Dual MSW/MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of Public Health (MPH) dual degree program at the University of Georgia offers a transdisciplinary education, combining biopsychosocial and epidemiological perspectives to address critical health issues. The program emphasizes social justice and addressing health disparities to enhance human well-being. It is noted as the only program of its kind in Georgia and one of only five MSW/MPH programs in the Southeast. Specific accreditation for the MPH component (e.g., CEPH) is not explicitly stated in the provided context.

Delivery Modes

The MSW/MPH dual degree program is delivered on-campus at the University of Georgia in Athens. Students attend classes at both the main Athens campus and the Health Sciences Campus. The program is offered on a full-time basis and is not available online, at the Gwinnett campus, or on a part-time basis.

Curriculum Overview

The full-time MSW/MPH dual degree program requires a 90-hour curriculum of concurrent social work and public health classes. An Advanced Standing option is available, requiring a 76-hour curriculum. Both the MSW and MPH components require hands-on learning: the MSW program includes two field placements, and the MPH program includes one internship. Dual degree students complete an integrated public health and social work field placement in their final year.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must apply separately to both the School of Social Work and the College of Public Health at the University of Georgia. Acceptance into one program does not guarantee admission to the other. A strong academic record is essential due to the rigorous nature of the dual degree. Students can apply to both programs before starting graduate school or apply to the second program during the first semester of their initial graduate program. Detailed application instructions are available on the respective schools' websites.

Cost & Financial Aid

Tuition and fees for the MSW/MPH program are managed by the UGA Graduate School and detailed on the UGA Bursar’s Office Division website . Costs are based on credit hours per semester, with students typically taking 15 credits. Actual costs may vary.

Career & Practical Experience

Graduates with dual MSW and MPH degrees are equipped for diverse roles that integrate social work's intervention skills with public health's prevention focus. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates strong employment growth for social workers and health educators. Areas of practice include:

• 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

• Public health advocacy

• Research

The program integrates practical experience through MSW field placements and an MPH internship, culminating in an integrated field placement that combines learning for both degrees.