Boise State University

08/31/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 08/31/2026 13:48

New concurrent degree program brings public health and social work together

Boise State University's School of Public and Population Health and School of Social Work have teamed up to provide students the opportunity to pursue two professional degrees - a Master of Public Health (MPH) and a Master of Social Work (MSW) - in an integrated three-year, full-time concurrent program.

Boise State's Master of Public Health (MPH) trains health professionals through exceptional programs, research and community service opportunities so they have the knowledge and skills necessary to make a substantive contribution to the health of individuals, communities and the environment.

"Public health focuses on preventing disease and improving health outcomes by addressing broader factors that shape well-being, such as systems, policies and community conditions," said MPH Director Ellen Schafer.

The Boise State Master of Social Work (MSW) program prepares graduates for empirically-informed and ethically-driven specialized practice to advance the well-being of underserved individuals and families, while also improving organizations and communities.

Ellen Schafer

Combining public health with social work prepares students to address health and well-being from both individual and population-level perspectives.

By combining clinical assessment and intervention, with a strong focus on prevention, students develop an interdisciplinary skillset.

Scott Chyna

"The social work field encompasses a holistic approach in the examination of individual and community welfare -particularly the consideration of environmental factors that impact optimal well-being," said MSW Program Coordinator Scott Chyna. "Merging these two disciplines provides a unique opportunity for students to enter into impactful work in settings ranging from community hospitals and health centers, local government and advocacy organizations."

The concurrent program requires 80 total credit hours across the MPH and MSW degree paths. Interested students can learn more about this concurrent program here.

Boise State University published this content on August 31, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on August 31, 2026 at 19:49 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]