The partnership offers two pathways: the Master of Social Work (MSW) at Quinnipiac combined with either the Master of Arts in Religion (M.A.R.) or the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Yale Divinity School. Both joint degree options are designed to equip students with the tools to lead, serve and heal in both secular and faith-based contexts.

“This joint degree reflects the exceptional caliber of Quinnipiac’s social work program and our commitment to preparing students for meaningful, purpose-driven careers,” said Quinnipiac Provost Debra Liebowitz. “By partnering with Yale Divinity School, we are creating an academic pathway that empowers students to integrate clinical expertise with spiritual and ethical insight—equipping them to lead and serve in profoundly impactful ways.

“The innovative academic initiative is designed to integrate rigorous theological education with advanced clinical social work practice, equipping students to address complex human needs with both spiritual insight and professional expertise,” Liebowitz added.

Frederick J. Streets, professor in the practice of divinity and social work and coordinator of the joint-degree program in divinity and social work at Yale Divinity School, said, “We are delighted that Quinnipiac University responded to the invitation of Yale University Divinity School to explore forming a partnership to offer a joint divinity and social work degree program. This collaboration represents an expansion of Yale Divinity School's joint degree program in divinity and social work. This program of study offers a quality and rigorous education that will equip students for public service and leadership roles in a variety of settings throughout the world.”

The new joint degree program is designed for students who aspire to create positive change in their communities. It is particularly well-suited for individuals who feel called to serve where spiritual care, professional social work and social justice intersect.

Through a carefully structured curriculum that includes credit-sharing between the two institutions, students can complete both degrees in a more time- and cost-effective manner. The program also fosters interdisciplinary expertise by combining deep theological insight with clinical social work training, preparing students to serve with both compassion and competence.

Students will benefit from dual advising and mentorship, receiving guidance from faculty at both Yale and Quinnipiac. Internship and fieldwork opportunities are designed to meet the requirements of both degrees, providing hands-on experience that is aligned with real-world professional standards. Additionally, students gain access to the academic resources, alumni networks and learning communities of both institutions—broadening their professional horizons and strengthening their impact.

Graduates will be equipped to meet the complex emotional, social and spiritual needs of individuals, families, groups and communities—whether working in hospitals, congregations, schools or nonprofit organizations. They will be uniquely positioned for versatile careers in chaplaincy, counseling, community leadership and nonprofit management.

Carol Awasu, professor and chair of social work at Quinnipiac, said she is delighted to collaborate with Yale Divinity School to prepare social workers who recognize the essential role of spirituality and religion in mental health and holistic well-being.

“This partnership affirms our shared commitment to embed spiritual sensitivity within social work education and practice, empowering our graduates to deliver ethically grounded, evidence-based care across varied communities and professional settings,” Awasu said.

Trenton Honda, dean of Quinnipiac’s School of Health Sciences, added, “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to preparing a new generation of social worker-scholars who are uniquely equipped to support the spiritual well-being of the communities we serve. Our graduates will be empowered to address the complexities and triumphs of the human experience in transformative ways—changing the world, one person at a time.”

Students can apply to both Yale and Quinnipiac before matriculation (preferred) or during their first year at either institution. Each school independently reviews and admits applicants based on its own criteria. Applicants must notify both schools of their intention to pursue the joint degree. Students already enrolled at one school must consult with the joint degree liaison and relevant advisors before applying to the other school.

For more information, contact Carol Awasu at Carol.Awasu@qu.edu or Frederick Streets at Frederick.Streets@yale.edu.