Teaching Note—Educating Public Health Social Work Professionals: Results From an MSW/MPH Program Outcomes Study

Abstract

Dual-degree programs in public health and social work continue to proliferate, yet there has been little research on master's of social work (MSW)/master's of public health (MPH) graduates. The purpose of this study was to describe and better understand the self-reported professional experiences, identities, roles, and outcomes associated with 1 group of graduates from an established MSW/MPH program. A 57-question electronic survey was administered to 214 alumni in 2010; the response rate was 71.4% (n = 153). Findings provide a snapshot of public health social work alumni experiences, including diverse employment opportunities, high career satisfaction, and a strong sense of reported public health and social work integration in the workplace.

Dual Master of Social Work – Master of Public Health (MSW/MPH)

“…• MSW/MPH programs are highly marketable in attracting graduate students who are academically gifted, committed, motivated, and organized (McClelland, 1985;Miller, Hopkins, & Greif, 2008;Reardon, 2009;Ruth, Marshall, Velasquez, & Bachman, 2015;Ziperstein et al, 2015). • The initial MSW/MPH program of study should target the greatest number of students in both disciplines (most often the clinical "area of practice" in social work, and health behavior in public health), with expansion to other configurations explored after the initial program is well underway.…”

Mapping Dual-Degree Programs in Social Work and Public Health: Results From a National Survey

“…Over the years, social work scholars have raised general questions about the structure and outcomes of dual-degree programs, including MSW/MPH programs (McClelland, 1985; Ruth, Marshall, Velásquez, & Bachman, 2015). Concerns included the potential tensions of dual professionalism, the absence of proof for the added value of an additional degree, and the fear that dual-degree graduates do not develop or sustain strong identification with the social work profession (McClelland, 1985; Miller et al, 2008; Ruth et al, 2015).…”

“…Concerns included the potential tensions of dual professionalism, the absence of proof for the added value of an additional degree, and the fear that dual-degree graduates do not develop or sustain strong identification with the social work profession (McClelland, 1985; Miller et al, 2008; Ruth et al, 2015). …”

“…When asked about their identification with the profession--as measured by whether they called themselves a “social worker,” held membership in social work organizations, or had obtained social work licensure--the MSW/MPH and MSW alumni respondents were similar (Ruth et al, 2006). A third study (Ruth et al, 2015) attempted to better understand the self-reported outcomes associated with a large cohort of MSW/MPH alumni (n=294). Again, the findings did not support the assertion that dual-degree graduates were less identified with the profession of social work.…”

“…There are multiple topics crucial to dual-degree program administration that remain largely unstudied, including the coordination and integration of knowledge and skills from both fields, the role of advising and faculty involvement, how best to organize coursework, and the need for dedicated financial aid (Miller et al, 2008; Ruth et al, 2015). One small qualitative study of MSW/MPH alumni from four established programs identified key areas for MSW/MPH program improvement, including: 1) the need for greater university investment, 2) coordination of dual degree programs, and 3) the strengthening of integration opportunities (Ruth et al, 2008).…”