Why pursue an MSW/MPH from the University of Georgia?

Why would I want an MSW/MPH?

Graduates with an MSW/MPH degree demonstrate an ability to complete a rigorous program of study that involves trans-disciplinary methods which integrates public health’s focus on prevention and social work’s focus on intervention.  

The MSW/MPH provides students with an interdisciplinary education using biopsychosocial and epidemiological perspectives to address critical health issues at the local, state, national, and international levels.

An MSW/MPH provides graduates with a strong foundation to improve the health and well-being of communities.

The fields of social work and public health complement each other in several ways (Sable et al, 2012):
 
Shared Values:

• Enhancing social, economic and environmental justice 
• Eliminating disparities between and among various populations 
• Focusing on oppressed, vulnerable, and at-risk groups

Shared Theories aimed at understanding how social systems relate to health status:

• Social epidemiology (public health)
• Ecological or person-in-environment (social work)

Shared Practice:

• Family-centered
• Community-based
• Culturally competent
• Coordinated care
• Trans- and inter-disciplinary teams

 

How much could I earn, and what would my job outlook be? 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2012), in 2010, public health workers (such as health educators and epidemiologists) earned as much as $81,000 per year, with average salaries ranging from $39,000 to $53,000, depending on where they worked.  An increase in demand is estimated in the next 10 years, ranging from 20-37%.

Social work employment (including public health social workers) is estimated to grow by 25% from 2010-2020, faster than the average for all occupations.  Healthcare social worker employment is expected to grow by 34% as the baby boomers age. In 2010, social workers earned up to $71,000 per year (average: $45,300).

An MSW/MPH degree gives you access to positions in both of these fast-growing fields, which could increase your chances of finding employment after graduation.

What can I do with an MSW/MPH? 

Potential employment opportunities 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

 

Tell me more about the UGA MSW/MPH program.

The UGA MSW/MPH program is a 91-credit program that can be completed in 2 ½ years (7 consecutive semesters), which is a semester shorter than many of the other dual degree programs. The reason for this is that UGA, the School of Social Work and College of Public Health work together to allow you take social work and public health courses at the same time.  Many other dual degree programs have you alternate between social work coursework one year and public health coursework the following year.

The UGA MSW/MPH Program provides an integrated field placement, allowing you to complete your MPH internship and MSW field placement at the same agency.  

Students in the MSW/MPH can choose either the Clinical Practice or Community Empowerment and Program Development Concentrations for their MSW, and earn a MPH concentrating in Health Promotion and Behavior. 


Where can I learn more?

• Visit our website.
• "Like" us on Facebook.
• Read our blog.
• Contact Dr. Trina Salm Ward, MSW/MPH Program Coordinator and Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work and the Department of Health Promotion and Behavior in the College of Public Health, salmward@uga.edu.

 

How do I apply?

Current MSW or MPH students must apply for admission by November 15, 2014 for first-year MSW students.

For more information on the MPH Admission process, click here.

For more information on the MSW Admission process, click here.








References
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Dept. of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-2013 Edition. (2012). Social Workers. Available at: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Community-and-Social-Service/Social-workers.htm.

Sable, M.R., Schild, D.S. & Hipp, J.A. (2012). Public Health and Social Work. In S. Gehlert & T. Browne (Eds.), Handbook of Health Social Work (pp. 64-99). Hoboken, NJ: WILEY.