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The University of Windsor will begin accepting applications this fall to a joint Master of Social Work (MSW) and Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) program to address changing client needs and fulfill the University’s social justice mandate.
The MSW/LL.B, which will start in September 2010, is a combined four-year program that will have students complete one academic year and one summer of study in the MSW program, followed by a second year spent entirely in the Faculty of Law. In years three and four of the program, students take courses from both areas of study to fulfill remaining requirements for both degrees. The program is designed to allow students to complete course work in four years that, if pursued separately, would otherwise take five.
According to Faculty of Law Dean Bruce Elman, clients who seek the advice of lawyers often require the further services of a social worker and vice-versa.
“People frequently face issues that are both legal and social in nature,” Professor Elman said.
“As a result, lawyers and social workers, or others in helping professions, are often asked to provide information to their clients that is outside their specific area of expertise. The joint MSW/LL.B program addresses the need for these types of combined services and fits perfectly with Windsor Law’s Access to Justice mandate.”
Brent Angell, department head in the School of Social work, said that students in his area are encouraged to promote social justice through a number of avenues, including advocacy and community partnerships.
“The joint program is a perfect opportunity for our students to provide an even greater level of service to their clients,” Angell said. “Data suggests that legal and social problems are compounded in regions that face economic difficulties and we know that graduates of this program will be fully trained and prepared to address the needs of the people of our region.”
UWindsor’s joint MSW/LL.B program is only the second of its kind in Ontario and the third such offering in Canada.
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