In this program of study, required courses for one degree program serve as elective courses in the second program, thereby reducing the number of credits required for each of the degrees.

Any student interested in this dual degree must apply and be admitted to both the Master of Public Administration and the Master of Social Work Programs. Individuals who have already started one of the two master's programs can work toward the MPA/MSW by qualifying for admission to the other program.

The number of credits needed to graduate with the MPA/MSW dual degree is at least 118 for students in the two-year MSW program and 79 credits for students in the advanced standing MSW program. The dual-degree program can be completed in eight to nine full-time quarters by students in the two-year MSW program and in six quarters by students in the advanced standing program.