You can earn your Master of Social Work (MSW) along with a Master of Legal Studies (MLS). Offered in conjunction with the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, these degrees will prepare you to be an effective practitioner in social policy and to effect change at all levels of community and government as you interact with lawyers, assess risks and opportunities, and understand the legal, legislative and regulatory landscape.
Want to learn more about the MSW and MLS dual-degree program?
Your Career Options
With a an MSW and MLS dual degree, you’ll graduate with a competitive, cross-disciplinary skill set that will give you an advantage in the job market. Career options include:
- Directing nonprofit organizations
- Developing social policy, including social justice reform, criminal justice reform and mental health services reform
- Advocating for children and youth, individuals with disabilities and older adults
- Law enforcement education and reform
- Immigration reform
- Working with nonprofit agencies, including legal/mental health services coordination and advocacy
- Community and urban planning, and sustainable cities development
- Advocating for individuals and families experiencing homelessness
- Working with agencies and employers as a diversity and inclusion consultant
Featured Courses
SOWK 4712
Social Work and the Law
About this Course
This course examines legal principles and procedures relevant to social work practice with families and children: structure and operation of the American legal system, principles to follow in conducting legal research, basic principles of constitutional law and law related to juvenile delinquency, child protection, child adoption, education and domestic relations.
LAW 4240
Family Law
About this Course
This course is an examination of laws that involve and/or regulate families. Students learn the legal rights of families in cases incidental to marriage or without marriage. This includes child-parent relationships and the dissolution of marriage. This class also provides students with an understanding of new familial relationships.
LAW 4295
Immigration Law
About this Course
This is a study of the historical development and current jurisprudence in American immigration law. The course examines such concepts as sovereign authority, exclusion, expulsion and asylum, and current developments in the area.
Learn more about the MSW and MLS dual-degree curriculum.
Key Faculty
Jae McQueen
Associate Professor of the Practice of Social Work; Coordinator for Adjunct Faculty Support and Development
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