Academic Programs MPH/MSW Social Work
JOINT DEGREE PROGRAM
This joint degree program is a collaboration between BCHS and the School of Social Work. The MSW/MPH student upon completion of the program would receive the MPH from the Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences (BCHS) in the Graduate School of Public Health, and the MSW from the School of Social Work, meeting all of the degree requirements for both degrees. The dual degree program prepares students for leadership roles in public health, social welfare, and other related organizations and systems where the public’s health is a concern based on the perceived impact of identifiable social problems. Click here for powerpoint presentation.
There are a number of complementary areas between the BCHS MPH program and the MSW program. Both the professions of public health and social work emerged from the social reform movement of the late 19th and early 20th century (see historical presentation). Each program has a strong commitment to values and principles of social justice, the elimination of health disparities, and a holistic definition health status outcome, which includes assessment of individuals’ physical health conditions as well as the behavioral and social ecological determinants of their health. Moreover, both social work and public health share a commitment to the involvement of consumers/community members in the development of policies and in the planning, delivery and evaluation of interventions. Professional training in both fields involves a wide range of course work as well as field-based practical experience under the mentorship of experienced practitioners.
Public health social work involves an epidemiological/ecological approach to identifying and intervening in social and environmental problems affecting the health status and social functioning of population groups. This work typically entails working in multi-disciplinary teams and setting. The primary emphasis is on the health and well-being of populations, communities, and at risk groups. Problem solving interventions target the promotion of positive health behaviors, enhancement of the environment, and the elimination of risk factors in neighborhoods and communities which contribute to disease and poor health outcomes.
The MSW/MPH program essentially requires a three year curriculum plan. Students will complete the required core courses in both the MSW and the MPH program. Selected required courses from each program will count as elective courses toward the degree in the other program. A reciprocal agreement between both programs with regards to the acceptance of student electives will facilitate effective curriculum planning. The total number of credits to be taken will be 86, 50 in Social Work, and 36 in GSPH. Students will be required to complete two field placements (one in the first year and one in the second) as required by the MSW program, and as is consistent with the practicum requirements of the MPH program. The second field placement will have a public health emphasis and will count as the required MPH practicum experience. All students will be required to complete the GSPH Capstone course and also complete an essay as required by the MPH program. Students will be assigned faculty advisors from both SSW and GSPH and these advisors will work collaboratively with the student to plan the academic course of study.
For more information, contact:
University of Pittsburgh
Graduate School of Public Health
Kenneth J. Jaros, PhD
Director, Center for Maternal and Child Health Leadership
in Public Health Social Work
210 Parran Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
412-624-3102
kjaros@pitt.edu