Dual Master of Social Work / Master of Public Health Degrees: Perceptions of Graduates and Field Instructors

Trina C Salm Ward,Patricia M Reeves

doi:10.18060/21531

Abstract

Despite growing interest in Master of Social Work/Master of Public Health (MSW/MPH) programs, limited research literature is available on MSW/MPH graduates and none has examined field instructors’ perceptions of MSW/MPH students. This study describes the perceptions and experiences of MSW/MPH alumni and field instructors from a recently implemented MSW/MPH program at the University of Georgia. Electronic surveys were administered to 32 alumni and 34 field instructors; response rates were 71.9% (n=23) and 70.6% (n=24), respectively. Alumni reported satisfaction with the dual degree and utilization of both social work and public health skills in the workplace. Field instructors underscored the complementary skill sets of dually-trained students and noted the added value of MSW/MPH professionals in their agencies. Dually-trained MSW/MPH practitioners are uniquely prepared to address the need for transdisciplinary and interprofessional collaborations to address long-standing social and health issues.

Highlights

Despite growing interest in Master of Social Work/Master of Public Health (MSW/MPH) programs, limited research literature is available on MSW/MPH graduates and none has examined field instructors’ perceptions of MSW/MPH students
MSW/MPH alumni were satisfied with their experiences in the program, were employed in PHSW settings, and used both social work and public health skills in their workplace
Field instructors were impressed with MSW/MPH students’ performance in the field placement, and saw the added value of dual degree professionals in their agency settings

Summary

Introduction

Despite growing interest in Master of Social Work/Master of Public Health (MSW/MPH) programs, limited research literature is available on MSW/MPH graduates and none has examined field instructors’ perceptions of MSW/MPH students. Over a 30-year period, MSW/MPH programs have maintained high marketability, increasing in number from 20 in 2008 to 42 in 2015 (McClelland, 1985; Ruth, Marshall et al, 2015; Ziperstein et al, 2015) These programs provide a formal integration of knowledge between social work and public health that prepares students to contribute to a dynamic and complex world (Miller, Hopkins, & Greif, 2008). Students pursue dual degrees for multiple reasons, e.g., a competitive edge in a tight job market, identification with the values of both disciplines, access to the resources (financial, research, course options) of two areas of study, blending

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