Mapping the practice of public health social work: Findings from an MSW/MPH program evaluation

Dual-degree programs in public health and social work continue to proliferate. In the last twenty years, the number of programs appears to have doubled, reflecting a growing interest in trans-disciplinary approaches to prevention and intervention in complex social health problems. Each year, an unidentified number of MSW/MPH graduates enter the workplace. Educated in theories, frameworks, skills and practices of public health and social work, these dual practitioners are critically positioned to provide insight into the opportunities and challenges associated with contemporary public health social work (PHSW) practice and its potential for trans-disciplinary leadership in public health. Yet little is known about the careers of MSW/MPH graduates; as a consequence, PHSW remains largely unmapped as an area of practice.

To better understand MSW/MPH practitioners' experiences and increase understanding of PHSW, a 57-question survey was administered to alumni of a large, northeastern MSW/MPH program (n=293) in fall, 2010. Seventy-three percent of alumni could be contacted for potential participation; the final response rate was 65% (n=141). A majority (69.9%) of alumni are employed in public health settings (n=133). Some 52.9% earned more than 60k/year (n=133) and 49.6% (n=139) agreed that they had positions that reflected the “ideal integration” of public health and social work. Findings provide a snapshot of employment and professional experiences of MSW/MPH alumni, including opportunities and obstacles faced, and specific information on the roles and functions of PHSW practitioners within public health. The implications for academic public health, for MSW/MPH programs, and for the public health workforce will be discussed.