Sept. 19, 2011

Cooley Law School and Western Michigan University Launch Third Dual Degree Partnership

Thomas M. Cooley Law School and Western Michigan University (WMU) today announced their third dual degree partnership, launching the area's first-ever Masters of Social Work (MSW)/Juris Doctor (J.D.) program. Recruitment begins in fall 2011 and enrollment of the first applicants is anticipated to begin in fall 2012.

Students can attend any WMU campus for classes geared for the MSW and any of Cooley’s campuses, including its Grand Rapids campus, for law classes. Those who successfully complete the program will earn an MSW from WMU and a J.D. degree from Cooley.

The partnership will allow students to combine their interests in issues such as:
• Family law and family well-being
• Social processes related to prisoner re-entry into communities
• Social welfare policy and legislation related to poverty
• Social processes related to child protection, parent rights, immigration issues

"Both schools are focused on providing students with the knowledge and skills that will make it easier for them to succeed quickly when entering professional employment," said Nelson Miller, associate dean of Cooley’s Grand Rapids campus. "We believe that combining these two degrees can provide the competitive edge executives and attorneys need in the marketplace."

"This is an example of a program designed to fulfill the needs of students who have unique career objectives that can be best met by completing two degrees instead of one," said Dr. Linwood Cousins, director of the School of Social Work at WMU. "The partnership will facilitate the education of students with an interest in both law and social work."

The two other degree partnerships that Cooley and WMU offer are J.D./Master of Business Administration and J.D./Master of Public Administration programs. Cooley also has similar partnerships with Oakland University and Olivet College.

About Thomas M. Cooley Law School:
Thomas M. Cooley Law School is the largest law school in the nation.  Founded in 1972, the private, non-profit law school operates its Juris Doctor program, Joint Degree programs, and Master of Laws programs across Michigan in Lansing, Auburn Hills, Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor. Cooley recently announced a new Tampa Bay, Florida-area campus, with courses beginning in May 2012.  Cooley has more than 15,000 graduates across the nation and worldwide and offers enrollment three times a year in January, May and September. Cooley is an independent law school, accredited by the American Bar Association and the Higher Learning Commission. Additional information can be found at cooley.edu.

About Western Michigan University:
Western Michigan University is a learner centered, discovery driven and globally engaged research institution with an enrollment of more than 25,000. It is part of a select group of only four Michigan universities that have met the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching's requirements to be known as a research university. With more than 230 programs, including 99 at the graduate level, WMU is focused on delivering high-quality undergraduate instruction, advancing its growing graduate division and fostering significant research activities. Its main campus is in Kalamazoo, and it has seven regional locations around Michigan.