Master of Divinity / Master of Social Work Joint Degree

MDiv MSW student in class

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.), Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) and Master of Social Work (M.S.W.), or Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies (M.A.P.S.) 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.

Established in 1967, the M.Div./ M.S.W. joint master's degree program is the oldest continuous joint degree program in the country and allows students to complete their coursework and graduate in four years of post-baccalaureate study instead of the usual five.

Why the MDiv/MSW Degree?
Cici James is a graduate of the MDiv/MSW joint degree program with Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and the University of Pittsburgh. She explains why it was important for her to blend the two disciplines into her calling.

ABOUT THE M.DIV./M.S.W. PROGRAM

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 take required courses and still graduate in four years, the M.Div./M.S.W. program counts certain courses taught in one school as electives in the other and vice-versa, along with developing specialized field placements. The M.Div. portion of the program is hybrid, and because courses are offered in a predictable rotation, students can select from in-person and online courses. 

CAREERS FOR M.DIV./M.S.W. GRADS

This joint master's 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 social work and counseling. Positions that have been held by M.Div./M.S.W. graduates in the past include: chaplain/clinical pastoral education supervisor for a health care facility, associate director of campus ministry, chaplain at a nursing home, executive director of a pastoral institute, Christian counseling, various work with nonprofits, and so many more.

How the Master's/M.S.W. Joint Degree Programs Work

The curriculum of the Graduate School of Social Work encompasses studies in direct clinical practice, community organization, or social administration, and certificates in child welfare, gerontology, and Home and School Visitor.

Pitt classes meet at the University of Pittsburgh in Oakland. Through this joint degree program, we offer numerous options to receive a theology education to blend with a master’s degree in social work.

Both degrees in the joint program must 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.

Contact the Seminary's Registrar for a suggested outline of course completion for this joint degree. Inquiries regarding the Graduate School of Social Work and requests for Social Work catalogs should be addressed to the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work at 412-624-6302 or

M.Div./M.S.W.

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 Fall Semester of the second year at the Seminary. The third and fourth years will be spent predominantly at the School of Social Work. The M.Div./M.S.W. can be completed in four years.

M.A.P.S./M.S.W. or M.T.S./M.S.W.

Candidates for the joint degree who enter the program through the Seminary will concentrate on theological studies during the first year. Application should be made to the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Social Work during the Fall Semester of the first year at the Seminary. The second and third years will be spent predominantly at the School of Social Work. And the fourth year fall semester will be completed at PTS. The M.A.P.S./M.S.W. and M.T.S./M.S.W. can be completed in approximately 3.5 years.

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