Master of Social Work and Master of Public Health (MSW/MPH) (2024)

****We are not accepting MSW/MPH applications for this program for Fall 2024***

Overview

The SDSU School of Social Work and SDSU School of Public Health offer a three-year, 93 unitconcurrentgraduate program leading to a MPH in Health Management and Policy (HMP) and a Master of Social Work (MSW) with a Concentration in Administration and Community Development.

The major objective of the concurrent program is to offer preparation in the fields of public health and social work for the purpose of providing the knowledge and skills necessary to promote health, prevent disease, and enhance the delivery of social and health services in the community.

The HMP Division is a member of the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA). The Program is also affiliated with the Health Education Network of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and has an active student chapter of the ACHE through the San Diego Organization of Healthcare Leaders (SOHL).

The School of Social Work is accredited by the Council for Social Work Education. The Social Work Administration and Community Development Concentration prepares students for two specialized areas of “macro” practice: Administration (strategic management, social entrepreneurialism, program design, information systems, program evaluation, financial management, leadership and supervision), and Community Development (program development, grant writing, civic engagement strategies, and carrying out sustainable community-driven changes).

HMP Additional Information

  • HMP Mission, Vision, Values(pdf, updated February2019)
  • HMP Program Competencies(pdf, updated February2019)
  • HMP Competency Curriculum Grid(pdf, updated February2019)

Social Work Administration/Community Development (“Macro”) Additional Information*

  • MSW 3-year Administration

*Please note the course roadmap is unique for the MSW-MPH 3-year program; students do not have electives.

Contacts

Public Health:

Dual Advisor:
Tracy Finlayson
[emailprotected]

HMP Division head:
JD Baek
[emailprotected]

Admissions & Student Affairs Coordinator:
Brenda Fass-Holmes
[emailprotected]

Internship Coordinator:
Leticia Cazares
[emailprotected]

Social Work:

Dual Advisor:
Lianne Urada
[emailprotected]

Social Work Director:
Jong Won Min
[emailprotected]

Associate Director:
Dahlia Fuentes
[emailprotected]

Admissions Director & Graduate Advisor:
Kellie Scott
[emailprotected]

Field Education Director:
Amanda Lee
[emailprotected]

Information Sessions

Information sessions are held several times per semester for potential MSW and MSW-dual degree applicants.

Please check the mainMSW Information Sessionspage for the updated flyer/dates.

Application Instructions

Applicants for the MSW/MPH program must submit theSOPHAS. Applications for the concurrent program are reviewedby boththe SDSU School of Public Health and the SDSU School of Social Work.

Applicants for the MSW/MPH Dual Degree program must meet the same requirements as those for the standard MPH and MSW programs.

  • See the Admission Requirements for All MPH and MS Applicants.
  • Seestandard MSW application procedure.

In the statement of purpose submitted with the SOPHAS application, MSW/MPH applicants must address their interest inboth fields(Public Health and Social Work) as well as their interest inHealth Management and Policy.

We are accepting applications for Fall admission only.

Admission Inquiries

SPH admission specialists: Brenda-Fass Holmes ([emailprotected])

SSW admission specialists: Kellie Scott, MSW ([emailprotected])

Curriculum

See also…

  • Course Roadmap- MSW/MPH Program(pdf, updated September 2020)
  • Educational Objectives – MPH / Master of Social Work(pdf)

The 93-unit program is listed below and is typically completed in three years by full-time students:

