Dual MPH/MSW Program

Program Highlights

The coordinated MPH/MSW: Public Health/Social Work degree program is a collaborative offering from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Public Health and the University of Alabama (UA) School of Social Work . Students in this dual degree program earn an MPH with a concentration in Population Health from UAB.

The individualized Population Health concentration allows students to build a unique curriculum tailored to their career aspirations by selecting from a wide array of master’s-level Public Health courses, supported by specialized advising. Key components of the MPH include the MPH Core (grounded in the Evidence-based Public Health framework), an Applied Practice Experience (Internship), and an Integrative Learning Experience (Capstone).

This program is designed to equip students with management and leadership skills for diverse administrative roles and to address the demand for professionally trained social workers. The MPH component specifically prepares graduates for careers focused on improving the health and wellbeing of individuals, families, communities, and populations, both locally and globally.

Delivery Modes

The MPH portion of this coordinated degree program offers flexibility. Students can complete their MPH coursework entirely online, fully in-class, or through a hybrid model that combines online and in-class experiences.

Curriculum Overview

A total of 90 credit hours are required for the coordinated MPH/MSW program. Typically, the MPH requires 42 credit hours and the MSW 60 credit hours. However, in this dual program, 12 credit hours from the MSW curriculum are credited towards the MPH, allowing students to earn both degrees in less time and at a reduced cost.

The MPH curriculum is centered around the MPH Core , based on the Evidence-based Public Health framework. It includes an Applied Practice Experience (Internship) and an Integrative Learning Experience (Capstone). Students also choose from various master's-level Public Health courses (e.g., maternal and child health, program evaluation, health policy) to customize their curriculum.

Sample curriculum planning sheets:

• Sample Curriculum Planning Sheet - Traditional (pdf)

• Sample Curriculum Planning Sheet - Advanced (pdf)

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must possess at least a bachelor's degree. Admission to the MSW and MPH programs is handled separately. The GRE is not a requirement for applicants to either the MPH or MSW programs.

• To apply for the MPH portion, submit a supplemental application via the UAB Graduate School .

• Students must apply to the MPH program through the UAB Graduate School application portal . Select "MPH dual degree program" from the drop-down menu, then "MPH dual program" and then the MSW/MPH track.

• Students also apply to the MSW program through the UA Graduate School .

• Note: The Population Health program curriculum has been updated. Students switching into this Coordinated Degree or the General MPH in Population Health Degree will be responsible for completing the current Population Health program requirements and should meet with the program manager before petitioning to switch.

For application deadlines, refer to the Application Deadlines page .

Career & Practical Experience

The MPH/MSW dual degree program prepares graduates for a wide array of administrative, management, and leadership positions within public health and social work. It is particularly suited for careers focused on enhancing the health and wellbeing of individuals, families, communities, and populations.

The curriculum integrates practical experience through an Applied Practice Experience (Internship) and an Integrative Learning Experience (Capstone project), offering students valuable opportunities to apply their acquired knowledge and skills in real-world public health and social work settings.