The MSW/MA Dual-Degree program at Stony Brook University's School of Social Welfare prepares students to be innovative leaders and change agents working at the critical intersections of social work and medical humanities, as well as in areas such as compassionate care, bioethics, and direct practice and policy.
The Master of Arts component devotes equal attention to bioethics, medical humanities, and the dynamic of compassionate care at a time when patients and healthcare professionals may find the healthcare system challenging.
Where the MA enhances students’ understanding of the integration of technology and science with individuals and society, the Master of Social Work focuses on individual and societal well-being.
Combining these two foci within a dual-degree program trains students to develop a keen understanding of the principles and problem resolution techniques that are central to bioethics, along with the clinical practice skills to help individuals and families restore or enhance their capacity for social functioning, and to work to create societal conditions that promote social justice.
In a rich interprofessional healthcare setting, our students participate in an active learning community alongside students and faculty from a variety of health professions in SBU's Health Sciences Center. The HSC is home to experts in medicine, nursing, disability studies, ethics, history, law, literature, philosophy, religious studies, and the social sciences. Several of our faculty integrate perspectives from the humanities with their experience as healthcare providers.
Our dual-degree programs allow students to earn two highly desirable Master's degrees in a shorter period of time and at a cost-effective rate. Students in the MSW/MA Dual-Degree program pay the graduate MSW tuition rate. For more information, visit: https://www.stonybrook.edu/bursar/tuition/
The right degree at a pivotal time in history for specialized healthcare social workers.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2017), healthcare social workers are in demand in all areas of the healthcare sector – hospitals, home healthcare services, family, nursing facilities, and outpatient care. Some of the highest densities of healthcare social workers in the United States are found in New York, ranking second, and metropolitan New York has the highest employment of healthcare social workers.
Combined with training as a bioethicist, healthcare social workers are viewed as acquiring a highly desirable specialized level of expertise necessary to address the current challenges and dilemmas that routinely arise in healthcare settings.
Graduates of the MSW/MA Dual-Degree program at Stony Brook become eligible for social work licensure (LMSW and/or LCSW) in New York State.
Students who wish to be considered for admission into the MSW/MA Dual-Degree program must comply with all admission requirements for each degree (MSW and MA), including the completion of two separate applications.
When completing the MSW application, select the MSW/MA option to be considered for the dual degree.
Note: Only students in the Integrated Health specialization at SSW can apply for this dual degree.
Program Curriculum
Need more information?
Email: Michelle.Ballan@stonybrook.edu
Phone: 917-406-1446