  • Public Health Core Classes (12 units)
    • PH 601 Epidemiology (3)
    • PH 602 Biostatistics (3)
    • PH 603 Behavioral and Social Science in Public Health (3)
    • PH 604 Environmental Determinants of Human Health (3)
  • Health Management and Policy Concentration Courses (33 units)
    • PH 641 Introduction to Health Services(3)
    • PH 642 Health Insurance and Financing Systems (3)
    • PH 644A Health Services Organization and Management (3)
    • PH 644B Managing the High Performing Health Care Organization (3)
    • PH 645 Health Economics (3)
    • PH 647 Quantitative Methods and Health Data Analysis (3)
    • PH 648 Health Policy (3)
    • PH 742A Health Services Financial Management (3)
    • PH 747 Quality Improvement and Program Evaluation (3)
    • PH 748 Health Services Competitive Strategy and Marketing (3)
    • PH 797 Research (3)
  • Social Work Courses (30 units)
    • SW 601 Seminar in Social Welfare Policy and Services (3)
    • SW 619 Human Behavior in the Social Environment (3)
    • SW 620A Seminar in Human Behavior and Social Environment (3)
    • SW 690 Seminar in Social Work Research Methods (3)
    • SW 630 Social Work Practice: A Generalist Perspective (3)
    • SW 631 Social Work Practice: Individuals, Families, and Groups (3)
    • SW 632 Social Work Practice: Organizations and Communities (3)
    • SW 720 Civic Engagement & the Social Environment (3)
    • SW 740 Advanced Seminar in Social Work Administration (3)
    • SW 797 Research (3)
  • Field Practicum (15 units)
    • SW 650 Field Practicum (7) Cr/NC
    • SW 755 Advanced Field Practicum (8) Cr/NC
  • Integrative Learning Experience (3 units)
    • SW or PH 799A Thesis

See theSDSU Graduate Bulletinfor descriptions and prerequisites for these courses.

Field Practice

School of Social Work internships occur during the academic year in the 2ndand 3rdyears. Please see the Field Education website for more details about the Field Calendar, Orientations, and field placement process:

  • Field Education Site

School of Public Health internships for dual students are not required. However, students sometimes choose to complete a volunteer summer experience as long as it does not interfere with the required social work internship hours.

Program of Study (POS)

Students seeking the MSW/MPH dual degree are required to have an approved Program of Study filed with the Office of Graduate Affairs:

  • Students will file a formal Official Program of Study (list all the classes that will be taken to fulfill degree requirements) after completing at least 12 units of study, and before completing the last 9 units. The Official Program of Study must be approved by the SPH Graduate Advisor (Dr. Penelope “Jenny” Quintana). The POS is filed by either by Brenda Fass-Holmes,[emailprotected](Admissions and Student Affairs Coordinator) in the MPH program, or by Kellie Scott,[emailprotected](Admissions Director and Graduate Advisor) in the MSW program. For the MSW program, students file after completing the qualifying exam and advance to candidacy.

Integrative Learning Experiences

PH797/SW797: Starting the second year Spring semester, students are required to take the 797 courses starting either in the HMP Division or SSW (Check with a faculty dual program advisor- Dr. JD Baek or Dr. Lianne Urada for enrollment details).

Thesis: All dual students will be required to complete a thesis:

  • Graduate Bulletin

Important Dates

Fall (1styear)

Public Health Orientation: August

Social Work Orientation: August

Social Work Internship Information Session: January (1styears) and August (2ndyears) (seeField Calendar)

Spring (1styear)

Social Work Internship Fair (seeField Calendar)

Fall (2ndyear)

POS: Submit in the 3rdsemester

Spring (2ndyear)

Social Work Qualifying Exam

Advancement to Candidacy (If all requirements are met)

Fall (3rdyear)

Submit an Appointment of Thesis/Project Committee Form (to Graduate Affairs)

File Thesis proposal

Apply to Graduate

You must declare your intention to graduate by filing an Application for Graduation with an Advanced Degree. The application is due 3-6 months before the official diploma date and must be done through your WebPortal account.

Spring (3rdyear)

Complete and Defend your Thesis

Time Limitation

The school expects a student to complete the degree within seven years. Failure to complete the degree requirements within seven years will result in dismissal from the program.

Resources

MSW Student Handbook

Handbooks, Office of Graduate Affairs

Master’s Degree Procedural Steps, Office of Graduate Affairs

Contact Us

SDSU Social Work

Hepner Hall room 119

5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-4119

619-594-6865
[emailprotected]

Master of Social Work and Master of Public Health (MSW/MPH) (2024)

FAQs

Which is better MSW or MPH? ›

Those who pursue an online MSW program may prefer work with individuals, families and/or groups while connecting them with services. MPH graduates may prefer to effect policy change at the community or international level.

