Master of Social Work (MSW) vs Master of Public Health (MPH)

As a social worker, you may reach a point in your career where you are ready to step into a position of leadership and take on more responsibilities. You may hit a crossroads where you are unsure which type of master’s degree will best advance your professional goals. A Master of Social Work (MSW) may prepare you to work directly with vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals, families, and groups and/or state-recognized licensure. A Master of Public Health (MPH) may prepare you for macro-level work with communities – making large-scale changes that focus on the prevention and alleviation of widespread issues. Both degrees may help students advance careers that make a difference in others’ lives.

Master of Social Work (MSW)

An MSW accelerates your career course, opening up opportunities for leadership, greater responsibility, and a broader scope of work, while still focusing on the individual, family, and group level. According to the Council for Social Work Education, clinical social work typically requires an MSW plus supervised post-MSW experience and passing an exam. According to the National Association of Social Workers, private clinical practice typically requires clinical licensure (LCSW/LICSW or equivalent), which typically requires an MSW, supervised clinical hours, and an exam. Most states also require clinical social workers to be licensed.

Sponsored Online MSW Programs

University of Denver

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The University of Denver’s online Master of Social Work program is CSWE-accredited and allowing students to customize their own MSW Pathways. GRE scores are not required.

  • Complete the online MSW program in as few as 12 months if you have a BSW; if you do not have a BSW, the program may be completed in as few as 21 months.
  • GRE scores are not required to apply.
  • Customize your own Pathway to your interests.

Syracuse University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Syracuse University’s online Master of Social Work program does not require GRE scores to apply and is focused on preparing social workers who embrace technology as an important part of the future of the profession. Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks are available.

  • Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks
  • No GRE required
  • Concentrate your degree in integrated practice or clinical practice

Simmons University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Aspiring direct practitioners can earn their MSW online from Simmons University in as few as 9 months. GRE scores are not required, and the program offers full-time, part-time, accelerated, and advanced standing tracks.

  • Prepares students to pursue licensure, including LCSW 
  • Accredited by the CSWE
  • No GRE scores required for admission
  • Minimum completion time: 9 months

Howard University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Earn your Master of Social Work (MSW) from the #2-ranked HBCU (U.S. News & World Report, 2025) and the #12- ranked social work school (U.S. News & World Report, 2024). The Howard University School of Social Work offers an online MSW for aspiring advanced-practice social workers. Attend live, online classes and complete field education in your community. No GRE required.

  • Traditional MSW (60 credits): Complete part-time in as few as 36 months. Complete full-time in as few as 16 months.
  • Advanced Standing MSW (45 credits): Complete part-time in as few as 24 months. Complete full-time in as few as 12 months.
  • 777–1,000 field education hours.
  • Two start dates (January and September).

Hawaii Pacific University

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Master of Social Work

The online Master of Social Work prepares aspiring social work leaders to develop a multicultural social work practice, advocate for social and economic justice, and empower diverse communities affected by systemic inequities within civilian and military-focused areas.

  • Learn how to develop a multicultural social work practice.  
  • Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
  • Complete in 18 months full time, or in 36 months part time on the traditional track.
  • Complete in 12 months full time or 24 months part time on the Advanced Standing Track. 

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MSW Concentrations:

  • Clinical Social Work: For clinical licenses as a social worker, you may be required to pursue a clinical social work program. There are online LCSW programs available to consider.
  • Mental Health: Train to support and offer services to those suffering from mental health disorders or substance abuse issues, and advocate for some of the most vulnerable and misunderstood individuals in our society. According to the CDC, traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability in the United States.
  • Families and Children: Learn to prevent family crises through counseling, resource coordination, advocacy and support.
  • Community Organization, Planning and Administration (COPA): Develop the skills necessary for becoming a community leader who can bring people together to advocate for a common cause.
  • Health: Learn to help individuals in the healthcare system meet their financial, emotional and social needs by connecting them with services that can help them get better and stay better.
  • Social Work and Business in a Global Society: Corporate social workers help businesses solve social problems and create best practices in terms of diversity, healthy work-life balance and corporate social responsibility

MSW Careers:

  • Medical/Public Health
  • Substance Abuse
  • Mental Health
  • Child Welfare
  • School Social Work

Master of Public Health (MPH)

An MPH could help prepare you to understand the intersection of social, behavioral, economic, biological, environmental and political factors that affect public health. Earning a graduate degree in public health may also assist in gaining employment within government agencies, nonprofits and public health agencies.

MPH Concentrations:

  • Biostatistics: Learn to study risk factors for disease and assess the efficacy and outcomes of new therapies. These studies can affect policy and public health.
  • Environmental Health: Gain the skills to address environmental challenges that affect public health.
  • Epidemiology: Train in the principles and methodology of epidemiological research in order to design, run, analyze and interpret studies.
  • Global Health: Learn the interconnection of economics, policy analysis, financial management and infectious disease and how to study and improve health internationally.
  • Health Law, Bioethics and Human Rights: Prepare for the legal facets of public health and for a career in law, advocacy, academia or public policy.
  • Health Policy and Management: Learn to develop creative solutions to challenges in the healthcare system, including health policy, financial analysis and delivery of care.
  • Maternal and Child Health: Focus on the unique needs of women, children and families in a sociopolitical context.
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences: Identify and analyze determinants and risk factors associated with public health problems and learn how to use this knowledge to promote healthy behavior in communities.

MPH Careers:

  • Epidemiologist
  • Disaster and Emergency Specialist
  • Water Quality Planner
  • Public Health Educator
  • Environmental Health Scientist
  • Biostatistician
  • Infectious Disease Specialist
  • Nutritionist
  • International Health Care Worker
  • Clinical Research Coordinator
  • Nonprofit Executive Director

Master’s degrees in social work and in public health may both prepare you for a career in improving the lives of others and creating positive change, but the areas of focus are different. Those who pursue an online MSW program may prefer work with individuals, families and/or groups while connecting them with services. MPH graduates may prefer to effect policy change at the community or international level. Both are worthy pursuits, and choosing your path depends on which careers most interest you and where you feel you can be the most effective.

Information last updated: January 2026