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MPH-MSW Dual Public Health Degree

Substance abuse, mental and behavioral health policy and practice, violence incidence and interventions, and access to health care are critical overlapping areas within the public health and social work field that require much-needed attention. The Masters of Public Health-Masters of Social Work (MPH-MSW) dual degree is a perfect fit for those interested in combating these health issues on a larger scale by developing interventions, while still being able to provide individualized direct patient care to the general public, the disadvantaged and the underserved.

Since both fields are vitally concerned with human and social well-being, whether at the micro (clinical practice) or macro (societal and policy) levels, the MPH-MSW dual degree program draws discipline from both social work and public health theories, frameworks, research, and practice. This dual degree will teach students how to improve the health and wellbeing of others through the use of evidence-based practices and multi-level interventions, how to work across systems and professions to reach individuals, groups, communities, and populations, how to reduce risk and promote resilience and how to advance the the science of health disparities research. Students will develop these approaches and skills through courses such as Biostatistics and Research, Public Health Policy and Administration, Epidemiology, Human Behavior in the Social Environment, and Clinical Practice.

Advanced study in both social work and public health deepens knowledge and skills in the interface of the two fields, making graduates attractive candidates in the health and social service job market. According to May 2025 BLS OEWS data, healthcare social workers earn a national median salary of $67,880, while mental health and substance abuse social workers earn $60,280. The dual credential also delivers measurable career advantages: MSW/MPH professionals saw 15% faster job growth in 2025 compared to those with only an MSW, driven by rising behavioral health needs post-pandemic, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

Many MPH-MSW programs prepare graduates to assume leadership positions in managed care organizations and hospitals, in local and state health departments and federal health agencies, and with voluntary health agencies, community-based organizations and advocacy coalitions. Additionally, those with training in direct patient care provide clinical services, often with additional management or planning responsibilities.

Common career opportunities for those who hold an MPH-MSW dual degree include:

  • Program Coordinator/Manager
  • Health Educator
  • Social Service Administrator
  • Behavioral Health Clinician
  • Clinical Research Assistant

Explore MPH-MSW Degree Programs

Institution & ProgramDelivery ModeLocationStudy LengthTest requirement
Boston UniversityMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work
In-PersonBoston, MA3+ yearsNo GRE required
Colorado State UniversityMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work
In-PersonFort Collins, CO3 yearsNo GRE required
Indiana University / Purdue University of IndianapolisMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work
In-PersonIndianapolis, IN3 yearsNo GRE required
Johns Hopkins UniversityMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work
In-PersonBaltimore, MD3 yearsNo GRE required
New York UniversityMaster of Public Health
In-PersonNew York, NY3 yearsNo GRE required
Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work
In-PersonNewark, NJ3 yearsNo GRE required
San Diego State UniversityMaster of Public Health
In-PersonSan Diego, CA3 yearsNo GRE required
Temple UniversityMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work
HybridPhiladelphia, PA3+ yearsNo GRE required
Tulane UniversityMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work
In-PersonNew Orleans, LA2.5 yearsGRE
SUNY AlbanyMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work
In-PersonAlbany, NY3+ yearsNo GRE required
University of Alaska, AnchorageMaster of Public Health / Master of Social Work
In-PersonAnchorage, AK2+ yearsGMAT
The University of Alabama at BirminghamMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work
In-Person—3+ yearsNo GRE required
University of California Los AngelesMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Welfare
In-PersonLos Angeles, CA3 yearsNo GRE required
University of ConnecticutMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work
In-PersonStorrs, CT3+ yearsNo GRE required
University of GeorgiaMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work
In-PersonAthens, GA2.5 yearsNo GRE required
University of Illinois ChicagoMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work
In-PersonChicago, IL3+ yearsNo GRE required
University of MarylandMaster of Public Health and Master of Social Work
In-PersonCollege Park, MD2 yearsNo GRE required
University of MissouriMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work
In-PersonColumbia, MO3 yearsNo GRE required
University of Nebraska Medical CenterMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work
In-PersonOmaha, NE3 yearsNo GRE required
University of PittsburghMaster of Public Health
In-PersonPittsburgh, PA3 yearsNo GRE required
University of PennsylvaniaMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work
In-PersonPhiladelphia, PA3 yearsNo GRE required
University of South CarolinaMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work
In-PersonColumbia, SC2+ yearsNo GRE required
University of South FloridaMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work
In-PersonTampa, FL3 yearsNo GRE required
Wayne State UniversityMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work
In-PersonDetroit, MI2 yearsNo GRE required
University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMaster of Public Health and Master of Social Work
In-PersonMilwaukee, WI2+ yearsNo GRE required
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityMaster of Public Health and Master of Social Work
In-PersonRichmond, VA3 yearsNo GRE required
Wayne State UniversityMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work
In-PersonDetroit, MI2 yearsNo GRE required
Wayne State UniversityMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work
In-PersonDetroit, MI2 yearsNo GRE required
University of WashingtonMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work
In-PersonSeattle, WA3 yearsNo GRE required

Explore Master of Social Work Programs

Institution & ProgramStudy LengthTest requirement
George Washington UniversityMaster of Public Health
Ad
As few as 12 monthsNo GRE required
Howard UniversityMaster of Social Work (MSW)
Ad
As few as 12 monthsNo GRE required
Simmons UniversityMaster of Social Work (MSW)
Ad
As few as 9 monthsNo GRE required
University of DenverMaster of Social Work (MSW)
Ad
As few as 12 monthsNo GRE required
The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillMaster of Public Health (MPH)
Ad
As few as 20 monthsNo GRE required

Information last updated June 2026, using May 2025 BLS OEWS data.

Information last updated: June 2026