Abstract
While there has been a proliferation of MSW/MPH programs concurrent with dramatic changes in the U.S. health system, there is minimal research on these programs. The purpose of this article is to describe the conceptualization, development, and implementation of an innovative MSW/MPH program at a southeastern university—the only such program in the state. Our goal as the first two directors of the program, serving consecutively, is to share knowledge and offer “lessons learned” for universities seeking to develop or enhance an MSW/MPH program, as well as agencies interested in forming collaborative partnerships. “Lessons learned” include the importance of strong ongoing communication among all MSW/MPH stakeholders, thoughtful consideration of the time demands associated with the program director’s role, viewing a developmental evaluation plan as a critical component for success, and recognizing the benefits of purposeful linkages between the two disciplines.
Highlights
While there has been a proliferation of MSW/MPH programs concurrent with dramatic changes in the U.S health system, there is minimal research on these programs
We have offered an integrative seminar in social work and public health for the past four years—a curriculum decision reflective of evaluation data provided by MSW/MPH students
Field instructors received a more detailed orientation to the MSW/MPH program—one that underscored the central role of the integrated field practicum within the program of study, highlighted the unique strengths and needs of dual-degree students, and emphasized the benefits that agencies could anticipate when serving as a field practicum site
Summary
With leadership provided by the first author, faculty members from the SSW and CPH met regularly to review and discuss the information gathered. Field directors in the SSW and CPH developed a clear, step-by-step procedure for identifying appropriate placement sites (see Table 2), and the MSW/MPH program director worked closely with them to consolidate critical information into one syllabus Following this effort, field instructors (who provide on-site supervision) received a more detailed orientation to the MSW/MPH program—one that underscored the central role of the integrated field practicum within the program of study, highlighted the unique strengths and needs of dual-degree students, and emphasized the benefits that agencies could anticipate when serving as a field practicum site. Student completes required SSW and CPH field practicum paperwork
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