A group of three students studying in a UAlbany Downtown Campus courtyard.

Master of Social Work / Master of Public Health in
Social Work / Public Health

Program of Study


The MPH/MSW dual degree program allows you to earn both degrees more quickly through a combined curriculum that counts certain credits toward requirements for both degrees at once.

programofstudy

Social Work MSW


UAlbany’s social work graduate program will give you a comprehensive foundation of skills and knowledge you need for a career improving individuals’ health and quality of life, effecting system-wide change and advancing social justice.

Through coursework and internships, you’ll explore the roots of inequalities and oppression, study intersecting social and demographic factors that impact well-being, and develop an understanding of their impact on physical and mental health. By learning to examine the pathways that promote diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, you’ll be prepared to support diverse communities in a range of settings.


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 MPH


In UAlbany’s public health graduate program, you can develop advanced knowledge and a strong foundation in primary public health fields.

Through classes and field work, you’ll learn to assess population health needs; develop, plan and manage public health policy across a variety of settings; lead organizations; evaluate the impact of health and non-health policies on population health; and advocate for policies that promote healthy populations.

 

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

Our 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. 
 
For more information on Professional Licensure Disclosure, please see the Graduate Bulletin.

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 with an MSW/MPH degree include:

  • 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


 

Doctors at a conference
career

Admissions Requirements

admissions
Deadlines
Deadlines

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

MPH/MSW Application
MPH/MSW Application

The application and all supporting materials for the MPH/MSW must be submitted directly to the University at Albany Office of Graduate Admissions.


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
     

Note: GRE not required for admission.

 

For application specific questions, contact us at [email protected].


International Requirements

  • International students must submit a minimum TOEFL score of 98, IELTS score of 7.0 or Duolingo score of 125. We will only accept official scores sent by the testing institution.
  • 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.  For questions regarding English Language Proficiency waivers, please email Soha Acosta at [email protected].


Required Application Materials

Official transcripts

  • Official transcripts from EVERY post-secondary academic institution attended, including college coursework completed during high school, must be sent directly from the institution to University at Albany Office of Graduate Admissions. You must report all colleges and universities attended and submit official transcripts, even if your transfer credits are listed on your primary transcript. 

 

Three letters of recommendation

  • A minimum of two must be from academic faculty
  • At least one from a university faculty member in the major field of study
  • Applicants who have been out of school for five or more years may submit professional references
  • Letters must be signed and on institutional/organizational letterhead

 

Personal Statement

The faculty of the School of Social Welfare and College of Integrated Health Sciences separately evaluate your application. You will be submitting a variety of evidence concerning your ability to undertake a graduate program in social welfare and public health. An important component in your application is the content of your personal statement. The length of this statement should be 1‐4 pages, double‐spaced. Use the outline that follows to complete your personal statement.

A. The Professions of Social Welfare and Public Health as a Career Goal

  1. Why does a career combining social welfare and public health appeal to you?
  2. Describe how your personal and intellectual qualifications, past health and human service experience and/or future goals are relevant to assisting communities and the most economically and socially disadvantaged groups in our society. Please use specific examples.
  3. What particular aspects or special fields of social welfare and public health interest you most?

B. Experience as a Student

  1. How do you expect your performance in graduate school to compare with your performance as an undergraduate student?
  2. Give reasons for any differences you may anticipate.

C. Work/Volunteer Experience

  1. Describe your experience in any human services professional or volunteer role.

D. Other Experience

  1. Describe your experience/participation in school and community activities.
  2. Describe your experience in the helping role, such as with family, friends, peers, or colleagues in which you gave or received help.


CV/Resume

Special Notes
Special Notes

Please note: This program requires a practicum, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience requirement. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions.  If applicants have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of the intended academic program.

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