MSW/MPH Dual Degree Program
Through a collaborative program between the VCU School of Social Work and the School of Public Health, students complete a three-year full-time program of study, including some summer course work, to obtain the Master of Social Work and Master of Public Health degrees. The purpose of this dual-degree program is to prepare graduates to work with individuals, families, groups, communities and/or organizations; advocate for social, health care and economic justice in a diverse and multicultural society; and promote physical and mental health across the life course.
Prospective students apply separately to both programs through the Graduate School. Once admitted to both programs, the student is assigned an adviser from each to develop a plan of study, typically starting with the M.S.W. course work. Students who begin one of the degree programs may also apply to the other during the first year of study. If admitted, an individualized program of study is developed and approved by both program directors.
Students are required to complete a minimum of 45 M.S.W. credits and a minimum of 33 M.P.H. credits, for a total of 78 semester credit hours. During the third and last year of study, the dual-degree students are placed in internships through the School of Social Work that focus on public health; the program is approved by both the M.P.H. program director and the director of social work field instruction. A final research project that examines a relevant public health topic is required for the M.P.H.
For further information send an email to: publichealth@vcu.edu
