Students begin the dual degree program at the Columbus School of Law and complete a full year of coursework at the law school. In the second year, students will be enrolled full-time at NCSSS and will complete their foundation year M.S.W. coursework. In their advanced years (years 3 and 4), students take courses in both the law school and NCSSS. It is imperative that students consult with their academic advisors in both schools to plan their coursework for years 3 and 4 in order to meet the academic requirements necessary to graduate with the dual degree.

For the M.S.W. program, students must choose either the clinical or social change concentration in their advanced years. Dual degree students may not choose the combined concentration due to the lack of elective credits available in that concentration. Nine credits from the Law School will be accepted to fulfill requirements in the MSW program according to the following plan:

• Clinical Concentration. Credit will be accepted from law school courses and applied toward two electives (6 credits) and one individual theory and practice course (3 credits) for a total of 9 credits in the M.S.W. program.
• Social Change Concentration. Credit will be accepted from law school courses for two electives (6 credits) and one macro practice course (3 credits) for a total of 9 credits in the M.S.W. program.

Students wanting to take an elective course at NCSSS are invited to over elect or audit, according to university policies, the additional course(s).

Scheduling Courses

Students register for courses in the two programs during each program’s registration period and according to each program’s procedures. Students should be aware that there may be differences in the registration procedures for both programs, such as registration dates. The times that courses are offered also needs to be considered so students are able to attend all classes. Students should work with their academic advisors in both programs in planning their course schedules. Any issues arising due to registration differences are usually resolved during the add/drop period.