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MSW/MBA Dual Degree

Augsburg University offers a dual MSW/MBA degree in social work and business administration. Students enrolled in the dual degree program learn to create better managed and financially-sound organizations to serve diverse communities.

Purpose

Many social service agencies today require that leadership combine financial and business expertise with social work practice and policy formation. The MSW/MBA dual degree prepares graduates to function in a workplace that demands the delivery of quality social services with the knowledge and skills of administrative leadership.

Specialization

The MSW/MBA dual degree includes an accelerated third year of study for MSW students who elect the Anti-Oppressive Macro Practice specialization. In this specialization, students learn to effect positive change in social service systems through their work with communities, organizations, and social policy makers. Prior Augsburg MSW graduates who have completed the necessary Anti-Oppressive Macro Practice coursework are eligible to return to complete the MBA portion of the dual degree. The MSW degree must be completed before the MBA portion of the dual degree.

Schedule

Years 1 and 2 (September through June)

MSW classes meet on alternating weekdays and weekends—and students engage in hybrid learning activities between class weekends.

Year 3 (12–16 months)

MBA courses meet on weeknights. The MBA program includes a summer term. See the MBA section for required courses for the dual degree.

Curriculum

  • Generalist or advanced standing coursework
  • Either 920 hours (generalist) or 500 hours (advanced standing) MSW field practicum experience
  • Complete a minimum of ten MBA courses after completion of the MSW degree.
  • For more information regarding the MBA coursework required for the MSW/MBA dual degree, see the MBA section.

MBA Admission

MSW/MBA dual degree applicants may apply to both programs at the same time or admitted MSW students may wait to apply to the MBA program until their specialization year. The GMAT is waived for MSW/MBA dual degree applicants. However, all MSW students are required to complete the MBA math modules and achieve a score of 80% or higher before they begin the quantitative courses for the MBA program. Students must meet all admission criteria for the MBA program. Admission to one program does not guarantee admission to the other.

The Dual Degree MSW/MBA program offers students a unique opportunity to integrate the values and practices of social work with the strategic, financial, and operational expertise of business administration.  This coordinated program leverages Augsburg’s deep commitment to social justice and community impact through the Master of Social Work (MSW), alongside the practical leadership and management training of the Master of Business Administration (MBA).  Graduates of the dual degree program are uniquely equipped to lead organizations at the intersection of mission and management, whether in the nonprofit sector, healthcare, human services, or beyond.

Steps in the process:

  • Students in the Dual Degree MSW/MBA program will first complete the requirements of the Master of Social Work program.
  • Upon completion, they will then apply to the MBA program and complete an additional 8 MBA courses to earn the second degree.
  • This structure allows students to build a strong foundation in social work practice before enhancing their business acumen, preparing them to lead effectively in today’s complex, interdisciplinary environments.

Admission to the Dual Degree Program

Applicants begin by applying to the MSW program AND elect the Anti-Oppressive Macro Practice specialization (see refer to the MSW website for further instructions).  Once admitted to the MSW program, students will have an initial advising meeting and are required to meet with an advisor at least once per academic year.  As the student approached completion of their home program, they will submit an application to the MBA program.  Students must fully completed the MSW before beginning coursework in the MBA program.

Secondary Program: Master of Business Administration
The MBA program consists of 12 core courses and 2 electives.  For an MSW graduate, there are 8 MBA courses required to complete a second graduate degree.  If the MSW graduate would like a concentration in date analytics, entrepreneurship, or finance, then 2 additional courses will be required.
Once a MSW degree has been granted, the dual degree student may apply to the MBA program.  The MBA courses are 8-week accelerated courses that meet one night per week.  Graduate students take 2 courses per semester on the same night throughout the program.  The MSW graduate student will then take the following core courses to receive their MBA degree.
  • MBA 570- Quantitative Decision-Making for Managers
  • MBA 571- Business Analytics
  • MBA 520- Accounting for Business Managers
  • MBA 510- Applied Managerial Economics
  • MBA 530- Managerial Finance
  • MBA 595- Strategic Management
  • MBA 550- Marketing Management
  • MBA 580- Management Consulting Project
Concentration Areas (optional; choose one concentration and take both courses)
Data analytics
  • MBA 572- Data Programming
  • MBA 573- Predictive Analytics
Entrepreneurship concentration
  • MBA 596- Managing Innovation
  • MBA 583- Entrepreneurship: Execution, Planning and Strategy
Finance concentration
  • MBA 535- International Finance
  • MBA 532- Investment Theory and Portfolio Management