Social Work & Pastoral Studies

The School of Social Work at Saint Louis University and Aquinas Institute of Theology offer a dual-degree program comprised of a Master of Social Work and Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies, allowing students to complete both degrees in 85 credits instead of the 105 credits required to complete both degrees independently.

The program is designed to prepare students for professional social work and pastoral ministry through a dual track of coursework and fieldwork. The program provides the framework, skills and resources necessary for spiritually oriented social work practice and deepens a professional's commitment to social justice.

Social ministry settings for practica and for employment include ecumenical and denominational organizations.

Examples include: 

• Interfaith coalitions
• Church councils
• Peace and justice organizations
• Parishes
• Diocesan, metropolitan, regional, synodal or national organizations

Applicants must fulfill all admission requirements for both schools, and acceptance into both programs is required for admission into the dual degree program.

For additional information, see the catalog entries for the following programs:

Social Work, M.S.W.

Pastoral Studies, M.A.P.S. (Aquinas Institute of Theology)

Accreditation

The baccalaureate social work program at Saint Louis University has been continuously accredited since 1974.
 
The master of social work program at Saint Louis University has been continuously accredited since 1930.

Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
1701 Duke Street, Suite 200
Alexandria, VA 22314-3457
Phone: 703-683-8080 

• Completed application​
• Undergraduate degree (most successful applicants have an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or better)
• Official transcript from a degree-granting institution
• Statement of purpose (about 500 words)
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• External reference recommendations (encouraged but not required)

Upon admission, a new student must successfully complete a virtual meeting with their academic coach to be enrolled in first term coursework.

• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Step 2: Set up your SLU Net ID

Step 3: Log into MySLU

Step 4: Check with your academic department

Step 5: Read the Saint Louis University Graduate Catalog

Step 6: Submit your immunization and health insurance forms

Step 7: Visit parking and card services to obtain your SLU ID card