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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 Master of Public Health-Master 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 providing individualized direct patient care to the general public, the disadvantaged, and the underserved.
Because both fields are vitally concerned with human and social well-being, whether at the micro (clinical practice) or macro (societal and policy) level, the MPH-MSW dual degree program draws on theories, frameworks, research, and practice from both social work and public health.
This dual degree will teach students how to improve the health and well-being 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 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 social work and public health can prepare graduates to address health and social needs at both the individual and population levels. This combination may be relevant for roles involving behavioral health, healthcare delivery, community programs, policy, program evaluation and health equity. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, healthcare social workers earned a national median annual wage of $67,880, while mental health and substance abuse social workers earned $60,280. Employment is projected to grow 8% for healthcare social workers and 10% for mental health and substance abuse social workers from 2024 to 2034, although these projections apply to the occupations overall and do not measure the employment outcomes of MPH/MSW graduates specifically.
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 Online MSW and MPH Programs
| Institution & Program | Study Length | Test requirement |
|---|---|---|
| As few as 12 months | No GRE required | |
| As few as 24 months | No GRE required | |
| As few as 9 months | No GRE required | |
| As few as 12 months | No GRE required | |
| As few as 12 months | No GRE required | |
| As few as 20 months | No GRE required |
Explore MPH-MSW Degree Programs
The programs below allow students to combine graduate study in public health and social work. Program formats, available MPH concentrations, and completion times vary. Applicants may need to apply separately to the university’s public health and social work schools, so they should confirm the current admissions requirements for both degrees.
| Institution & Program | Delivery Mode | Location | Study Length | Test requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Boston UniversityMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work | In-Person | Boston, MA | 3+ years | No GRE required |
Colorado State UniversityMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work | In-Person | Fort Collins, CO | 3 years | No GRE required |
Indiana University / Purdue University of IndianapolisMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work | In-Person | Indianapolis, IN | 3 years | No GRE required |
Johns Hopkins UniversityMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work | In-Person | Baltimore, MD | 3 years | No GRE required |
New York UniversityMaster of Public Health | In-Person | New York, NY | 3 years | No GRE required |
Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work | In-Person | Newark, NJ | 3 years | No GRE required |
San Diego State UniversityMaster of Public Health | In-Person | San Diego, CA | 3 years | No GRE required |
Temple UniversityMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work | Hybrid | Philadelphia, PA | 3+ years | No GRE required |
Tulane UniversityMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work | In-Person | New Orleans, LA | 2.5 years | GRE |
SUNY AlbanyMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work | In-Person | Albany, NY | 3+ years | No GRE required |
University of Alaska, AnchorageMaster of Public Health / Master of Social Work | In-Person | Anchorage, AK | 2+ years | GMAT |
The University of Alabama at BirminghamMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work | In-Person | — | 3+ years | No GRE required |
University of California Los AngelesMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Welfare | In-Person | Los Angeles, CA | 3 years | No GRE required |
University of ConnecticutMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work | In-Person | Storrs, CT | 3+ years | No GRE required |
University of GeorgiaMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work | In-Person | Athens, GA | 2.5 years | No GRE required |
University of Illinois ChicagoMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work | In-Person | Chicago, IL | 3+ years | No GRE required |
University of MarylandMaster of Public Health and Master of Social Work | In-Person | College Park, MD | 2 years | No GRE required |
University of MissouriMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work | In-Person | Columbia, MO | 3 years | No GRE required |
University of Nebraska Medical CenterMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work | In-Person | Omaha, NE | 3 years | No GRE required |
University of PittsburghMaster of Public Health | In-Person | Pittsburgh, PA | 3 years | No GRE required |
University of PennsylvaniaMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work | In-Person | Philadelphia, PA | 3 years | No GRE required |
University of South CarolinaMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work | In-Person | Columbia, SC | 2+ years | No GRE required |
University of South FloridaMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work | In-Person | Tampa, FL | 3 years | No GRE required |
Wayne State UniversityMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work | In-Person | Detroit, MI | 2 years | No GRE required |
University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMaster of Public Health and Master of Social Work | In-Person | Milwaukee, WI | 2+ years | No GRE required |
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityMaster of Public Health and Master of Social Work | In-Person | Richmond, VA | 3 years | No GRE required |
Wayne State UniversityMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work | In-Person | Detroit, MI | 2 years | No GRE required |
Wayne State UniversityMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work | In-Person | Detroit, MI | 2 years | No GRE required |
University of WashingtonMaster of Public Health/Master of Social Work | In-Person | Seattle, WA | 3 years | No GRE required |
Program structures and admissions policies can change. Prospective students should verify delivery format, current test policies, application procedures, accreditation status and expected completion time directly with both participating schools before applying.
Information last updated June 2026, using May 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Information last updated: August 2026