MSW/MPH Dual Degree Program

An integrated path to two graduate degrees, designed for social workers committed to improving population health and social equity.

Graduate Program

Dual MSW/MPH Program

Earn both your Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of Public Health (MPH) through an integrated three-year program that prepares graduates to improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, communities, and populations.

The School of Social Work and the Department of Public Health Sciences offer a Dual MSW and MPH in Community Health Education. Separately, the two degrees require 108 credit hours (60 MSW + 48 MPH). Through the dual program, students complete both in only 90 credit hours.

Four students stand close together outdoors with arms around each other, smiling at the camera with trees and a campus building in the background.
Why Choose the Dual Degree?

Combine Social Work & Public Health

The programs complement each other. Public Health focuses on populations of people and is highly analytical, while Social Work focuses on individuals, groups, and communities within the social environment. Both programs emphasize cross-cultural practice and social justice.

Integrates advanced social work practice with population health.
Strong emphasis on cross-cultural practice and social justice.
Excellent preparation for community development and outreach careers.
Especially attractive for students interested in international service, including former Peace Corps volunteers.

Degree Planning

The Dual MSW/MPH Degree Map outlines the recommended sequence of coursework. Refer to the current Graduate Catalog for complete program requirements. Students should also maintain regular communication with their faculty advisors in both programs throughout their studies.

View the Dual Degree Course of Study View the Graduate Catalog
How to Pursue the Dual Degree

Application Process

Students interested in pursuing the Dual MSW/MPH Program must complete the following steps.

  • 1
    Apply to Both Programs

    Prepare and submit separate admissions applications to both the Master of Social Work (MSW) and Master of Public Health (MPH) programs.

  • 2
    Notify Each Program

    Notify both academic programs in writing of your intent to complete the Dual MSW/MPH degree.

  • 3
    Receive Admission to Both Programs

    Students must be officially admitted to both graduate degree programs before joining the Dual MSW/MPH Program.

  • 4
    Notify the Graduate School

    Notify the NMSU Graduate School of your intent to complete the Dual Degree Program.

  • 5
    Complete Program Requirements

    Complete all required coursework for both degree programs, typically over three years, and successfully complete the combined comprehensive final examination.

Contact Information

Questions About the Dual MSW/MPH Program?

If you're interested in pursuing the Dual MSW/MPH Program, contact one of the program coordinators below.

Dr. Sterling Brown

Dr. Sterling Brown

College Assistant Professor, MSW Program Coordinator
Contact Dr. Brown
Dr. Jagdish Khubchandani

Dr. Jagdish Khubchandani

Professor of Public Health, MPH/MSW Joint Program Coordinator
Contact Dr. Khubchandani