Dual MPH/MSW Program Expectations & Planning Guide

Overview

The concurrent M.S.W./M.P.H. in Community Health Sciences is a highly structured and academically intensive three-year program designed for students pursuing careers at the intersection of social work and public health.

Students complete:

• Year 1: Primarily M.P.H. coursework

• Year 2: Primarily M.S.W. coursework

• Year 3: Remaining degree requirements for both programs

Because of the accelerated nature of the concurrent degree, students should expect a rigorous academic schedule and plan accordingly.

Important: The CHS 200A/200B/200C series are required Community Health Sciences core courses and must be completed in sequence and in the quarters listed below. BIOSTAT 201A, EPI 201, ENV HLT 201, & HLT POL 201 are required School core courses and must be completed in the quarters listed below: 

** while this is a recommended sample course plan, dual degree students may delay taking 4-8 units of Dept. Required Courses until their third year **

Shared Coursework Between the M.S.W. & M.P.H.

Concurrent degree students utilize approved shared coursework between both programs:

• SW 210A and SW 210B from the M.S.W. program are applied toward the M.P.H. School Elective requirement.

• CHS 200B and CHS 200C may be applied toward the M.S.W. degree requirements.

Because of this approved overlap:

• Concurrent degree students do not complete separate M.P.H. school elective coursework beyond the approved shared units.

• Students may apply up to 16 units between the two degree programs through the Graduate Division petition process.

Important Planning Considerations

Students should anticipate:

• Heavy quarterly unit loads during the M.P.H. year (typically 16–20 units)

• Limited flexibility in course sequencing

• Careful coordination between both departments and advisors

Students are strongly encouraged to meet regularly with both M.P.H. and M.S.W. Student Affairs Officers to ensure timely progress toward degree completion.