Business Administration/Social Work Dual Master’s Degree

KSU is committed to developing innovative programs that are responsive to the rapidly changing economic, social and political climate and to the interdependence of sectors (public, private and nonprofit). Therefore, KSU is offering the first dual degree MSW/MBA program in the state of Georgia.  “In recent decades, social work practitioners have increasingly been called upon to think entrepreneurially to seek private funding and to collaborate with nongovernmental organizations to provide social services and goods” (c.f. Lee, 2016, p. 209). Similarly, companies have become more socially responsible because of consumer demand, employee morale, potential to develop new markets, and a desire to create sustainable business practices that focus on triple-bottom line (preserve wellbeing of people and planet while making a profit).

Program Objective:

The Master of Social Work and Master of Business Administration (MSW/MBA) Program is a dual degree offered by the WellStar College of Health and Human Service and the Coles College of Business Administration to meet this need. The objective of the dual degree program is to create future leaders and change agents who create “social value” by focusing on the triple-bottom line and initiate purposeful “social change.” The competencies acquired through the dual degrees will be sought after by Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) units in companies, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), and large managed care organizations (behavioral and physical health) to name a few. Additionally, graduates can also launch their own social entrepreneurial ventures, social enterprises and private practices. Hence, graduates can be employed by organizations in all three sectors (private, nonprofit and public).

Competencies:

Our clinical social work education (MSW) enables the graduates to make informed evidence-based decisions regarding best practices in responding compassionately and ethically to diverse human needs through psychotherapy, family counseling, and case management, for instance. The Business Administration degree (MBA) includes the traditional education in accounting and finance, management principles, information systems, distribution logistics, and marketing. In addition, the MBA degree is responsive to the changing and dynamic local, regional and national employment trends and business needs in corporate America. Ultimately, the graduate is prepared to effectively implement the mission of the social work profession of advancing human rights, and promoting social, economic and environmental justice.