MSW Program
Dual Degree and Specializations
Dual Degree Program in Social Work and Public Health
Job Opportunities
Career Development
We frequently receive requests from alumni and students approaching graduation for information on how to market an MSW/MPH degree in the “real world.”
Here you will find a number of websites that provide guidance and opportunities related to seeking employment that have benefited others with an MSW/MPH in the recent past. Also, we have posted one definition available for public health social work. We have learned fom alumni that simply seeing one example of a definition is helpful to them as they prepare cover letters and practice verbally responding to questions about what a public health social worker can provide that is unique and imperative in today's workplace.
We welcome suggestions for future highlights and information to be provided on this site. Please email ideas to mswmph@bu.edu
Definition of Public Health Social Work
The major characteristic of public health social work is an epidemiological approach to identifying social problems affecting the health status and social functioning of all population groups, with an emphasis on intervention at the primary prevention level. Public health social workers focus on the promotion of positive health behaviors in the development of lifestyles by individuals, families and groups; enhancement by the environment; and avoidance of risks. They assess the health needs of the target population and determine the association between social factors and the incidence of health problems. They plan and implement intervention strategies based on the five levels of prevention. They emphasize reducing the social stress associated with health problems, and determining the social supports that promote well-being and provide protection against ill health and minimize disability and institutionalization.
The practice of public health social work is usually conducted within the context of a multi-disciplinary setting where social workers participate with other health and human service professionals in assuring all persons in the target population have access to health care and social services. Public health social work is a blending of roles: provider of direct services, researcher, consultant, administrator, program planner, evaluator, and policy maker. Each function is dependent upon the other in assuring the health and social needs of the total population.
Obtained from: May 2005, Association of State and Territorial Public Health Social Workers, Public Health Social Work Standards and Competencies,
Web Sites
Boston University does not endorse any of the following sites. They are printed here as a reference for your personal study and interest.
- American Public Health Association Job Site
- Massachussets Public Health Association Job Site
- USA Jobs—Database of Government Jobs
- Federal Jobs in Social Work
- Public Health Jobs
- New England Non-profit Organization Classifieds
- NASW—Professional Development Page
- National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO)
- National Association of State and Territorial Health Organizations (ASTHO)
- World Health Organization
- Public Health Jobs
- Public Health Employment Connection - Emory
