Program Contact: Clotilde Dudley-Smith 203-582-7889 Stephanie Jacobson 203-582-8907
The Accelerated Dual-Degree BS in Health Science Studies to Master of Social Work (3+2) program is designed for students entering the School of Health Sciences who have an interest in healthcare and want to pursue a career in the field of social work and mental health. This program of study must be added prior to the close of the add/drop period of the student's first semester. Upon admission, students choosing this 3+2 program are assigned to academic advisers who design a customized program to meet the career goals of students.
First-year students are automatically enrolled in a career exploration course to help them increase the breadth and depth of their professional interests. A strong emphasis on individualized academic advising is at the core of this program. The student-adviser relationship provides opportunity and support for each student while pursuing their goals within the Quinnipiac University educational experience.
The Quinnipiac University MSW program prepares social workers for specialized practice in health and mental health. The curriculum emphasizes interprofessional education to familiarize students with a team-based health and mental health care approach. The MSW program equips students to provide clients with clinical social work skills, including counseling, crisis intervention and trauma-informed treatments, as well as access to social welfare and community resources. Students are prepared for social work licensure as part of the MSW coursework. Graduates of this MSW program meet eligibility requirements for both the LMSW and the LCSW.
Social work is the major provider of mental health care and one of the fastest-growing occupations in the United States. Graduates of this MSW program enter a broad range of high-demand fields. Hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, mental health clinics, schools, health departments, and social welfare, criminal justice and community organizations rely on social workers to provide health and mental health care to a wide variety of clients. These include treating persons with trauma, such as veterans with PTSD; people with chronic illnesses; and many others. Social workers are also a crucial link between patients/clients and other healthcare professionals, ensuring that people receive critical health and mental health care.
Through this Accelerated Dual-Degree BS/MSW (3+2) program, students complete both their bachelor's degree and their Master of Social Work in just 5 years.
Accelerated Dual-Degree BS/MSW Program of Study
Undergraduate BS in Health Science Studies Curriculum
A total of 120 credits is required for completion of the BS in Health Science Studies. Below is a typical first-year plan of study.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Credits | |
| HSC 221 | Introduction to Health Care | 2 |
| BIO 101 & 101L |
General Biology I and General Biology I Lab |
4 |
| CHE 101 & 101L |
Fundamentals of General, Organic and Biological Chemistry I and Fundamentals of General, Organic and Biological Chemistry I Lab |
4 |
| EN 101 | Introduction to Academic Reading and Writing | 3 |
| FYS 101 | First-Year Seminar | 3 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| HSC 202 | Medical Terminology | 2 |
| BIO 102 & 102L |
General Biology II and General Biology Lab II |
4 |
| CHE 102 & CHE 101L |
Fundamentals of General, Organic and Biological Chemistry II and Fundamentals of General, Organic and Biological Chemistry I Lab |
4 |
| EN 102 | Academic Writing and Research | 3 |
| UC Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 32 | |
Subsequent Course and GPA Requirements
Below lists the total credits needed to complete the degree in health science studies. In addition to coursework, to remain in good academic standing within the health science studies program, students must maintain a minimum overall GPA of 2.50 and earn 120 credits for degree completion. Students must also complete BIO 102 by the end of their sophomore year. To remain in good academic standing and enter into the MSW graduate program, students must have an overall GPA of 3.00, complete 20 credits in liberal arts, and earn 120 credits for degree completion by conclusion of the third year. Students must work closely with their academic adviser to carefully plan their course of study.
Course selections must fulfill the following:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum Requirements | ||
| University Requirements | 46 | |
| Foundational Science Core (additional biology, chemistry & lab science) | 23 | |
| Health Science Courses | 13 | |
| Science Electives (e.g. health science, biology, biomedical sciences) | 18 | |
| Open Electives (must include the 9 cr of MSW coursework) | 30 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
Students in this program take 9 credits of graduate coursework in their third year. These 9 MSW credits are used to fulfill both undergraduate and graduate requirements. Students must achieve a grade of B or higher in the graduate social work courses. Students earn the Master's Degree in Social Work upon satisfactory completion of all MSW graduate curriculum requirements.
| Junior | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Credits | |
| SW 504 | Social Welfare and Social Policy | 3 |
| SW 511 | Human Behavior in the Social Environment I: Theories for Practice for Individuals and Families | 3 |
| 9 Undergraduate Credits | 9 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| SW 512 | Human Behavior in the Social Environment II: Theories for Groups, Organizations and Communities | 3 |
| 12 Undergraduate Credits | 12 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| SW 500 | Generalist Field Education Practicum I | 3 |
| SW 501 | Social Work Practice I: Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families | 3 |
| SW 505 | Social Work Research | 3 |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| SW 502 | Generalist Field Education Practicum II | 3 |
| SW 503 | Social Work Practice Ii: Social Work Practice with Groups, Organizations and Communities | 3 |
| SW 507 | Issues of Diversity and Oppression | 3 |
| SW 580 | Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Fifth Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| SW 600 | Specialized Practice Field Education Practicum in Health/Behavioral Health I | 3 |
| SW 601 | Social Work Practice III: Specialized Clinical Social Work Practice | 3 |
| SW 604 | Evaluation Research Work Programs and Practice | 3 |
| 6 Credits of SW Electives | 6 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| SW 602 | Specialized Practice Field Education Practicum in Health/Behavioral Health II | 3 |
| SW 603 | Social Work Practice IV: Specialized Organizational Social Work Practice | 3 |
| 9 Credits of SW Electives | 9 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 81 | |
Admission Requirements
The requirements for admission into the undergraduate Health Science Studies programs are the same as those for admission to Quinnipiac University. The Accelerated Dual-Degree BS/MSW (3+2) is primarily a direct admit program for first-year students. Students may not add this program of study after the close of the add/drop period of their first semester.
Admission to the university is competitive, and applicants are expected to present a strong college prep program in high school. Prospective first-year students are strongly encouraged to file an application as early in the senior year as possible, and arrange to have first quarter grades sent from their high school counselor as soon as they are available.
For detailed admission requirements, including required documents, please visit the Admissions page of this catalog.