Teaching Notes: Social Work and Public Health: Comparing Graduates From a Dual-Degree Program

Ruth, Betty J.; Wyatt, Jamie; Chiasson, Emily; Geron, Scott Miyake; Bachman, Sally

doi:10.5175/jswe.2006.200404117

Cited by 20 publications

(22 citation statements)

References 63 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…A study conducted at the University of Maryland (Miller et al, 2008) suggests that satisfaction with dual-degree programs is high and remuneration appears higher than for MSW-only graduates; notably, this study did not include their then-new MSW/MPH program. Another study from Boston University compared 30 MSW-only and 30 MSW/MPH alumni and, consistent with Miller et al (2008), found no significant differences in career or program satisfaction (Ruth, Wyatt, Chiasson, Geron, & Bachman, 2006). 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).…”

Section: Dual-degree Programs In Public Health and Social Workmentioning

confidence: 74%

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

Ziperstein

Ruth

Clement³

et al. 2016

ASW

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Dramatic changes in the health system due to national health reform are raising important questions regarding the educational preparation of social workers for the new health arena. While dual-degree programs in public health and social work can be an important response to what is needed educationally, little is known about them. The National MSW/MPH Programs Study surveyed MSW/MPH program administrators to better understand the prevalence, models, structure, and challenges of these dual-degree programs. Forty-two programs were identified, and 97.6% of those contacted participated (n=41). Findings indicate that MSW/MPH programs are popular, increasing, geographically dispersed, and drawing talented students interested in trans-disciplinary public health social work practice. Challenges for these programs include the need for greater institutional support, particularly funding, and a general lack of best practices for MSW/MPH education. While findings from this study suggest graduates appear especially well-prepared for leadership and practice in the new health environment, additional research is needed to assess their particular contributions and career trajectories.

show abstract

Section: Dual-degree Programs In Public Health and Social Workmentioning

confidence: 74%

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

Ziperstein

Ruth

Clement³

et al. 2016

ASW

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Richardson, in 2008, was the only one to ask about satisfaction with professional skills and professional status and the contribution of the program, in this case occupational therapy, to that satisfaction [20]. A higher salary was also reported by Bradley [42], Gill [39], Ruth [43], Drennan [41], although attribution was unclear.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Outcome and impact of Master of Public Health programs across six countries: education for change

et al. 2014

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

BackgroundThe human resources for health crisis has highlighted the need for high-level public health education to add specific capacities to the workforce. Recently, it was questioned whether Master of Public Health (MPH) training prepared graduates with competencies relevant to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aims to examine the influence of the MPH programs geared towards LMICs offered in Vietnam, China, South Africa, Mexico, Sudan, and the Netherlands on graduates’ careers, application of acquired competencies, performance at the workplace, and their professional contribution to society.MethodsA self-administered questionnaire was sent to graduates from six MPH programs. Frequency distributions of the answers were calculated, and a bivariate analysis and logistic regression of certain variables was performed.ResultsThe response rate was 37.5%. Graduates reported change in leadership (69%), in technical position (69%), acquiring new responsibilities (80%), and increased remuneration (63%); they asserted that MPH programs contributed significantly to this. Graduates’ attribution of their application of 7 key competencies ‘substantially to the MPH program’ ranged from 33% to 48%. Of the 26 impact variables, graduates attributed the effect they had on their workplace substantially to the MPH program; the highest rated variable ranged from 31% to 73% and the lowest ranged from 9% to 43%. Of the 10 impact variables on society, graduates attributed the effect they had on society substantially to the MPH program; for the highest rated variable (13% to 71%); for the lowest rated variable (4% to 42%). Candidates’ attribution of their application of acquired competencies as well as their impact at the workplace varied significantly according to institution of study and educational background.ConclusionsThis study concludes that these MPH programs contribute to improving graduates’ careers and to building leadership in public health. The MPH programs contribute to graduates’ application of competencies. MPH programs contribute substantially towards impact variables on the workplace, such as development of research proposals and reporting on population health needs, and less substantially to their impact on society, such as contributing equitable access to quality services. Differences reported between MPH programs merit further study. The results can be used for curriculum reform.

show abstract

“…One study compared 30 MSW-only and 30 MSW/MPH alumni and found no significant differences in career satisfaction or in identification with the profession (Ruth, Wyatt, Chiasson, Geron, & Bachman, 2006). In another study of MSW/MPH alumni from four established programs, participants identified the need for greater investment in and coordination of dual-degree programs; strengthening of integration opportunities; more marketing of public health social work to employers; and a strong need for ongoing career development (Ruth et al, 2008).…”

Section: Dual-degree Programs In Social Workmentioning

confidence: 97%

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

Ruth¹,

Marshall

Velasquez

et al. 2015

Journal of Social Work Education

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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.

show abstract

Teaching Notes: Social Work and Public Health: Comparing Graduates From a Dual-Degree Program

Cited by 20 publications

References 63 publications

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

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

Outcome and impact of Master of Public Health programs across six countries: education for change

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

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About