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Loma Linda University's dual MSW/MS in Criminal Justice is a unique program for students called to serve at the intersection of behavioral health and the justice system. Available in 2-year full-time or 3-year part-time formats, it combines advanced clinical social work training with a restorative, whole person approach to crime, healing, and community restoration. You'll graduate with two master's degrees and the skills to make a meaningful impact—from direct clinical practice to program leadership at the local, national, and international levels.
🔔 Admissions & Program Requirements
- Applications are now open for Fall 2026! Apply by April 15, 2026. No application fee required.
- This program is open only to applicants residing within the United States.
- All Criminal Justice MS courses must be taken on campus.
At a Glance
- 2-year (full-time) or 3-year (part-time), 90 quarter unit program
- 1280 hours of clinical internships with a research-focused thesis option
- Criminal Justice MS only available as a dual degree with the MSW (see curriculum guide)
- Small class size for maximum learning experience
- Christian environment emphasizing integrated learning, respect for all persons, and compassionate whole person care
- Embedded professional self-care
Program Director
Dr. Talolo Lepale
DSW, MSW, MBA, LCSW
Assistant Professor, Social Work and Social Ecology
Director, Master of Social Work (MSW Online and On-Campus) and Master of Social Work (MSW) with Criminal Justice (MS) Programs
Program Information
🔎 More About Our Dual Social Work/Criminal Justice Master's Program in California
The Social Work (MSW) with Criminal Justice (MS) program equips students to gain solid preparation in the substantive field of social work, together with essential policy studies and/or clinical services in the field of criminal justice.
Crime disrupts personal and community relationships, endangers public health and safety, and threatens the moral contours of everyday social life. Loma Linda University's mission "to make man whole" provides a powerful and much-needed context in which criminal justice can be addressed on the basis of healing and restoration. The principles of restorative justice elevate the dimensions of justice that:
- Promote the acceptance of responsibility
- Promote the fulfillment of obligations
- Embrace forgiveness and reconciliation
- Culminate in the restoration of personal and social relationships
This multidisciplinary approach to deviance and the administration of justice takes into consideration the social, physical and spiritual wellbeing of victims, offenders, and communities—which provides a deeper understanding of crime and the struggle of the modern criminal justice system.
Mission
The mission of the combined Master of Social Work and Master of Science in Criminal Justice at Loma Linda University is to facilitate more efficient completion of two graduate degrees for students with strong interests in, and who are dedicated to, the advanced practice of both social work and criminal justice. The master's program in social work emphasizes ecological systems, a perspective that focuses on the interaction of a person or system in relation to his/her environment. The master's degree in criminal justice aims to prepare students to think critically, analytically, and creatively about the problems of crime and social control in the contemporary world.
The combination of these two programs has guided the development of the foundation curriculum, professional concentrations, and selection of practicum sites for this dual degree program.
Goals
- To prepare student for the provision of clinical services to the criminal justice population
- To prepare students to make interdisciplinary contributions to program development and management
- To prepare students for positions in criminal justice service interventions at the local, state, national, and international levels
- To prepare students for positions in teaching and research in the area of criminal justice
Degree Completion Requirements
- A total of 90 units are required for completion;
- Completion of field practicum requirement;
- Professional Practicum and Seminar: 540 hours;
- Advanced Professional Practicum Seminar: 880 hours;
- Following the completion of the foundation coursework, students are required to pass the MSW's Qualifying Review;
- Completion of research coursework or thesis;
- Completion of Wholeness Portfolio providing evidence of accomplishments and growing competency in professional practicum experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MSW/MS in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) dual degree program?
The MSW/MS in Criminal Justice program is a 90‑unit integrated dual degree preparing students for clinical social work practice within criminal justice settings. It combines advanced MSW clinical training with forensic behavioral health and criminal justice‑system coursework.
What makes this dual degree unique compared to traditional the MSW?
Students earn a Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree in addition to the MSW. The program integrates clinical social work training with policy, forensic behavioral health, interdisciplinary collaboration, and justice‑system coursework. Students learn to work with law enforcement, courts, probation, parole, corrections, and reentry settings using trauma‑informed and restorative practices.
Are Criminal Justice (MSCJ) courses offered online or in person?
All MSCJ courses must be taken on campus, and they are scheduled in person on Monday evenings to support consistent planning for dual‑degree students.
How many MSW field practicum hours do dual degree students complete?
Dual degree students must complete the full MSW field sequence:
- 480 hours – Generalist Practicum
- 600 hours – Advanced Clinical Practicum
- Total: 1,080 field hours
- In addition, they must complete 200 hours with a criminal justice population, bringing their combined total to 1,280 hours.
Are field placements the same for MSW and dual degree students?
Dual degree students are placed in agencies that meet MSW CSWE competencies with a criminal justice population. Field hours must meet all MSW practicum requirements (supervision, direct practice %, documentation).
How are field placements arranged for dual degree students?
Placements are arranged by the Director of Field Education; students must follow the same placement protocols as all MSW students and may not independently contact agencies.
Can dual degree students waive MSW practicum hours?
No. Practicum hours must be completed in full. However, Advanced Standing students may variance in their BSW generalist hours (see Advanced Standing information).
Are background checks required?
Yes. Students must undergo:
- University background check
- Agency background check (often Live Scan), criminal justice–partner agencies may have additional clearance requirements paid for by the student
Are students allowed to work full time in the dual degree program?
No. The practicum workload plus MSCJ coursework generally exceeds full‑time capacity. However, online students who are eligible for the dual degree program may work full time but it is not recommended.
What careers can graduates pursue?
Graduates are prepared for roles such as forensic mental health social workers, clinical social workers, psychiatric social workers, community and medical social workers, and practitioners in courts, detention centers, diversion programs, and reentry services.