MSW/MPH Joint Degree Program
The School of Social Work and the Department of Health Science offer a joint Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of Public Health (MPH) in Community Health Education. Students interested in pursuing the joint degree program must:
- Prepare and submit separate admissions applications to both programs
- Notify each program in writing of the intent to complete the joint degree program
- Be officially admitted to both degree programs
- Notify the NMSU Graduate School of the intent to complete the joint degree program
- Complete all course requirements for both degree programs, typically completed in 3 full years of school.
- Complete final examinations for both degree programs
If you are interested in pursuing this option please contact the MSW Academic Advisor, Las Cruces-Monica Montoya or Albuquerque-Anna Nelson or the MPH Advisor for joint degree students Dr. Sue Forster-Cox.
Why pursue a joint MSW/MPH Degree?
The programs complement each other: Public Health focuses on populations of people and is highly analytical; Social Work focuses on individual, groups, and communities within the social environment. Both programs heavily emphasize cross-cultural content in classes and have an emphasis on social justice.
Many students find this combined degree appealing, particularly if they are interested in community development and outreach. Students from other countries and students who have served in the Peace Corps find that this degree furthers their interest and careers in international service.
Separately the MSW and MPH degrees require a total of 109 credit hours (49 for the MPH + 60 for the MSW). However, the joint MSW/MPH degree program can be completed with a total of only 88 credit hours.
Program Overview
The MSW/MPH Joint Degree Course of Study lists the required courses. Please refer to the current graduate catalog for all requirements for both degrees, and be sure to maintain close communication with your designated faculty advisors from each program.