Applicants apply to the School of Social Work and the School of Law, and they are expected to meet the usual deadlines, standards, and requirements for admission.

In most cases, students who anticipate pursuing the dual degree apply to both schools simultaneously.

If admitted to both, they defer admission to one school and start taking the foundation/core curriculum in the school of their choice. It is also possible for students in the foundation/core curriculum of either school to apply to the other program and to begin there the following year. Some students apply to one of the schools for the second time (having not gained admission the first time), after having begun work in the other school. The Assistant Dean for Admissions provides information to applicants, does recruiting, and answers specific inquiries about the dual degree.