Dual MPH/MSW Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

Loyola University Chicago's dual Master of Social Work (MSW) / Master of Public Health (MPH) program is designed for individuals committed to promoting health and wellness, challenging social and health inequities, and addressing the needs of underserved and vulnerable populations. This interdisciplinary program provides a comprehensive education covering client-centered social work perspectives and population-based public health strategies, grounded in the Jesuit value of "cura personalis" – care of the whole person.

The MSW program is accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) and is ranked #28 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The MPH program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) and is ranked #70 nationally.

Delivery Modes

The MSW/MPH dual degree program can be pursued full-time or part-time. It utilizes a hybrid delivery model: MPH courses are completed entirely online, while MSW courses are primarily offered in-person on weekdays with daytime and evening options, with some MSW courses also available online.

Curriculum Overview

The dual degree program requires 80.5 credit hours, which can typically be completed within three years on a full-time basis. The curriculum blends coursework from both the School of Social Work and the Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health.

Students in the dual degree program pursue specific tracks:

• MSW Component: Micro Practice specialization with a track in Advanced Clinical Practice.

• MPH Component: Public Health Policy and Management track.

The program includes significant practical experience: the MSW component features built-in internships with access to a network of over 1,000 partner agencies, and the MPH component includes a practicum training experience and a capstone project.

Admissions Requirements

The program begins in the Fall term, with an application deadline of May 1. Applicants must submit separate applications to both the MSW and MPH programs, clearly indicating their intent to pursue the dual degree on both applications.

Key application components include:

• Official transcripts from all institutions attended.

• Two Letters of Recommendation.

• GRE or MCAT Test Score (required only if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0).

• Resume/CV.

• Statement of Purpose. Applicants should respond to the following questions:

  1. Describe your understanding of both the social work and public health professions. How do you think the values and practice methods of each overlap or complement the other?

  2. Discuss your career interests and goals. In what population or area of social work/public health are you interested? How will a dual education in social work and public health prepare you for work in your area of interest? What do you hope to accomplish with an MSW/MPH?

  3. Discuss your timing to pursue a graduate program now. What personal and/or professional factors have led you to want to pursue an MSW/MPH now? How do you intend to complete the program? How do you plan to balance the academic and field responsibilities of the program with outside responsibilities and obligations?

Applicants holding a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) may be eligible for an accelerated MSW component.

Cost & Financial Aid

The cost for the dual MSW/MPH program is determined by the summation of each individual degree program's tuition multiplied by the number of credit hours taken in that respective program. Detailed information on tuition, fees, scholarships, loans, and other financial aid opportunities can be found on Loyola University Chicago's official Bursar's Office website and the Graduate Program Cost & Financial Aid page . Current Loyola undergraduates or alumni may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount.

Career & Practical Experience

Graduates of the MSW/MPH dual degree program are prepared for a wide variety of leadership roles in settings such as schools, hospitals, behavioral and mental health agencies, non-profit organizations, think tanks, and government agencies. Target careers include:

• Public health social worker

• Community health coordinator

• Health care manager

• Policy analyst

• Program director

• Program evaluator

• Researcher

Loyola’s Career Services center offers career advising, resume and interviewing assistance, and access to employment listings. Graduates also benefit from the Jesuit network of colleges and universities nationwide for career support. The program integrates extensive practical experience through MSW internships and an MPH practicum, fostering professional connections and hands-on skills.