Program Overview

Program Overview

The dual Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of Public Health (MPH) program prepares students to take on clinical or administrative roles in health care organizations and social services agencies that assist diverse groups. The program provides a comprehensive foundation in social work and public health, with a focus on promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Program Accreditations

• The master’s in public health program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health.
• The master’s in social work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• The revised curriculum fulfills the education requirement for both the licensed master social worker (LMSW) or licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in New York state for students entering Fall 2025 or after.

Program of Study

Social Welfare Courses

• Social Justice and Social Work
• Social Welfare Policy Practice
• Human Behavior and Social Environment I and II
• Integrated Theory and Practice I-IV
• Field Instruction I-IV
• Learning Community I and II
• Four Advanced Clinical Practice Area courses
• Two or Three Advanced Macro Practice Area courses (Community Building, Leadership, and one elective Advanced Macro Practice course)

Public Health Courses

• Professional Practice in Public Health
• Biological Basis of Public Health
• Introduction to Environmental Health
• Principles and Methods of Epidemiology I
• Principles in Statistical Inference I
• Health Care Organization Delivery and Financing
• Health Policy Analysis
• Social and Behavioral Aspects of Public Health
• Additional Quantitative Course
• Applications in Health Policy Analysis and Evaluation or Social Welfare Advanced Policy Course
• Principles of Healthcare Organization Management
• Strategy and Leadership Applications in Health Management
• Integrative Learning Experience

Career Paths

Graduates of the dual MSW/MPH program typically move into administrative roles in public and nonprofit health and social welfare agencies that provide community services in their area of interest.

Sample Job Titles

• Child Obesity Data Analyst
• Community Health Project Lead
• Social Welfare Research Consultant
• Maternal Health Services Manager
• Homeless Youth Outreach Organizer
• Addiction Recovery Transition Planner
• Harm Reduction Results Evaluator
• Disease Prevention Awareness Specialist
• Family Wellness Center Administrator
• Public Health Education Planner
• Outcomes Assessment Supervisor

Admissions Requirements

Deadlines

• Fall: January 31 at 11:59 pm
• Spring: Not Available
• Summer: Not Available

Application Requirements

• Must hold a bachelor’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing
• Grade point average of 3.00 or better
• One semester of social sciences
• A college level course in mathematics (algebra or pre-calculus) or statistics with a grade of B or higher
• GRE not required for admission

International Requirements

• International students must submit a minimum TOEFL score of 98, IELTS score of 7.0 or Duolingo score of 125
• UAlbany SOPHAS TOEFL code is 2532
• The TOEFL or IELTS is not required for international students who have completed at least four semesters of full-time study within a four-year time frame from time of application, and maintained at least a B average at a college or university in the United States or a country from an approved list

Required Application Materials

• Official transcripts from every post-secondary academic institution attended
• Three letters of recommendation
• Personal Statement (1-4 pages, double-spaced)
• CV/Resume

Supplemental Degree Programs

Graduate students can typically request a supplemental degree in one or more subordinate degrees without needing to go through the full admissions process again.

Supplemental Programs Available

• Africana Studies CGS
• Community College Leadership CGS
• Demography CGS
• Geospatial Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Analytics CGS
• Global Health Studies CGS
• Health Disparities CGS
• International Education Management CGS
• Maternal and Child Health CGS
• Public Health Surveillance and Preparedness CGS