Program Overview
Prepare for careers at the intersection of social work and business management with the online MSW/MBA dual degree 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 foundation in generalist social work practice as you develop skills for leadership in both the nonprofit and private sectors.
Completing AU’s MSW/MBA program online is ideal for professionals seeking a credential that merges substantial business education with key social work topics and relevant field experience. By combining a deep understanding of how social service and business knowledge connect, graduates are prepared to serve the greater good and make a difference in their communities.
Instructors in this program use freely available open educational 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/MBA dual degree program provides you with a comprehensive graduate education that combines in-depth social work study with advanced business coursework. Each class is 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 MBA and MSW Dual Degree
Complete 84 credit hours led by expert faculty members to earn the MSW/MBA dual degree from Aurora University Online. Gain hands-on learning through experiential internships, and graduate with new skills and expertise in:
- Budgeting
- Clinical social work
- Decision making
- Financial management
- Leadership
- Marketing
- Operations management
- Organizational behavior
- Psychopathology
- Research methods
- Social welfare policy
- Social work practice
- Strategic management
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:March 10, 2025
- Est. Program Length:4-5 Years
- Credit Hours:84
- Course Length:8 Weeks
- Cost Per Credit:$618
MSW Courses
- 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
- SWK6250 Social Work Research Methods – 3 hours
- SWK6370 Social Work Practice With Individuals and Families – 3 hours
- SWK6381 Social Work Practice With Groups – 3 hours
- SWK6382 Social Work Practice With Communities and Organizations – 3 hours
- SWK6730 Field Instruction I: Generalist Internship – 3 hours
- SWK6740 Field Instruction II: Generalist Internship – 3 hours
- SWK6500 Social Work Perspectives on Psychopathology – 3 hours
- SWK6511 Clinical Social Work Practice – 3 hours
- SWK6521 Advanced Clinical Social Work – 3 hours
- SWK6533 Advanced Social Policy – 3 hours
- SWK6575 Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity in Social Work Practice – 3 hours
- SWK6750 Field Instruction III – 3 hours
- SWK6760 Field Instruction IV – 3 hours
MBA Courses
- MBA6020 Marketing Management – 3 hours
- MBA6030 Leadership and Organizational Behavior – 3 hours
- MBA6045 Budgeting and Financial Management – 3 hours
- MBA6075 Operations Management – 3 hours
- MBA6085 Ethics and Decision Making – 3 hours
- MBA6100 Strategic Management – 3 hours
- MBA Elective Courses – 15 hours
Social Work Leadership Administration Track (9 hours)*
- MBA6030 Leadership and Organizational Behavior – 3 hours
- MBA6200 Human Resource Management – 3 hours
- MBA6350 Nonprofit Management and Leadership – 3 hours
*Students who complete the MSW Leadership Administration track (MBA6030, MBA6200, and MBA6350) may apply those hours to their MBA studies as well.
Note: Tuition and fees are subject to change without prior notice. Please contact the Office of Student Accounts for questions or information on current tuition, fees, room, board, and other rates.
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA or greater (on a 4.0 scale). Students with a lower GPA will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants may be required to complete an interview with the program director and provide letters of recommendation.
- Professional resume or curriculum vitae.
- Personal statement (a typed, double-spaced, 2–3-page narrative that reflects standards of graduate-level writing) and addresses the following:
- Why have you chosen to pursue a dual MSW/MBA degree and what are your professional aspirations?
- Why have you chosen Aurora University to pursue your MSW/MBA?
- If your GPA is below 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 Brightspace 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 than ever. 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 into Aurora University.
Online MSW/MBA Career Outcomes
Complete Aurora University’s dual MSW/MBA program online for a degree that delivers the skills you need to lead in your field and make a more meaningful difference in your community. After graduation, pursue management positions in social services or enter the world of corporate social work through roles that promote ethical and responsible business practices.
This master’s degree situates you to benefit from steady job growth among management positions, which are projected to increase by 1.2 million openings per year through 2033.1 You’ll qualify for a variety of roles at the intersection of business and social work, including:
- Behavioral health director ($93,654/year in U.S2)
- Clinical social worker ($63,790/year in Illinois3)
- Human resources manager ($148,660/year in Illinois3)
- Social services manager ($76,290/year in Illinois3)
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Management Occupations.” August 29, 2024. Retrieved December 2, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/.
Next Steps
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