The application process for the MSW/MPH dual-degree program differs from the standard application process primarily in the following ways:

• Applicants must apply and be admitted to each program (MPH and MSW) individually. This means submitting separate applications to the School of Public Health for the MPH program and to the School of Social Work for the MSW program. In the case that an applicant is not offered admission to one program, but is offered admission to the other, that applicant is still eligible to enroll in the program in the school where they were offered admission. View general admission MPH requirements.
• For the MPH portion, applicants must indicate in their SOPHAS application whether they are applying for the Standard Track or the Advanced Standing Track of the Maternal and Child Health Program, based on their educational background and professional experience.

The cost varies depending on the number of credits and other factors. For more information on program costs for the MSW, please contact Andy Le (lexx122@umn.edu). For more information on program costs for the MPH, please contact Epidemiology and Community Health Student Services (epichstu@umn.edu).

Here is an overview of a typical dual degree schedule:

• Year One: Enrolled as an MSW student and taking mostly MSW courses
• Year Two: Enrolled as an MPH student and taking mostly MPH courses
• Last Semester(s): Enrolled in the master’s program from which you are taking the most courses. This will depend on how you take advantage of the credit-overlapping advantage between the two programs as described in the next paragraph. Admitted students are advised to meet with their two program coordinators (one from MSW and one from MPH) early in the first year to plan a tentative graduation plan. These program coordinators work together with each student as often as necessary to create semester schedules that will satisfy the two program degrees, fit their interests, and best maximize the 18 credits that can be shared between the two programs.

You can view the current class schedule of the MSW program and curriculum content toward the bottom of the MSW program information page. If you have questions related to the MSW portion of the program, please email School of Social Work Admissions Director Larissa Lavrov.

The dual-degree program is designed to be completed within 3 to 3 ½ years.

Social workers who have earned a dual specialization in social work and public health for their master’s have a solid foundation in community outreach and helping individuals and families cope with the social, financial, and health challenges of modern living. As dual professionals, public health social workers are in a position to address issues such as health disparities among communities, inadequate infrastructures to cope with the effects of disasters and epidemics and rapid-reaction prevention programs.

Public health social work is a transdisciplinary practice that applies an epidemiologic approach to prevention practices, addressing and managing social health issues. These issues are complex, diverse, and non-static due to greater mobility and the effects of globalization on health and social factors. As a transdisciplinary professional, the public health social worker becomes a valuable asset for organizations involved in social, health and academic issues.