As public health challenges grow more complex, professionals with training in both social work and public health are increasingly in demand. MSW-MPH dual degree programs combine the clinical, community-focused perspective of social work with the population-level strategies of public health, preparing graduates to lead across health systems, nonprofits, government agencies, and beyond.
These programs are designed for students who want to address health disparities, social determinants of health, and systemic inequities from both micro and macro angles. Whether you’re passionate about mental health, policy reform, or community health outreach, an MSW-MPH can equip you with the interdisciplinary tools to make a lasting impact.
This 2025 guide is here to help you navigate your options. You’ll find an up-to-date list of MSW-MPH dual degree programs, a breakdown of common features and admissions requirements, and practical guidance on career paths and funding. If you’re considering a graduate path that blends direct service with big-picture change, this guide was made for you.
MSW-MPH Dual Degree Programs (2025)
MSW-MPH dual degree programs are available at universities across the United States. To support your search, this section provides a curated list of CSWE-accredited programs available in 2025. Whether you’re focused on health equity, mental health, policy, or community engagement, these listings are designed to help you identify programs aligned with your goals.
What Is an MSW-MPH Dual Degree Program?
An MSW-MPH dual degree program combines a Master of Social Work (MSW) with a Master of Public Health (MPH), allowing students to earn both graduate degrees in a coordinated and often accelerated format. These programs are designed for individuals who want to address health and social issues at both individual and systemic levels—equipping them to work in roles that require clinical insight, policy fluency, and population health expertise.
Typically, students take courses in both schools concurrently or in a carefully sequenced structure. The MSW component emphasizes direct service, clinical skills, and social justice, while the MPH focuses on epidemiology, health policy, prevention, and community health.
MSW-MPH programs are ideal for those who:
- Want to tackle complex public health problems that are rooted in social inequality
- Are interested in both individual client care and large-scale health initiatives
- Plan to work at the intersection of healthcare delivery, public health systems, and social policy
Graduates emerge with a unique dual lens—prepared to lead interdisciplinary teams, design and evaluate programs, and serve diverse communities through evidence-based and equity-driven approaches.
Benefits of Earning a Dual MSW-MPH
Pursuing an MSW-MPH dual degree offers a powerful combination of clinical insight and population-level strategy. Graduates are uniquely positioned to address the complex social, behavioral, and structural factors that influence health—and to do so in both direct service and leadership roles.
Expanded Career Options
With expertise in both social work and public health, graduates can pursue a wide range of roles that might otherwise require separate credentials. This includes jobs in healthcare administration, behavioral health, community health, policy analysis, program evaluation, and more. You’ll be qualified for what you can do with a MSW—plus roles traditionally reserved for MPH graduates.
Interdisciplinary Training for Systemic Challenges
From the opioid epidemic to maternal health disparities, many of today’s most urgent public health issues are deeply rooted in social conditions. Dual-degree training helps students connect the dots between micro-level client work and macro-level systems, giving them tools to influence both individual outcomes and institutional change.
Eligibility for Dual Credentials
Most MSW-MPH graduates qualify for social work licensure—such as LMSW or LCSW—after completing the required supervised experience and exams. At the same time, they can pursue careers that draw on their MPH training, including roles in public health departments, research organizations, or global health initiatives. This dual credentialing significantly enhances long-term career flexibility and advancement potential.
Common Program Features
While each MSW-MPH program has its own structure, most share a few core features that make the dual-degree experience more efficient and interdisciplinary than pursuing each degree separately.
Credit Sharing and Time Efficiency
One of the biggest advantages of an MSW-MPH program is the ability to double-count select credits toward both degrees. This reduces the total number of courses required and often shortens the time to completion by up to a year compared to pursuing the MSW and MPH separately. Most programs can be completed in three years of full-time study, though timelines may vary based on advanced standing eligibility, course sequencing, and part-time options.
Coordinated Fieldwork and Practica
Dual-degree students typically complete separate field placements for each degree, though some programs allow for integrated or overlapping experiences. For the MSW portion, this usually means supervised social work practice in a clinical or community-based setting. The MPH practicum may take place in a public health agency, policy organization, or research environment. Together, these experiences offer hands-on training across micro and macro contexts.
Capstone or Thesis Requirements
Most MSW-MPH programs include a culminating project, such as a capstone or thesis. Some schools offer a joint capstone that integrates social work and public health perspectives, while others require students to complete separate final projects for each degree. In either case, these projects allow students to synthesize their interdisciplinary training and often involve real-world problem-solving in a public or community health setting.
Admissions Requirements
Admission to MSW-MPH dual degree programs is competitive and typically requires applicants to meet the criteria for both the social work and public health graduate schools. While specific requirements vary by institution, most programs share several common expectations.
