MSW Program
Dual Degree and Specializations
Dual Degree Program in Social Work and Public Health
Program Overview
Application & Admissions
**REMINDER: SSW Internal Application Deadline is Friday, March 6, 2009**
There are three possible pathways into the MSW/MPH program. In all three situations, students must gain admission into both schools, either sequentially or simultaneously. Students can apply and be accepted initially into either the School of Social Work or the School of Public Health. Each school has a different set of admissions criteria, and acceptance into one program does not guarantee entry into the other. Approximately 80 percent of students begin at the School of Social Work; another 10 percent start at the School of Public Health; and the remaining 10 percent apply simultaneously to both schools prior to beginning their studies. Applicants are strongly advised to begin their coursework at the School of Social Work, regardless of the pathway into the MSW/MPH program.
All students complete the foundation or core curriculum, and are encouraged to apply during the second semester of their first year.
Note: Students who have gained simultaneous admission do not need to go through any additional admissions process. The steps outlined below pertain to students who have not yet been admitted to both schools but wish to be.
First year students considering the MSW/MPH program are required to attend one of the Informational Sessions held at SSW during the fall semester.
An overview of the program, the application and admissions process, and career options are covered in these meetings. Once students have attended one of the Information Sessions and have read the program materials carefully, they are encouraged to make an appointment with the director of the program. Contact program director Betty Ruth to schedule an appointment.
Students wishing to be considered for admission to the MSW/MPH program must submit a completed Internal Pre-Application which can be obtained outside of SSW 210. This short form must be submitted by the March deadline of the current academic year. Timelines of application deadlines and meeting dates are provided at the Information Sessions held in the Fall semester.
Once a student applies, a comprehensive academic screening commences. Evaluations are solicited from all current faculty and advisers the student has had in class or in the field since beginning the program. The Program Director from SSW completes the review process and students are notified in mid-April to the results of the screening. Among the factors considered are: current and undergraduate GPA; standardized test scores; faculty recommendations; student experience; and stated career goals. Please Note: A current and undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is required for entry into this program. Students with "incompletes" on their records at the time of screening or students in the middle of a “Status Review” process will not be considered.
Once the Screening Committee has granted formal approval, the student completes the SPH or SSW application form. Students applying to SSW complete the online application on the SSW website. Students applying to SPH complete a paper application provided by the Program Director. Both schools require a professional and personal statement. It is strongly recommended that students obtain two new references (at least one is required) to indicate specific support for studying both Social Work and Public Health. The GRE IS REQUIRED BY SPH; the MAT or LSAT may be substituted. Students must arrange for their test scores to be sent to the respective schools. International students must take the GRE or MAT plus the TOEFL. The TOEFL alone is not sufficient.
Once enrolled in either SPH or SSW, students do not need to pay an additional application fee. The completed applications are due in early May and final admission decisions are made by mid-June.
Because admission occurs during the summer, students must plan academically prior to formal admission. During the spring semester of the first year, students work closely with the program director to tailor an individual program that meets the requirements and reflects student interests. Careful planning will ensure a smooth transition to the second year, when courses are taken at both schools. Detailed information is provided to students on registration, along with the formal approval letters, during the month of April.
