Master of Social Work/Master of Public Health, Medicine (MSW/MPH)

Dual Degree Programs

The School of Social Work currently offers dual degree programs with a number of other USC professional schools. In addition, the school maintains a dual degree program at Hebrew Union College located adjacent to the USC campus.

The goal of these programs is to encourage graduate students to gain a recognized competence in another discipline which has direct relevance to the roles filled by social workers in society. Dual degree programs are based on the premise that some topics covered in the school are also addressed in the curricula of other departments, so that some credit toward an MSW degree may be given for specific courses in the cooperating department. Similarly, these departments have recognized that some credit toward their corresponding degree may be awarded for work completed in the School of Social Work. For this reason, students enrolled in dual degree programs can obtain both degrees with a reduced number of total units. Students wishing to enroll in dual degree programs must apply for and be admitted to both schools.

Master’s Requirements

The Master of Social Work/Master of Public Health (MSW/MPH) dual degree offers the student interdisciplinary preparation in the fields of public health and social work leading to the Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of Public Health (MPH) degrees. The dual degree program is a collaborative effort between the School of Social Work and the Department of Preventive Medicine in the Keck School of Medicine. The objectives of the program are to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote health, prevent disease and enhance the delivery of health and social services in the community. Students will build interdisciplinary skills and an interdisciplinary professional identity by developing an understanding of the breadth of each field and their interface, while permitting concentration in particular specialization areas. The program prepares graduates for work in a variety of interdisciplinary settings; and for some, it will provide the basis for doctoral study.

Students must complete a minimum of 81 units, 34 of which fulfill unique requirements of the MSW, 27 which fulfill the unique requirements of the MPH, and 20 which fulfill the requirements of both degrees. Most students complete both program requirements over three years for full-time students; however, the program may be completed in less time if the student takes a full course load during the two summer sessions (MPH course work only; MSW is not available during the summer).

Dual degree students must complete MSW course work in foundation, field and core courses specific to the AHA, COBI or CYF departments.  Students will take MPH course work specific to the following public health tracks: health education and promotion; public health policy; or child and family health. MPH track will be determined by the MSW department chosen by the student.