Dual Degree: Master of Education and Master of Social Work

Program Overview

Candidates for the Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, with Higher Education Administration Emphasis can pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) concurrently, saving both time and money toward a dual master's degree.

This unique, dual master's degree program in education and social work equips higher
education leaders to break down the barriers that hinder student success. Concentrations are
available in mental health and substance misuse, as well as community and administrative
practice. The Direct Practice in Mental Health & Substance Misuse specialty provides advanced social work students the opportunity to focus on assessment and intervention with those evidencing acute and chronic mental health problems and substance abuse disorders.

Program Options & Related Programs 

Students enrolled in the dual degree program will complete coursework toward an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, with Higher Education Administration Emphasis and a Master of Social Work.

The Master of Social Work offers two concentration options for candidates: 

• Direct Practice Concentration: Specialty in Mental Health and Substance Misuse -- The Direct Practice in Mental Health & Substance Misuse specialty provides advanced social work students the opportunity to focus on assessment and intervention with those evidencing acute and chronic mental health problems and substance abuse disorders. Students are trained to diagnose, treat, collaborate on recovery, and advocate for social justice for persons across the life span who have mental and substance abuse disorders, as well as to deliver services and support policies to prevent such disorders. The Direct Practice in Mental Health & Substance Misuse specialty is offered on-campus, in an online cohort (full and part-time), and through our Fort Worth cohort program.
• Community and Administrative Practice Concentration -- The School of Social Work's Community and Administrative Practice Concentration is the choice of students interested in developing skills in designing, running, and evaluating programs in the community. It is based on the social work principle that the larger environment is a central part of the reason why individuals thrive or encounter problems. CAP students learn to engage in leadership roles within organizations and communities in order to improve the world.

Related Programs 

Beyond the dual degree, we offer several related options that may be of interest to applicants.

M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies with Higher Education Administration Emphasis

The stand-alone Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, with Higher Education Administration Emphasis is an in-person/on-campus program that equips graduates for careers in academia.The higher education emphasis prepares students to pursue a career in colleges and universities or the many organizations that study, support, or address higher education-related issues. The program works collaboratively with campus administrative offices. Students may also seek graduate assistant opportunities in areas such as student affairs and housing.

B.A. to Ph.D. Track 

The College of Education offers a B.A.-Ph.D. track in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies with Higher Education Administration Emphasis. Students accepted in the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies with Higher Education Administration Emphasis can elect, with program approval, to pursue the integrated B.A.-Ph.D. track. The track allows students to start doctoral work earlier and transfer into the Ph.D. program upon completion of required criteria stated on the website. These students will go through an early Ph.D. program admission process.

Hispanic Serving Leadership Preparation Graduate Certificate 

The college offers a Hispanic Serving Leadership Preparation Graduate Certificate for individuals with a bachelor's degree seeking to close pipeline gaps for all students and in particular for LatinX students. This certificate is also for those leaders who are seeking to serve within or already are leading within Hispanic Serving institutions. Students who participate in this certificate program may apply certificate coursework to the degree requirements for an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, Higher Education Administration emphasis, after applying for and being accepted into that master’s degree program.

This program does not lead to teacher certification. To practice social work in the United States, a social work license is required. Please consult with the UTA School of Social Work for more information.

Career Opportunities

Graduates find employment in many areas of higher education, including but not limited to:

• Student affairs
• Housing
• Financial aid
• Institutional research, assessment and technology
• Higher education leaderships
• Doctoral studies

Cost & Paying for School

View the UTA Tuition Estimator for an approximate calculation of required tuition and mandatory fees. 

The estimated cost for tuition and mandatory fees is $3,628 as of Spring 2024 for an in-state, Texas resident enrolling in 6 credit hours (two courses) of graduate coursework through the College of Education. 

Please note that the cost can vary by student in relation to that student's individual circumstances. Additional fees may apply.

For the best approximation of your school costs for tuition and fees, visit the UTA Tuition Estimator.

Funding Opportunities 

UTA offers competitive funding options.

Graduate Assistantships

In particular, our on-campus, Graduate Assistantships give UTA students valuable, applied learning experiences in the field of higher education and help students pay for their education. More than a dozen roles are available on campus.

These pay positions help you take your classroom beyond the books with a new position in the realm of higher education right on the UTA campus. Browse several of the graduate assistant positions available to UTA students interested in a career as an education professional -- including those within the College of Education. Please note that these jobs may not be directly affiliated with the UTA College of Education. Use the contact information provided with each position to inquire about the opening. Please note that these roles do not provide an out-of-state tuition waiver.

Funding for UTA Employees

UTA employees may be eligible to use the Employee Tuition Affordability Program to help pay for school. Details are online. 

How to Apply

Students admitted to the dual master's degree program can apply 6-9 semester hours jointly to meet the requirements of both degrees, thus reducing the total number of hours which would be required to earn these degrees separately. 

To participate in the dual degree program, an M.Ed. prospective student must first apply to the M.Ed. program and be accepted and then work with your academic advisor to submit the appropriate paperwork to apply to the second master’s degree program through the School of Social Work. Students must be eligible to be admitted to the second master’s degree program based on those requirements. (Note: After a Social Work student completes more than 24 hours of advanced graduate social work coursework, they will not be able to add a dual degree.)

Those interested in a dual degree program should consult the Official Catalog or an M.Ed. Graduate Advisor or an M.S.W. Graduate Advisor for further information on admission and course requirements.