What can you do with a MPH MSW? ›

This dual degree will prepare you for jobs in both fields and a wide variety of careers such as a health policy advocate, policy analyst, program evaluator, instructor, health agency administrator, integrated behavioral care manager, health coach, patient advocate, case manager, counselor, or team leader.

Is a dual degree in MSW and MPH worth it? ›

The Masters of Public Health-Masters of Social Work (MPH-MSW) dual degree is a perfect fit for those interested in combating these health issues on a larger scale by developing interventions, while still being able to provide individualized direct patient care to the general public, the disadvantaged and the ...

What is the difference between a masters in public health and an MPH? ›

What are the main differences between MPH and MSPH and MHS? MSPH and MHS degrees are considered more academic degrees that focus on research methods in public health, while an MPH is considered more of a professional degree for practitioners and may enable students to handle a variety of public health issues.

What is the highest salary for MSW? ›

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker Salaries
Area10% (Lowest Earning)90% (Highest Earning)
United States$34,630$97,660
California$44,680$126,120

Where do MSW get paid the most? ›

The highest paying cities in United States for social workers are:
  • Los Angeles, CA.
  • Washington, DC.
  • Houston, TX.
  • Detroit, MI.
  • New York, NY.
  • Cleveland, OH.
  • Bronx, NY.
  • Chicago, IL.

Is an MPH a useful degree? ›

A master's in Public Health is an excellent pathway to many occupations that suit different personalities, from research to community education. Candidates should consider their favorite aspects of healthcare and ensure they fit within the MPH career path.

What is the best dual degree for MPH? ›

With an MBA or MHA, for example, MPH graduates can hone their leadership and management skills. An MSW or MSN provides clinical training. And an MPA can benefit MPH students interested in government leadership roles. However, a dual degree might not be the best option for everyone.

What degree is an MPH? ›

MPH stands for Master of Public Health. It's an interdisciplinary graduate degree designed to educate and build skills in a range of areas, including epidemiology, environmental health, health policy, biostatistics, program planning and evaluation, and more, according to Dr.

Is an MSW worth it financially? ›

Social workers on the higher end of the pay scale can break the $83,000 earnings mark, Indeed reports. And salaries for social workers who hold a master's degree are at least $13,000 higher than people with only a bachelor's degree, according to the NASW.

What is a good GPA for MSW? ›

For traditional programs, the majority of graduate schools require a GPA of 3.0 or greater to apply.

Is MSW a hard degree? ›

MSW Program of Study at CSLA

The Master of Social Work degree is a rigorous course of study, comprised of 60 semester units. The demands of the academic course work and the educationally focused field work sequence are strenuous and require a high degree of concentration and attention.

Is a Masters in Public Health hard? ›

Many students feel an MPH program is hard. These programs are graduate-level programs and involve in-depth content and require solid dedication to learning. While the program may be difficult, the benefits of earning the degree are worth the effort it takes to overcome the challenges.

Which branch of public health is best? ›

5 Best Areas to Specialize in Public Health
  • MPH Degree Overview. ...
  • Featured Online Programs. ...
  • Behavioral Science and Health Education. ...
  • Biostatistics. ...
  • Epidemiology. ...
  • Environmental Health. ...
  • Health Services Administration.

Is a MPH or MHA better? ›

In that situation, you need an MHA degree because it focuses on administration, organization, and leadership. Are you more concerned with the science of healthcare? For individuals who want a more hands-on research focus or a position that evaluates scientific data, a degree in public health is a better choice.

Should I get an MPH or MS? ›

Those with an MSPH degree are more likely to pursue an academic career and be suited for health education, science, lecturing or research opportunities. Students who complete an MPH program tend to work in government agencies, nonprofits and community practice.

Is an MPH a valuable degree? ›

The high salary potential is one of the biggest reasons why an MPH degree is worth it, even if an MPH degree can be expensive. Once you have the degree and re-enter the workforce, you will realize your degree will help pay for your education.

Which is better MSN or MPH? ›

Both of these degrees are good career options. Which is best hinges upon your passions and career goals. The MPH is the standard professional credential for professionals who work in public health. If you decide to earn your MSN, you will work in public health in a way, but it differs from an MPH in focus.

References

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