Program Overview
Prepare for careers at the intersection of social work and public administration with the online MSW/MPA dual degree program from the George Williams School of Social Work at Aurora University. Because the MSW curriculum is the foundation of this program, you will gain a solid background in generalist social work practice and field work as you develop specialized skills for careers in public administration, nonprofit management, and more. This online dual degree program is designed for efficient completion of two graduate degrees, preparing you to make a positive impact in your community.
Instructors in the MSW/MPA program use open education resources (OER) in place of traditional textbooks when possible, helping to lower the total cost of earning your degree. Begin your journey today with our premier-clinical, CSWE-accredited social work program.
Curriculum
Aurora University’s online MSW/MPA dual degree program provides you with a comprehensive graduate education that combines in-depth social work study with advanced public administration coursework. Classes are taught by expert faculty members with extensive real-world experience.
You will find answers to frequently asked questions regarding fieldwork internships here.
Skills Gained in the MSW/MPA Dual Degree Program
Complete 84 credit hours led by expert faculty members to earn your online dual degree from Aurora University. Gain experiential learning through four hands-on internships, and graduate in as little as four years with new skills and expertise in:
- Community practice
- Clinical theory
- Critical thinking
- Grant writing
- Human behavior
- Leadership
- Policy analysis
- Public finance
- Problem solving
- Psychopathology
- Research methods
Why Choose Aurora?
At Aurora University, you’ll learn from practitioner-based faculty members who are focused on teaching an industry-aligned curriculum. Our online programs are designed for working professionals and built with maximum flexibility in mind, so you’ll have the support you need to balance your studies with your busy schedule. Imagine what you can accomplish at a university that offers:
- A full suite of Career Services and Resources.
- A student-first educational experience.
- Programs accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
- The personal attention and support you expect from a small college.
Program Details
- Next Start Date:January 6, 2025
- Est. Program Length:4-5 Years
- Credit Hours:84
- Course Length:8 Weeks
- Cost Per Credit:$618
- SWK6140 Social Welfare Policy and Institutions – 3 hours
- SWK6180 HBSE I: Building Professional Social Work Competence – 3 hours
- SWK6185 HBSE II: Life Course Development – 3 hours
- SWK6370 Social Work Practice I: Individuals and Families – 3 hours
- SWK6381 Social Work Practice II: Group Work – 3 hours
- SWK6382 Social Work Practice II: Community Practice – 3 hours
- SWK6250 Social Work Research Methods – 3 hours
- SWK6730 Field Instruction I: Generalist Internship – 3 hours
- SWK6740 Field Instruction II: Generalist Internship – 3 hours
- SWK6533 Advanced Social Policy – 3 hours
- SWK6500 Social Work Perspectives on Psychopathology – 3 hours
- SWK6511 Social Work Practice III: Clinical Theory and Methods – 3 hours
- SWK6521 Social Work Practice IV: Advanced Clinical Knowledge and Application – 3 hours
- SWK-6575 Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity in Social Work Practice – 3 hours
- SWK6750 Field Instruction III: Specialization Internship – 3 hours
- SWK6760 Field Instruction IV: Specialization Internship – 3 hours
- Social Work Electives – 3 hours
- MBA6130 Economics – 3 hours
- MPA6110 Administration of Public Institutions – 3 hours
- MPA6120 Public Policy and Analysis – 3 hours
- MPA6130 Government and Community Relations – 3 hours
- MPA6140 Public Finance and Budgeting – 3 hours
- MPA6170 Applied Research, Insights, and Evaluation – 3 hours
- MPA6200 Advanced Seminar in Applied Public Administration – 3 hours
- MPA6360 Grant Writing, Philanthropy, and Advancement – 3 hours
Social Work Leadership Administration Track (9 hours)
- MBA6030 Leadership and Organizational Behavior – 3 hours
- MBA6200 Human Resource Management – 3 hours
- MPA6350 Nonprofit Management and Leadership – 3 hours
Note: Tuition and fees are subject to change without prior notice. Please contact Student Accounts for questions or information on current tuition, fees, room, board and other rates.
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college and/or university (minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale). Students with a GPA of less than 3.0 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Resume or curriculum vitae.
- Personal statement. Your personal statement should be a typed, double-spaced narrative of two to three pages and reflect standards of graduate-level writing. Please address the following in your statement:
- Why have you chosen to pursue an MSW/MPA degree, and what are your professional aspirations?
- Why have you chosen Aurora University to pursue your MSW/MPA?
- If your GPA is less than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, were there extenuating circumstances that affected your past academic performance? Please explain.
- Two letters of recommendation
- Transcripts (official, sealed in envelope) from all previously attended colleges or universities
Information About State Licensure
All AU Online students must have unrestricted access to a computer or mobile device with high-speed internet to participate in online courses. AU Online uses Moodle to host its online classes. All students will be charged an $80 Technology Fee per semester, regardless of the number of credits taken. A $50 Field Fee is applied per credit hour for field courses.
Graduate-level course credit is transferable, allowing students to earn their degree faster. Graduate-level credit earned at regionally accredited institutions of higher education graded “B” or better may be transferred to Aurora University and applied toward a master’s or other post-baccalaureate programs prior to enrollment at Aurora University.
Online MSW/MPA Career Outcomes
With an online dual degree in social work and public administration, you’ll qualify for a range of exciting careers that combine your areas of expertise. Apply your passion for helping others to high-growth careers such as social and community service manager, an occupation projected to see an 8% increase in job openings through 2033.1 Graduate from AU Online’s MSW/MPA dual degree program in as few as four years ready to pursue rewarding positions such as:
- City manager ($96,796/year in the U.S.2)
- Policy analyst ($76,200/year in Illinois3)
- Social service manager ($76,290/year in Illinois4)
- Urban planner ($91,130/year in Illinois4)
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Social and Community Service Managers.” August 29, 2024. Retrieved October 31, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/social-and-community-service-managers.htm.
Next Steps
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