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The College of Social Work and the Department of Health Services Policy and Management (HSPM) in the Arnold School of Public Health, participate in a dual degree program that allows individuals to complete both the Master of Social Work and Master of Public Health degrees in less time than if the degrees are completed separately. Students apply to the dual degree program option through the USC Graduate School. Application reviews, including required supplemental application materials required by the programs, and admission recommendations are made independently by the College of Social Work and by the Arnold School of Public Health. Official notification of the admission decisions comes from the Graduate School. Students enrolled in both Master of Social Work and Master of Public Health courses in any term may be subject to fees for both programs.  

Students enrolled in either the social work or public health program beyond their first year of graduate study cannot apply for the dual degree program.   Part-time social work students may enroll in the dual degree program.  Advanced-standing social work students enrolled beyond the summer bridge term cannot apply for the dual degree program. Students in the Distance Master of Public Health (MPH) in Health Services Policy and Management are not eligible for the dual MSW/MPH program.

Degree Requirements M.S.W. (60 Hours)/ M.P.H. (45 Hours)

Students may complete the dual degree program by starting in either the Master of Social Work program or the Master of Public Health program. Each program offers a typical sequence of courses; through academic advisement with a dual degree coordinator in each program, students select specific courses to satisfy the requirements for each degree. All curriculum and hour requirements must be satisfied in order to graduate from the dual degree program.  Students in the dual degree program must complete the program within six academic years. See the Social Work, MSW   and the MPH student handbook for additional information.

Two (2) social work elective courses can be satisfied by successfully completing HSPM 726  and an elective HSPM management courses (6 credit hours total). One HSPM elective policy course (3 hours) may be satisfied by successfully completing SOWK 778 - Advanced Analysis of Social Policy, Programs, and Services  (HSPM 788) may be satisfied by completing SOWK 784  (coordination and contract with HSPM advisor required). Thus the 60-credit hour MSW degree and 45-credit hour MPH degree can both be completed with a total of 93 credit hours.

The table below reflects the plan of study for a full-time student who begins the dual degree program in social work. Note that some of the courses beyond the first year of MPH and SOWK studies may be adjusted due to program or accreditation changes.