissions@pitt.edu

Programs

Joint Degree

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