Typical Prerequisites
Applicants are generally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a minimum GPA (often 3.0 or higher). While a background in social sciences, public health, or human services can be helpful, most programs accept students from a wide range of academic disciplines. Some programs may also require:
- Coursework in statistics or research methods
- Volunteer or professional experience in a related field
- A strong personal statement outlining your interdisciplinary goals
Application Process
Some universities require separate applications to each school (social work and public health), while others offer a unified or coordinated application process. Be sure to confirm application procedures and deadlines for both programs. Materials typically include:
- Academic transcripts
- Letters of recommendation (often two to three)
- Statement(s) of purpose or dual-degree interest
- Resume or CV
GRE and Standardized Test Policies (as of 2025)
Many MSW-MPH programs no longer require the GRE, especially in light of ongoing efforts to increase access and reduce barriers to graduate education. However, test requirements may still apply at some institutions or for certain applicants (e.g., international students). Always check each program’s admissions page for the most current testing policies.
Career Paths with an MSW-MPH
Graduates of MSW-MPH dual degree programs are equipped to lead in roles that bridge individual care, community health, and systems-level change. With training in both clinical social work and public health strategy, these professionals are especially valuable in interdisciplinary environments focused on equity, prevention, and policy.
Sample Job Titles
Dual-degree holders may pursue a variety of roles, including:
- Public health social worker
- Health policy analyst
- Community health program director
- Behavioral health administrator
- Medical social worker in public health settings
- Global health project coordinator
- Epidemiology-informed case manager
- Grant writer or evaluator for health and social programs
Common Work Settings
Graduates often work in:
- Public health departments
- Hospitals and integrated health systems
- Nonprofit and advocacy organizations
- Behavioral health and substance use agencies
- Government agencies (local, state, federal)
- International NGOs and humanitarian organizations
- Academic and research institutions
These diverse pathways reflect the dual credential’s versatility, allowing graduates to contribute across sectors and disciplines.
Licensure and Certification Potential
On the social work side, most MSW-MPH graduates are eligible for licensure as an LMSW or LCSW, depending on state regulations and completion of supervised experience. On the public health side, some roles may benefit from or require certification such as the Certified in Public Health (CPH) credential, especially in leadership or research-oriented positions.
To explore the range of possibilities, check out these detailed overviews of social work careers, social work salaries, and careers in public health. Together, they show how a dual MSW-MPH can unlock a wide spectrum of opportunities focused on service, leadership, and impact.
Cost and Funding Options
Earning a dual MSW-MPH degree is a significant financial investment, but many programs offer ways to help reduce the overall cost. While tuition varies widely by institution, students should anticipate paying for two graduate degrees, even though credit sharing can help reduce the total number of units required.
General Tuition Ranges
Depending on the university and residency status, tuition for MSW-MPH programs typically ranges from $30,000 to over $100,000 in total. Public universities may offer lower in-state rates, while private institutions often charge a flat rate regardless of residency. Be sure to confirm whether tuition estimates cover both degrees or list them separately.
Financial Aid Opportunities
Many schools offer funding options specifically for dual-degree students, including:
- Graduate assistantships – Part-time roles that provide tuition remission and a stipend in exchange for research or teaching work
- Fellowships and scholarships – Merit- or need-based awards available through schools of public health, social work, or the broader university
- Federal financial aid – Loans and work-study options available by completing the FAFSA
- Public service loan forgiveness (PSLF) – For graduates working in qualifying nonprofit or government roles
Tips for Financial Planning
When comparing programs, consider not only tuition but also:
- Cost of living in the program’s location
- Program length, which affects total expenses and opportunity cost
- Availability of paid internships or field placements
- Access to dual-degree–specific scholarships or funding pools
It’s also wise to speak with financial aid officers from both departments (social work and public health) to understand how aid packages apply across schools and semesters. Thoughtful planning early on can make your dual-degree path more affordable and sustainable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I complete an MSW-MPH online?
While there are a number of online MSW programs, fully online MSW-MPH dual degree programs are rare, as both degrees can require significant in-person components—especially field placements and public health practica. However, some programs offer hybrid formats that include online coursework combined with on-campus requirements. If flexibility is important, look for programs that offer part-time or low-residency options.
Do I apply to one school or two?
It depends on the university. Some institutions require separate applications to both the school of social work and the school of public health. Others offer a coordinated application process for dual-degree candidates. Always check the admissions instructions for each program to avoid missing key steps or deadlines.
Is it better to pursue the degrees separately?
For some students, pursuing the MSW and MPH separately may offer more flexibility in pacing or program choice. However, dual-degree programs are generally more time- and cost-efficient, thanks to shared credits and integrated advising. They also provide a cohesive, interdisciplinary learning experience that can better prepare you for roles requiring both social work and public health expertise.
How long do dual programs typically take?
Most MSW-MPH programs take about three years of full-time study to complete. Students who qualify for advanced standing in social work (typically due to having a BSW) may finish in as little as two years, though this varies by program. Part-time options may extend the timeline to four years or more. Always confirm program-specific duration when planning your path.
Finding the Right Program for You
Choosing the right MSW-MPH program starts with understanding your goals. Consider how each program’s focus areas, format, cost, and location align with your interests and needs. Whether you’re driven by community health, policy change, or clinical practice, a well-matched dual-degree program can help you make a lasting impact at both individual and systemic levels.
