Dual MSW/MPH Program

Program Highlights

The Master of Social Work/Master of Public Health (MSW/MPH) dual degree program at Boston University offers an integrated approach to preventing, addressing, and solving health problems. The discipline draws on both social work and public health theories, frameworks, research, and practice. Public health social work is:

• Evidence-based: Focuses on today’s contemporary social health issues using current research on “what works”.

• Prevention-focused: Aims to improve health and wellbeing by preventing the occurrence of problems, not just intervening after they have occurred.

• Multi-method: Applied all of social work and public health’s tools and skills, such as research, policy analysis, clinical intervention, and macro and community-based approaches.

• Trans-disciplinary: Works across systems and professions to reach individuals, groups, communities, and populations.

• Strengths-oriented: Utilizes combined social work and public health approaches to reduce risk and promote resilience.

The flexible dual degree program makes it possible for students to merge two fields of study into one academic endeavor. Students may choose from a variety of combinations of tracks and certificates at both the School of Social Work (SSW) and the School of Public Health (SPH).

Delivery Modes

The MSW/MPH dual degree program can be pursued on a full-time or part-time basis.

Curriculum Overview

The MSW/MPH dual degree program requires approximately 93 credits, with a minimum of 40 credits to be completed in residence at the Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH). The program length is variable, with a minimum of 3 years to complete.

Graduates emerge with a rich and relevant educational experience and extensive field experience, preparing them to work in many areas of the social service and health care systems. For information about program requirements, visit the BU Bulletin .

Admissions Requirements

Students are not required to apply to the School of Social Work and School of Public Health simultaneously. Students are admitted to one of the two schools first (generally School of Social Work) and complete that school’s basic coursework. Before the end of the first year, an application is made to the other school. MSW/MPH students are held to the same admission standards and processes as students applying only to the MSW or MPH.

Please review the application requirements and process for the School of Public Health and the School of Social Work .

Career & Practical Experience

MSW/MPH alumni work in a broad range of practice areas: prevention-oriented clinical practice; health education and health promotion; health program planning, development, and evaluation; health policy analysis; management at local, state, national, and international levels; and public health advocacy.

MSW/MPH students have access to career advice through SPH Career Services to help identify, interview for, and secure positions as they move forward along their career path.