Dual MSW/MPH Program

Program Highlights & Accreditation

The Master of Social Work/Master of Public Health (MSW/MPH) dual degree program at Washington University in St. Louis's Brown School is designed to equip students with the skills to address complex issues driving health equity. The program integrates public health, social justice, and policy to tackle social determinants of health on local, state, national, and international levels. Graduates are prepared to work at the intersection of social and environmental risk, aiming to transform the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

Specific accreditation details for the MPH component (e.g., CEPH) are not mentioned in the provided context.

Delivery Modes

The program is structured for full-time study, with students designated as 'Prime' to either the MSW or MPH program for specific semesters. Further details on whether the program is delivered on-campus, online, or in a hybrid format are not explicitly provided in this context.

Curriculum Overview

MSW/MPH dual degree students complete 33 credit hours in social work and 34 credit hours in public health. An additional 18 credit hours are counted toward the completion of both degrees.

The 34 MPH credit hours include one practicum and coursework such as 'Gender, Poverty and Global Health,' 'Public Health and the Built Environment,' and 'Health Administration and Policy.' The 18 credit hours of MSW/MPH equivalent courses integrate social work and public health issues, covering topics like 'Social Justice and Human Diversity' and 'Research Methods.' The 33 MSW credit hours involve two practica and opportunities to personalize curriculum towards a concentration, with example courses like 'Practice with Organizations and Communities,' 'Designing Sustainable Social Policies and Programs,' and 'Substance Use Disorders.'

Overall, students in the dual-degree program complete three practicum opportunities.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants interested in the MSW/MPH dual degree must apply to both the MSW and MPH programs separately. Admissions and scholarship decisions are primarily based on a review of the following criteria:

• Commitment to the mission of the Brown School

• Undergraduate GPA

• Additional academic work

• Specialized training relevant to the program

• Human service-related experience

• Leadership experience or potential

• Ability to think critically

• Recommendations from academic and professional references

Cost & Financial Aid

Tuition and fee charges for the MSW/MPH dual degree are based on the student's primary, full-time division of study (Prime Division) during fall and spring semesters. Students spend three semesters Prime to the MSW Program, paying tuition according to the MSW tuition structure and are eligible for MSW scholarships. For three semesters, students are Prime to the MPH program, paying tuition according to the MPH tuition structure and eligible for MPH scholarships. Tuition for summer sessions is paid on a per-credit-hour basis. For detailed information on current tuition rates and fees, please refer to the official Tuition and Fees page .

Career & Practical Experience

The MSW/MPH program prepares graduates for careers addressing social and structural barriers to health and well-being, with a focus on eliminating health disparities and improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations. The Brown School’s Career Services team provides support through one-on-one coaching, specialized workshops, and networking events.

Students gain practical experience through three practicum opportunities, applying classroom knowledge in real-world settings. A diverse list of national and international partner organizations offers flexibility in choosing practicum sites. Past practicum locations for MSW/MPH students include:

• Centerstone

• St. Louis Regional Health Commission

• St. Louis Integrated Health Network

• Washington University Division of Public Health Sciences

• E3 Nutrition Lab